Drafting and Making a Victorian Evening Bodice - Christine's Masquerade Dress

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Girl, this is insane!! You've legit drafted and stitched an entire ballgown from scratch. Petticoat, undergarments, hoop and all!! And it what, less than 2 months?! GIRL THAT IS SHEER MADNESS! You should be insanely proud of yourself. Can't wait to see it completed with all the frills

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Haha! The second half has definitely been quick! I actually started on some of the undergarments in January and then got held up on making the hoop skirt from March-May (plus taking time off to make my 1918 outfit and a bunch of masks.). All that to say, I had a little head start! 😏

[@cassandra007]

The swishing! Balls and other events would have ben noisier than I imagined.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

That's a very true point! I would love to enter a ballroom with the echo of swishing all about!

[@michellecornum5856]

I was going to say, can you imagine the sound of 50 gowns at a ball. It would be like the roar of the ocean!

[@MeTalkPrettyOneDay]

Can you imagine ye old music blasting at rave volume just to be heard over all the ball gowns?

[@seanaghpalmtree]

I can't believe that construction wise the dress is finished! It looks so gorgeous already (but of course, I'm very excited for all the lace, flowers and embellishments)

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

I know, right?! 😢 But, I'm so excited to see all the extra bits on the dress!

[@DawnOldham]

This is waaaay above my sewing ability, but I learn things as I watch. I’m so impressed with abilities at your age! We home schooled our five children and they also had the time to put into their interests. Your initiative is amazing!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! Yes, being home-schooled has been a huge part of being able to do this!

[@DawnOldham]

Bella Maes Designs Our home schooled son was able to play five years of pro baseball (minor leagues) after graduating from college because he had time to put into his passion. Finally, an injury put him back in college, this time having gotten a Master’s in Finance and now getting his second in Business. Home schooling can do some big things, as you know. (I won’t write a book here talking about his four sisters lol) I ran a successful home business for twenty years, so I truly enjoy watching you being such an entrepreneur! Blessings to you!

[@markcoleman8144]

A most amazing tutorial/commentary of “how to” do and “not what to do” OR.... “your choice, but beware”. Amazing and as a new guy to this, thank you so much for the guided insight. Thank you 👍🏻

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, that's great to hear! Welcome to the whole new world!! 👏

[@isabellely893]

Why is the picture your mom took of the dress is so good? 10/10 would frame on my wall. 👌

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

I know right?! ❤️

[@roxiepoe9586]

This is so very beautiful. I especially love the piping. I have a minor obsession with piping. It is just so pretty!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwww, yes....piping! My one true love! ❤️

[@kaciemccarthy5160]

Girl this is insane!! You,ve legit drafted and stitched and entire ball gown from scratch. Patticoat, undergarments hoop and all!! And it what less than 2 mouths?! Girl that is sheer madness! You should be insanely proud of yourself. Can,t wait to see it completed with all the frills

[@enriquezmelissa2166]

I can’t explain how happy this dress makes me feel. It’s one of my dream dresses and you’ve given me the push in the right direction to start working on it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your beautiful work 💕

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aww, that's so very wonderful and encouraging to hear! ❤️

[@lidialippold9274]

I have a friend who has been waiting for 5 years for me to make her Victorian dress. I agreed to make it. My fear is cutting into the beautiful fabric and my fear I didn't get enough fabric. Those years I had no idea of getting extra fabric for just in case. Now I can't find more of that fabric. I sooo love your video.

[@thebananaowenslippedon7095]

That is so sad to hear! I hope you are able to find more fabric!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awww, I hope you have enough fabric! ❤️

[@lynndragon2536]

Piecing is period

[@lizzy-np2dr]

This is entirely random but your music choices for these videos always make me so happy! They are the sweetest most light, fun, and upbeat orchestral pieces and gah, your videos are just like a nice cup of tea on a bright sunny morning.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwwww, that's so very wonderful to hear!! Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CM-hp4pz]

Back in...2006ish I helped my mother sew this using a commercial pattern. The pattern felt like it was missing two pieces in the back because the bodice came out lovely, but far too small for the measurements of the size we chose! My mom was a trooper and went to work adding two extra panels in the back (which looked like they belonged!). That dress was made to be sold, it made its happy home with a lady who displayed film costume reproductions. I would love to make this again for keeps, but using your pattern instead, which seems far more accurate. No more "phantom" back panels for me! But I guess back in 2006 what we did wasn't bad...the internet was so different then and film costume resources were very limited. The only thing is I don't really want to make Christine's pink, I would love this as a ball gown in a blue or green shade, I think. I will let you know what happens! ❤️

[@cecilyfortune8164]

this series has been so fun and informative. Thank you so much for sharing all your work. I can't wait to see this finished dress!!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awww, that's so good to hear! I'm happy to be doing it!

[@zoelcon]

I will definitely pre order the pattern because I really want to make this dress💗💗😍

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay!! Thank you! ❤️

[@SarahJareth]

Same here!

[@diamondplums503]

Honestly, your videos show me great inspiration for drafting my own victorian ball gown for my birthday! Since I live in a third-world country and a 10 dollar pattern can be a very expensive thing to buy, I am thinking of drafting a lot of things myself, thank you so much for this video! (After school is over I'm definitely trying to draft and make my own hoopskirt just like you did!)

[@cheerful_something_something]

I'm very impressed with your solo skirt sorting skills, and I enjoyed the little bit of joyous family time ^_^ Can't wait for he final installment : )

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Haha, thanks! Me too! ❤️

[@Marie-vn9iu]

Such an exciting series of videos. You have such skill, I'm sure the finnished product will be amazing 😍😍

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay! Thank you for watching along! ❤️

[@amandadeoliveira2353]

Hi Bella Mae, I would like to ask you a couple of things if you wouldn't mind answering: why did you decide to go with the boning ending mid torso? And also, as beginner not very much talented seamstress myself I'm constantly going for basting because I don't trust myself enough. How do you go about basting your seam before sewing? Do you ever do it? Who knows, maybe you could get a short QandA video about this series?

[@Musicluver598]

Please please PLEASE post the pattern for that stunning corset! I love the way it fits you and would love to make one like yours

[@Fairgard]

It just keeps getting better and better

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Yesss, I'm so excited with how this is coming together!

[@greenbee09]

I can only imagine the sheer wonder and joy on your nieces faces when they saw you in your dress. You legit look like a princess!!! 😍

[@adriannegentleman83]

Can't wait to see it finished, you've done such a lovely job.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! ❤️

[@sierramower8283]

That "Gapey arm thing" was a common occurrence before our time, and they commonly padded it out rather than taking it in. It helped give an illusion of a fuller, wider bust

[@sierramower8283]

Oh I just got further! She did it!! I'm so happy!

[@abandonedpast6410]

Lots of sewing and fitting on this one, results amazing!!

[@CavegirlMelanieHobby]

Ahhh you're just so beautiful. Chipper and fun, positive and encouraging to yourself and others. It's a blessing to "know" you!

[@aimeef2674]

Omg! Cutting fabric is so satisfying

[@annyoung3313]

Bella Mae the inside of your bodice is as nice as the outside ! Good job ! You do beautiful work , be proud of yourself!!

[@celticgoddess81]

HAHA! *swish* Everything is better in life with a swishy skirt! The bodice came out great. It look fantastic. Can't wait to see how it all comes together.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Haha, yes! So true! Thanks! ❤️

[@BeckandCallPhoto]

This is the best finishing work I've seen in a while. Your attention to detail is absolutely incredible. Great work!

[@DoctorDeb]

I have really enjoyed your video series on this dress, as well as other videos you have made of other projects. I am truly amazed at your levels of skills- not just with sewing and costuming, but with videography, moviemaking, and modeling. You are very gifted and skilled. Amazing work!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwww, thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lunasmum6869]

I can't wait to see this dress in all its finery. It is beautiful. I think the swish of the dress is lovely.

[@954victoria]

Your construction methods are creative and sound. It is hard constructing an historically accurate garment and adjustments always have to be made to achieve the look you are after. Great job and looking forward to your future projects!

[@hopegodfrey5229]

Love that you added the part of you trying the bodice on!! Seeing your process really makes the video come to life. Can not wait to see this finished!!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Glad to hear that! ❤️❤️❤️

[@belindacoba5158]

I almost got a teary eye when you said the serie was ending...Such a journey ...What a dreamy dress!!!!😍😍 I think is brilliantly made!!! Congratulations!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, I know! It’s a happy sad thing! Can’t wait to finish sharing this project with you all!!

[@belindacoba5158]

@@BellaMaesDesigns We are all looking foward to it 😊😍

[@estelledesigns]

IT'S AMAZIINNGGG!!!!! AHHH I can't contain my excitement for this dress!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! ❤️

[@lidialippold9274]

Love it! We always find flaws on our own work, but I think you did wonderful. As soon as i am done with my final I will start my Victorian dress. You motivated me. Thank you

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Oh, wonderful! I'm so happy to hear that! (And yes, we are our own worst critique! )

[@canucknancy4257]

The bodice looks amazing. Your explanations of the techniques that you use are concise and easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing your project with us. Take care.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! And thank you for watching along! ❤️

[@denisebennett1626]

How beautiful is this dress. Bravo!! Thank heavens for family members.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Thanks! Haha, yes indeed! ❤️

[@donkelly4718]

I am very much enjoying watching you make this beautifully crafted gown. I myself have very recently decided that I so very much NEED the phantom's red suit from the same masquerade scene, in my personal wardrobe.....not a replica but, rather, a heavily inspired by, more fiery themed impression of it. Looking forward to your video on the embellishments

[@TheePinkExplosion]

Either time has flown by or this dress came together so fast!! I’d love to see a video maybe with some insight on your planning and organizing with projects and how you finish them quickly, or just within an ideal time frame! I’m currently about to start working on a dress myself, nothing too complicated but it’s more difficult then anything else i’ve done and i’m afraid of not finishing it before the event i’m making it for! Beautiful work as always 😊

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

I think it's a combination of both! I usually have a nice plan at the beginning and then when the time gets closer and a mad dash to finish it! I'm sure you'll get it finished in time! ❤️

[@BookofKatTales]

Your videos have really kept me inspired to create during quarantine! Thank you so much for that!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awww, that's so wonderful! ❤️

[@daughterofzion5845]

It's so pretty! I like it without the embellishments

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yes! It's definitely a pretty look without the trimmings!

[@Avishag_Lea.]

GIRLLLL you’re so cute!!!! And your finished project woah!!!!!You’re so talenteddd! I can’t believe I got to know you only now! I’ve learned a lot from you❤️ thank you Bella!!

[@darklymoonlit]

It's beautiful! And that piping method is so clever - I definitely need to remember that.

[@angie44551]

That piping!! *chef's kiss*

[@jirup]

Beautifully done Bella. Looking forward to seeing the frilly bits.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! ❤️

[@nancyruizalvarez4982]

Receiving alerts that you have a new video is always so exciting!!! It’s gorgeous! Can’t wait for the lace😍!! Sad that the series is ending ❤️

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwww, that's so fun to hear! Thanks! And yes, looking forward to the finishing touches, but also a bit sad!

[@10kaylabear01]

Very beautiful!!! Can't wait to see it embellished!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Yes! Me too!!

[@marywilson1709]

Your videos are always so classy - I love the way you edit and add music to keep the flow of the narrative going! Also, well done on this amazing dress, it's looking fab! :)

[@spaceycat]

It made me smile (in a happy, not mocking way) that with the way your accent kind of abducts all the ending "g"s, piping became Pipin, and I just kept picturing a clueless curly haired hobbit wandering through your work area... just hopping this will make someone else smile too!

[@foamandfog3112]

I’ve been looking forward to this all week! Gorgeous work as always! Also: where did you learn cinematography? Are you self taught? The filming in your videos has always been gorgeous

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Yay! Thank you! Pretty much self taught...my sister is a photographer, and a couple of my brothers are videographers. So I've definitely learned things from them!

[@sewwithmsjones1196]

I love the swishy sound of the silk!

[@janekokoszko7525]

Good call on the neckline piping!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Right?! I love piping!!

[@WitchOracle]

Okay but when you flipped open the layers of fabric to first reveal the piped seam a very impressed "oh" escaped me. That is a very sexy technique honestly

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

😂 It's definitely a great technique to learn!

[@crystal8160]

I have always used my pintuck foot for gathering. You run the cord through the middle groove and do a zig zag stitch just wide enough to cross back and forth over the cord. I never stitch over my gathering cord anymore.

[@lauraguglielmo]

I'm really enjoying this series!! I'm so excited to see the final result

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Yay! Happy to hear that and to have you along! ❤️

[@charchar4957]

im new to sewing and trying to understand how to draft, and following patterns. loved this video

[@rhondamast3441]

Gah it’s so beautiful! I love the rustling skirt. 😁

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! Haha, yes! ❤️

[@Liz-sc5dg]

Impressive sewing, I love that point!!

[@susanlein7849]

So fun to see your sweet family in their cameo!

[@kittybrowning]

I always wondered why they used to have petty coats that make their behind look a lot larger than the rest of them . It's very pretty I don't personally like the back of the skirt but can appreciate the work and love that's gone into it. I'm currently doing my daughters prom dress and can't decide weather or not to do the bodice separately or not

[@lunaeclipse9357]

I admire your dedication and talent 😍 I hope one day I can be as amazing as you!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suzyqc7607able]

Gorgeous As Always

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwww, that makes me so happy! ❤️

[@CatsCostumery]

That point is ON POINT 👌 beautiful work!

[@AnniesV123]

Excited to see the finished look, great safe on that hem! 👍👍👍👍 so beautiful, Learned a few new Techniques! Thank you 🙏

[@abigailmurphy535]

Your videos are so interesting and informative, I love listening to them while I do my math homework.😊

[@dmswan3172]

This dress is so beautiful!🌹🌹🌹

[@madebywera5048]

The dress is just simply stunning! The amount of time and work you've put into this perfection - well worth it! You inspire to learn and create! ;)

[@kohlbyhuffman3234]

I love following this series 😍

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Thanks for watching along! ❤️

[@MitoGirl1]

So.... I guess I know what I’m buying next paycheck!! Can’t wait to get my hands on this pattern!!!

[@DenasAlexz]

I'm also a little bit sad that were coming to an end with this project. However the magic of the internet is that i'll be able to come back to revisit it as many times as i'll want unless you take it down, or youtube stops existing or something like that. However, omg, how dare you tempt me to try to make this dress by telling and offering me a pattern of both the skirt and the bodice. I would really, really like to attempt either for a Christine costume, or adapting it to whatever costumes and characters i can think of as an excuse of wearing it enough times to justify the inversion (actually, i had been thinking about a certain pink dress from this book series that takes place in 1878, but i have a lot of research to do for that to happen, specially in the "how patterns and the making of structural garments work" department). In all seriousness, i will consider buying the patterns, but in the meantime, thank you very much for all the content and the inspiration, invitation, and little help to make us create stuff.

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

Came out lovely! Can't wait to see the finished look!

[@adedow1333]

It looks fantastic!! I think if you were to intentionally pull the corset cover into the neck from the left ( just to even it out) and do it on purpose then the little peeps we get will be just fine

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

That's very true!

[@cecedubois5147]

Sweet girl, you are so talented! The dress is spectacular. Thank you for another great video ... so thrilled to have found you!! 🧵💖

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! So happy to have you along! ❤️

[@faithwerksdesigns6197]

I really liked the shooting you did with this video, I don't know why but it was my favorite I've seen so far. Maybe the vlog aspect of it or at least it seemed more vlog this time. Anyway, I really enjoyed it and waiting to see the final dress!!!!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks for sharing! Since I got my vlogging camera, I'm trying out that style a bit more! ❤️

[@AngelDivinity111]

It's just looking so divine

[@ushere5791]

it is all just lovely, dear one! but if i am being really honest, i would love to have just the hot pink ruffled petticoat to swish around in! :D

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! Haha, yes! I do love the petticoat!

[@lisacastano1064]

I'd make an extra bodice and use the petticoat for a skirt 😍 or maybe a gown that will show it off

[@noranorasolosolo]

I'm so happy!!! This looks amazing!!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay! Me too!

[@Mochipanda271]

love the skirt just wished that the red underskirt could match the bright pink with it but it still looks good

[@anastasiamaliuha5481]

Oh my, getting into such dress is a serious workout 😂 But it's so worth it! Fantastic work!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Haha, yes it can be! Though after a few times, it get's a little easier! ❤️

[@SarahJareth]

I pre-ordered the dress pattern and the notepad this dress is so beautiful and I loved watching your video series on it! I can't wait to see your video on embellishments!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@camellia8625]

absolutely gorgeous, am very tempted to try and make this

[@marklyon-taylor1527]

Whoop whoop 🙌 pre ordered the pattern and have the fabric already!!!!! Carnt wait to make this xoxo

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Awwwww! Yay, I'm so excited! And thank you!

[@az_twist6267]

I love the dress, and so enjoy watching your videos. Thank you!

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, that's so good to hear! ❤️

[@Jessiebes]

It is truly amazing. Beautiful.

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, thanks! ❤️

[@shades3912]

I’m assuming you popped up from me watching Bernadette and Rachel but love watching the process. Very enjoyable editing, music choices and also the creative process of making and explaining what you’re doing. A new subscriber has been made ^.^

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay! So happy to have you here; welcome! ❤️

[@johnshepard629]

You, young lady, are an artist! Your details and finishing skills are superb!!! Would you ever consider replicating Glinda's gown from The Wizard of Oz? I think many people would love to take that journey with you! Keep the videos coming. They are truly fascinating!!!

[@AllWeNeedIsLoveX3]

plastidipping steel bones??? GENIUS!!!

[@ashmeesh]

Such an amazing job!! I'm about undertake a victorian gown myself. Question on contstruction: Is there any benefit choosing a facing for the neckline/hem vs fully lining the bodice? I was going to fully line it, and hand invisible stitch the hems.

[@karensimonpeterson3574]

Such a lovely dress!

[@aliciawil7118]

Beautiful dress! How do you avoid the creasing in the bodice??

[@TheActor949]

Is there a video where you show us how you make those thread bars? Because they are so amazing and look so good I would definitely love to implement them into things I make

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

No! I haven't made one yet (I need to though!). To make a thread bar, make a large stitch (the size that the hooks will fit into) and make a second one at the same place (so it's has several threads in it for strength.). Then do a bunch of buttonhole stitches around these threads. I hope that helps a little!

[@TheActor949]

Bella Maes Designs it does thank you

[@sayurijimenez1713]

Love your videos ❤️❤️

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, wonderful to hear!

[@ColleenMarble]

I love this project so much! Great video. I have a question re: the piping/facing. That's a really smart move that I don't think would ever have occurred to me. I wonder if it would have flipped in smoothly without slashing if it were narrower. Was the width you chose something that is needed, either structurally or for historical accuracy? I'm learning so much from these videos. Thanks.

[@giorgiopaolino3884]

Ti amo Bella!

[@kashfiaislam9995]

Corsets are much more comfortable than underwire bras. 🎭🩰🎨

[@238Tina1]

Such amazing high quality content 😍😍😍

[@BellaMaesDesigns]

Aw, yay! Great to hear! ❤️

[@frannybroetje]

Do you do mourning dresses!!! Whats the price I would save for so long to have a collection

[@Pke6853]

Beautiful job just wanted to know are your patterns one size or multi sizes. You are a very talented young lady. Have a beautiful day. Cheers Tricia.xxxx

[@meirionwen]

So beautiful!