Making A "Corset" Color-Blocked Dress ✨

Look mam, no bones! Today I'm using horizontal style lines to create an almost mid-bust corset shaped section around the middle of a (sparkling brocade) dress. Two brocades together just wasn't enough shine though, so I added some pearl vinyl creepy crawlies, and thousands of sequins into the mix as well of course.
The pearl HTV I used: www.heattransferwarehouse.com...
Moonshine sequins: www.ccartwright.com/sunshop/i...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Thank you Patrons!
Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : • Making a Bodice Block ...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.3dcartstores.com/Pa... (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I made the giant beaded spider brooch in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpq6hJV-iqdgm9E 🕷

[@damogranheart5521]

I really like this design! The dress is fabulous 👌 and I am grateful that you are frank about the things that you want to change the next time you make this. A design like this needs to be done again! Very feminine yet 💪 strong like "Mother" Hope Emerson on "Peter Gunn." The 🎶 🎵 was the icing on the cake! Thank you very much!

[@armedvsokord]

I think the different weights of drapes you ended up with in the fabrics adds to the corset look you get from this effect. I know it may not have been exactly as you wanted but I think it turned out stunning.

[@chaeburger]

+

[@ZacherlJem]

I agree, the different weights of fabrics definitely add to the illusion of a corset. It looks intentional.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I always see room for improvements ha 😂🪡

[@jenniferoliver8765]

I agree! The 2 weights definitely add a subtle touch that supports the corset look. Gorgeous!

[@chaeburger]

I am on Team More is More. Life is too short to not add the bugs!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Exaaactly ❤️🪲❤️

[@JinnyCJ]

So beautiful. It wouldn’t be a “Bianca” without the different bugs appearing 😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jinny! 🪲✨

[@lupinotuumlunam]

It's like wearing a disco ball. Definitely a gorgeous statement piece.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! ✨

[@gerdaniehaus9508]

I loved the detail of extending the sequins past the corset area!!🎉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@yalissa73]

Those sleeves are epic. I love them; the interplay of structure (the swoop) and the glittering fabric is amazing. Tulip sleeves might turn into my favorite style short sleeve.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I made a shorter version of these recently too which are also fun 🤔🪡

[@DAYBROK3]

my 1970s paff machine is such a diva, if you dont have all the dials just right you are not sewing but when i get them right ohh its a dream. she is diva thats her name, my other machine is a 1980s brother who is called brother

[@ZitaAnneReno]

The effect this has is so cool and the insect friends are such a fun and lovely touch 😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have already used this style line again, and I anticipate I will go on quite the rampage with it this year 😂🪡

[@maryannraley]

The music for this video is great. If I close my eyes, I can see myself at Mother's, waiting for Peter Gunn. And the dress is glorious.

[@damogranheart5521]

I liked both 'Mother's, Hope Emerson and Minerva Urecal. Marvelous!! Thank you for remembering!🐈‍⬛🫖🍄📚🖖🦉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I tried to download a few new tracks, as I get bored easily editing with the same stuff 😂

[@beyondf3737]

A regular vintage Schaparelli dress from the 40s🤩🤩🤩!!! Love it, very couture: As SofiaC’s Marie-Antoinette said: «Clap!!! »😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Schiaparelli and I really agree on bugs 🪲✨

[@sinuheguzman9404]

Love this dress, the middle part treatment gave me if Gustav Klimt went goth type of background painting decor ahaha, yeah my references are crazy like that. The way you continued the graphic lines into the rest of the dress with sequins is exquisite. My town has a very beautiful authentic art deco venue with live jazz, this dress is perfect to go there.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love Klimt-ish beadwork so that was certainly an influence 🤩

[@MaryWalsh-ux6oj]

Wow! I didn't think that you could ever top your last go-around, but I think you have actually managed to accomplish. that! I actually had to "zoom in" on the bodice and back because I couldn't figure out if you had appliqued another piece of fabric to create that little asymmetrical design element. And then I figured it out that it was sequins! How very clever! Man, I do love some glitter and shine! I always joke that in a former life I was either a gypsy or a magpie! Once again, you have created a masterpiece!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary! Yes I totally forgot to mention I extended the sequins out into the black brocade in certain areas, it was part of the reason I sewed some bits together first 😅🪡

[@waterbitten]

The way the sequins catch the light is just magical.

[@karennathan6747]

Absolutely gorgeous! Need to form a silent book club where we dress in fancy clothes and drink tea or mocktails….

[@JulieandPress]

As always, thankful you explain your manipulations so well. It's empowering when it comes to my own designing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julie!

[@lynneozzyblackbeard]

Oh my goodness, this is fabulous!!! 🤩 I love the bugs (or creepy crawlies as we call them in my part of the planet). 😍🪲 And, holy moly, sooooo many sequins!!! 😳😍🤩 You're amazing!! Lynne 😍☘️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!!

[@JenInOz]

Love the way you've continued the vertical sequins up and down onto the plainer brocade in some spots!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jen!

[@olivialiebler1494]

The combination of a limited color palette and total frenzy of textures/finishes is so gorgeous. Truly playing 4-d quantum chess with fabric. PLUS BUGS

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Olivia! I love a texture combo situation ✨

[@gmurray3616]

I truly enjoy your videos/work. You design a garment, head to the "table of doom," cut a pattern and make a beautiful garment. Wonderful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤️

[@lunal9870]

I love your designs. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

What a delicious fabric with the creepy-crawlies, and the sequins and beads elevate it to a confection!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The sequins are always calling me ✨

[@creepycutiecrafty]

I love the buggy fabric created here, and the sequining is definitely worth it. The construction of those sleeves is excellent. They really accentuate the shape of the garment. An amazing dress overall, beautiful work

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I already re-used these style lines for a more "day" dress coming soon, I have too many ideas for these!

[@birdiebee7449]

Oh my gosh those sleeves look like beetle wings! So perfect for this dress! I love the whole look

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I hadn't thought but the sleeves are totally folded wings yes!

[@yvonnebruce6178]

That is an absolutely beautiful dress. I really loved the sleeves.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Yvonne!

[@Puckty]

When I saw your post on IG about this dress I was so excited to see the final result and let me tell you it did not disappoint, absolutely gorgeous. And I get what you mean with watching the fashion show, they're inspiring but to me often not in the expected way, it can be a small detail that can give you so many ideas that have nothing to do with that detail.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love watching my favorite shows again and again, I always get new ideas 🤩

[@DC-cd5tv]

What the what!!??? That is stunning. And, you look amazing, makeup to dress and everything in between. Great job.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@pansepot1490]

Funny coincidence, just the other day the KZbin algorithm made me watch ;) a video about a Chanel bolero and pants evening suit from the ’30s. IIRC it’s in the VA museum and the curator showed it in and out in all the minute couture details. It’s completely covered in black sequins and I thought “who would have the patience to sew all those sequins on a garment nowadays?” 😅 Btw, the horizontal lines are a great design idea. It could be easily adapted into a cottagecore style dress. 🤪😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am indeed sitting around sewing on individual sequins for days oops 😂

[@tiffanytomasino335]

"Perfectly preferred proportions" the 3 p's of sleeves lol. The dress is glamorous and you look very pleased. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@dawsie]

I agree about the invisible zips, they just don’t hold up to the same standards as a normal zip. They are prone to pulling open on a nice fitted outfit like this dress. I find that a normal zip if placed correctly can be hidden under the fabric with a better result than an invisible zip. My own Mom taught me how to hide a zip into any garment without compromising on the finished look of the garment. The dress looks stunning and I love the corset effect you achieved with the use of different types of fabrics. Loved the bugs minus the spider that is😹😹 I love how that even though they are bugs they actually look like they are meant to be there. You have a very good eye for combining nature within your outfits. It’s a joy watching you create such stunning outfits. Like you I found I hated remaking the same thing over and over again I love the freedom that allows me to create something different along the same lines.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The only thing worse than having to put in the zipper is the idea of seam ripping /out/ a zipper, oof no thanks to broken zips! 😂

[@verylikecheryl]

The feel of the different weights might be a little off but the look, at least in what we see in the video, is spot on. A corset would be stiffer than a more clingy, softer underlayer, and that is subtly conveyed and part of the seductive charm of this dress. I love the line of the corset top, just above the apex. And the disappearance of the darts into the style lines is so slick & makes this look like it was sprayed on. Gorgeous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cheryl!!

[@devalaellune]

OMG you're so sparkly with the headband and the necklace I am in AWE. (I couldn't wait longer than a minute to comment on this.)

[@Beth-ch7pj]

WOW 😍 that dress is really something! It looks kind of like apocalypse fashion - the middle section brocade looks like those big city grids as seen from above with all those bugs representing how dirty and broken down it is. Except super glamorous!! I feel like in that dress you should be some kind of super villain in Gotham outsmarting batman or a film noir murderer - really stunning 💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth! Post apocalyptic super villain is my style goals essentially ✨

[@GM-qq1wi]

This is approaching couture, like, oh my fuck. You win every design challenge in my books.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@lindakrol5376]

Amazing work! You need to wear it at a Met Gala!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda! They keep forgetting to send my invites...

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

The sort of corset dress one can *sit down* in! ;)

[@missred586799]

This dress is so beautiful. I love the faux corset with the sequins and bugs. I would definitely wear this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@pennywillis8895]

🇦🇺I agree with not using invisible zippers. My daughters always get me to replace them as they have all had problems with invisible zippers.

[@christajennings3828]

Love the bugs! I wasn't overly fond of the fabric as it came, but it is so wonderful with the bugs!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It needed something extra or it was almost a bit too "upholstery" looking I feel, bugs and sequins can fix anything ha!

[@guineverecassidy4855]

I'm sure you've heard this sooooo many times before but you so need some Lady McElroy - Cobra Corsage - Noir - Cotton Lawn in your fabric stash. A lovely light afternoon summer tea dress or lounge peignoir. Just a thought.

[@emmadavey3892]

What a fantastic illusion ❤ can see that on a full length gown for red carpet event. Looks like a million dollars!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emma!!

[@TrixiaDK]

Wow I love it ❤❤ I have an idea for you. How about a jacket, that has one bug/beetle on the back, made entirely of sequins . Black on black, would be gorgeous, or autumn colours on a dark red background, would also be gorgeous 🪳🪲🪰🐝🕷🦋💐

[@marciam7301]

Oh the shine!!😍😍😍😍 Not counting your epic cape/coat, this is my favorite, but it's only March! The not-a-corset corset, and I love what you did with the sequins; gave me an idea for a small project I'm working on. Overall a stunning dress!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! I hope I get to wear this dress with the cape coat really, one day when I've got something fancy to do 😂✨

[@funkypunkypine]

The Goth Queen is absolutely on FIRE! Your intro left my jaw on the floor you looked so stunning 😍 Such a beautiful dress. And that is some serious dedication to the sequin cause! Seriously impressive!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Sometime the answer is more sequins ✨🤣

[@MicheleKire]

This is stunning! I always learn so much from watching your videos (which I guess is the point). I love how you've extended some of the sequin lines across the seamline. It gives that "is it a corset or isn't it" kind of trick of the eye.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michele! I forgot to mention extending the sequins, so I'm glad it was noticed 😅✨

[@tayet6875]

Absolutely stunning. The little lines of sequins crossing over into the sparkly black brocade adds so much interest to an already breathtaking look❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I forgot to mention those so I'm glad people are spotting them 😂✨

[@elenachestnova6332]

Love the idea of a horizontal princess seam! What a great dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elena!

[@DiamondPearl]

I love a tulip sleeve.. first time I made one was for my Legolas costume in 2003-4... :) xoxo

[@cindycash1772]

Wow... PERFECTION !!! The bugs are a hard no for me... but I am thrilled for you !!! Just gorgeous 😍... thank you for sharing your knowledge n skills...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cindy!!

[@davidh.4220]

That's a stunner! Great job, B!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you David!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

It's stunning! Have no real need for such a wonderful dress but I do want one.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Robin! I don't know where I'll wear this yet either 😂

[@debiapostol]

Just stunning … I’d die for a dress like that! But then, where would I wear it?? OH, I know - my FUNERAL!! LOL

[@theculteredvulture13]

Gorgeous as always. I really love the sequins crawling out onto the black brocade. Stunning!!! Thanks, Bianca.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@melimsah]

I love that you use Crayola markers for this super professional approach to dressmaking! Just makes my inner child so so happy lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I get covered in ink too becuase it gets on the tape and my ruler, and then stains my fingers 😂

[@gavannapatterns353]

Love love love❤ this dress, especially the sequined and " bugged " midsection 😊. The sleeves, well I would recommend draping. But you're not really into that I know, I know.. But for you other people out there: impressive, advanced and exaggerated sleeves is the number one area for draping, because it's too difficult getting it just right on paper. Anyway I'm really looking forward to part two here!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rufferstuff9148]

Beautiful dress. The look of the sequins is worth the work. If you made a wool opera length glove without fingers (just a hole for the thumb and a hole for the palm) you could give your arm a little protection from the heat and the wool would absorb some the water.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Luckily I work in a cold basement, so usually I am thankful to warm my hands up a bit 😂

[@marjonantoons7538]

Very nice! And indeed, I was screaming at the screen when you put the bugs on, but it turned out great! And I loved the way you let the sequence "stick a but out" above the corset part.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 🪲🪡

[@kaytiej8311]

I agree. A couple of inches of the sleeve length. Not your usual waist flattering silhouette otherwise.😊

[@seriouslyinsanediva]

Hello sparkle bugs, lady! Lol. Another beautiful creation. Just stunning . I want that dress. Even though my lifestyle is as exciting as yours. I can imagine myself going to the opera premiere or something Wearing that gorgeaousity.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@IvyRosethebus]

I’m really glad you did some close up still shots. Thank you. The dress turned out absolutely perfect. You did an excellent job. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ivy!

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

Love this idea the sparkles and bugs are beautiful!🇬🇧😁❤️🕷️🪳🪰🪲

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jaki!

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

My hands and wrists hurt just thinking about all the sequins 😮 very shiny though. Definitely worth the effort. I'm curious to see what the additional garment ends up being! :D

[@eurekahavok]

Love it! You’d make a glorious ‘bug Barbie’! 💚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 🪲

[@kymberlys]

Absolutely stunning! And honestly why isn't there any sparkly brocade with bugs on it? This is a grievous oversight by fabric manufacturers.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have only ever found one beetle brocade, but its $110 a yard so I have none 😅😂

[@debraking7412]

Hi Bianca, I love this dress. You look beautiful in it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@dtmoffett]

love it, the bugs, the sparkle, perfection! You always do so wonderful in pulling the fabric/pattern combinations into a beutiful vision.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@patti8070]

I love the way you insert the 2 fabrics 🎉🎉🎉Always a great pleasure to watch your videos😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Patti!

[@fikanera838]

What a gorgeous outfit! The sequinned obi is spectacular, & I love the sleeves & matching headpiece! Looking forward to the next mystery item. 🖤🖤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am very excited to do even more directly obi/kimono inspired versions of these style lines in the future, I found some unused vintage obi fabric online recently and am very tempted 😅✨

[@fikanera838]

@TheClosetHistorian What a great idea! I love Japanese textiles, & have two obis that I thought I would repurpose some day. But I've become a bit precious about them, & haven't found the perfect project to cut into them for! Looking forward to seeing your inspiration.

[@elizabethbush-hoh9904]

Oh my goodness!! This dress is absolutely gorgeous. It just pops, and the tulip sleeves are beautiful. I love your videos!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@paintingwithnicole]

Absolutely Radiant as always!!!! loved the style line mini-tutorial, i never thought about putting a princess seam essentially across the bust! You look so glamorous with the tulip sleeves and the elegant high neckline

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have already used these style lines again and I now have too many ideas 😂🪡

[@trishblakely3476]

It’s so beautiful! Worth every sequin.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trish!

[@reneedemers8218]

I feel you so much about the lack of bug brocades. I would *also* wear a bunch of custom clothes with my favorite Arthropods on them if I had a sewing room.

[@lindagriffin2922]

just one word....."STUNNING"!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda!

[@Sew_Learning]

This is stunning! Love this look! Sending best wishes from Down Under 💚💚💚📖📚🌷🐾🐈🐈‍⬛🌺🌼🌸🌻💐🇦🇺😎

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rhonda!!

[@deb.m.7458]

Gorgeous dress ❤ your style is very theatrical and bold. Vincent Briggs has an instructional video on making your own 18th Century Death Head’s buttons. They are wood buttons wrapped with thread to compliment your fabric. Kind of like making your lovely beetles but in button form.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deb!

[@janevacani6789]

And the Singer just keeps sewing sewing sewing 🖤

[@patterntreasures]

Love it so much! That geometric brocade was amazing to begin with and then you took it to a whole other level of awesome. Also love the silhouette of the dress. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@archiecat4182]

Sensational project and looks amazing on you. I love everything about it. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@GrooveyBobby]

Absolutely beautiful dress , looks amazing on you ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@chastitysenek7499]

I love the bugs and the sequins are such a fun touch!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@theresahatheway7470]

Another magically beautiful piece you created ❤️ ♥️ ❤ 👏 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Theresa!

[@GiraffeLoverJen]

My goodness, that's gorgeous!! The bugs are a perfect too!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jen!

[@blaisepwilliams]

Always quirky but also the absolute best !!:

[@TracySews]

This is so beautiful. I love watching your videos. My husband says he thinks that they relax me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tracy!

[@samanthagirly3350]

I absolutely love this dress. Bugs and all!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Samantha!

[@karengoldie6801]

This is such a statement piece. Beautiful

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@janicecroft2304]

The fit is amazing. Not a bug fan but you wear them well. I'm sure they are fun to make.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Janice!

[@nerdaccount]

This is just amazing! Your work is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@kdup-hp6zm]

6 something hours of sequinsing my back hurt just thinking about it that's a lot of dedication

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Plus I run out of podcasts to listen to after a while 😂🪡

[@lynng5172]

beautifully done. So nice with the bugs. And what a work with all the sequins...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@jirup]

You never cease to amaze me, Bianca.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@mandylavida]

So cute!

[@luzUpcycle]

OMG! I cannot believe how much I have learned with this video! thank you! what an amazing project!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@franbowers7032]

Wow looks great x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Fran!

[@manjasorensen5472]

You are amazing!!!

[@mrslilmama1]

Epic and i love it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@kellieprice8776]

❤just fabulous as always. Great look

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kellie!

[@lizzie198426]

Amazing! As always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lizzie!

[@HelyaRavn]

It turned out so beautiful! :O Child-me would have totally gotten that Bug-Barbie btw :D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Glam museum professional barbie range featuring: bug barbie complete with collection net and notebooks, archeologist barbie with brushes and portable x ray machine for mummy identification, conservation barbie with magnifying desk lamp and lab coat...

[@tsimkins1960]

This is stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!