It’s almost unbelievable to realize that this project is finished. Yes, I’ve taken breaks to work on other things but still.
I posted my first blog in connection to this ensemble when I finished the chemise and drawers at the beginning of May last year.
I posted the original research and design post in late June.
It took almost exactly a year for the entire outfit to come together. Before that, though, I had been thinking, and researching, and planning, and sketching for nearly two years. At first it was just casual. At the time, my work consisted of four people: a Gryffindor, a Hufflepuff, a Slytherin, and me. So we cooked up a scheme to create four bustle gowns, one for each house. We wanted to make them, but mostly it was something to talk over in great detail over long days of tying hair. Unfortunately, the four house gowns never happened, but I couldn’t get the dress I wanted to create out of my head.
So I decided to do it anyway, despite the fact that I had nowhere to wear it, no goal in sight! I started planning in earnest: costing out silk, and saving money, shopping though patterns for good underthings, and base shapes, and thinking through the draping and drafting on elements that I knew I would have to do myself.
Now, more than a year later, I still have nowhere planned to wear it (hit me up with good events within a reasonable distance of Louisville, KY), but I do have something wonderful to share.
At the end of May, I had the fun of doing a photoshoot with the wonderful Ben Marcum Photography. I have done many kinds of shoots with Ben: headshots, my wedding portraits, beauty shoots, and cosplay. I can tell you this–if you are in Louisville, or coming through Louisville, and can find any excuse to have some professional photos done, go have your portrait taken by Ben. Especially if you hate having your photo taken. (Believe me, we also did some Adora Belle photos at the shoot, and next week I will reveal one of the only photos I’ve ever liked of my own profile!)
Even if you are nervous in front of a camera, Ben will make you laugh, make you comfortable, and make absolutely beautiful images of you every time. I always look forward to doing a shoot with him, because I know that I will have a great, goofy day, and come out of it feeling good about myself.
The wig I’m wearing is, of course, from Custom Wig Company, styled by yours truly. The beautiful cameos are from Dames à la Mode. The set was styled by Ben’s wife, my awesome boss, Heather Fleming. The books are a blend of antiques, and handmade replicas by Strano Books.
So without further ado:
You can read all about the ensemble’s construction, from beginning to end, on the blog.
Underthings
Chemise & Drawers Corset Bustle & Petticoat
Gown
Research & Design Underskirt Overskirt Bodice
Hat
Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have ideas of ways to add to the ensemble! At some point, I would love to make an evening bodice to turn the gown into a stylish and practical day-to-night outfit. I also have ideas for a feather mantle wired with LED lights so that it glows from between the feathers.
Work never ceases!
This is so gorgeous it takes my breath away!
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The dress looks amazing, and the pictures suit it so very well!
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This dress turned out beautiful!
I know you’re probably so happy that you’re done, but did you ever thought of making an evening bodice to go with it? The color scheme would look great as an evening gown, I think.
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Thank you! Yes actually—but I think I’ll save the evening bodice until I have an event to wear it to!
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It turned out so gorgeous! And it looks so much more amazing on you than on a dress form. I love seeing it all come together finally. I’d love to meet you at an event someday where we can both wear our Hogwarts House bustle dresses – you inspired mine, you know!
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That would be so fun!
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Hannah, this hat is amazing! Do you take commissions? I have an outfit this would look great with. –Nick Nicastro
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Hi Nick, thank you! I can’t really take commissions at the moment, I just have too much stuff I’m working on! Thank you for asking, though. I would be willing to sell the pattern for the hat, though.
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Good night, that’s magnificent!
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I am completely in awe of this being a fellow Ravenclaw myself.
Quick question: About how many yards of fabric did the bodice, underskirt, and overskirt take? I’m in the process of planning my own 1870s ensemble and while I haven’t figure out exactly what I want I’ve been eyeing some fabric and was wondering about a ballpark figure on the level of financial investment this is going to be.
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Thank you! I ordered 11 yards originally, and used about 9.5-10 yards of that. That is with a good amount of self-fabric trimming (piping, bustle and cuff feathers, and ruffle binding), so if you’re not planning to use the same fabric for trimming, you could probably do it with 9 yds.
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would you mind if I use some of your ideas on the Hufflepuff gown I’m making in brown/gold/plaid?
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Since everything except the actual couched cord patterns were pulled directly from historical examples, I’d say it’s all fair game!
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