This woman had to be presentable at court, so a ball gown was in order. The gown is an original combination of elements from three patterns by Folkwear and McCalls. (These photos were taken in our backyard here on Whidbey Island. Can you tell that my webmaster also is supposed to mow the lawn?)

The bodice is composed of irregular small pieces of neutral colored cotton prints from Benartex and RJR, layered between Fairfield's Soft Touch batting and glimmer tulle, a technique I call “Rag Patch.” The layers were lightly stippled in matching thread to hold everything in place, and then the embellishing began, including machine applique, embroidery and beading, and many hours of traditional goldwork embroidery and beading done by hand. The materials used came from: Sulky, Kreinik, YLI, Coats and Clark, TWE Beads, Creative Beginnings, Cherrywood, Blumenthal Lansing, and my stash.

The skirt of royal blue bridal satin from Rosebar is twin needle quilted in panels over a split layer of Fairfield Cotton Classic batting, then beaded at each intersection. The fleur de lis appliques of Cherrywood sueded cotton are hand embroidered and beaded. A little lace at the neckline, piping and inset of tissue lamé from Rosebar, and crinkle taffeta sleeves round out the look.