Making a Dramatic Mermaid Skirt // Gored Trained Skirt Pattern

Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
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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!

[@chaeburger]

If you hadn't told us that you made this at Project Runway speed, no one would have ever know. It's stunning!

[@mmesanaa]

Maybe she should try for project runway! isn't she amazing!?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Chae!

[@dottiemathews6853]

@@mmesanaa i tell you! FOR REAL! SHOOT! THAT WILL MAKE ME START BACK LOOKING AGAIN! DOES IT STILL COME ON BRAVO? I USED TO WATCH IT BACK WHEN CHRISTIAN SIRRANCO WAS ON THERE.

[@dilihopa]

I could just imagine you in an old film, walking into a scene wearing this ensemble! Excellent as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@lharris4118]

Ok real talk: When going out .....how the heck do you decide what beautiful outfit to wear? Your clothes makes me miss my mom I loved her Era! I loves your skills so much!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It can be difficult 😅 I like to choose based on where I'll be going, the theme or vibe of the restaurant or museum exhibition (the two places I go most often perhaps), or if I'm going antiquing I'll choose a handbag over a clutch so I'm more hands free 😂

[@lharris4118]

@@TheClosetHistorian Awesome! I like to imagine you in those places with a Gregory Peck or Cary Grant look alike on you arm. I love those old black and whites or early techno color movies where the ladies dress elegant and smart like you.

[@justilou1]

Now this is such a classic glamorous look. Can be modernized, dressed up or down. I didn’t realise that this is exactly what I need.

[@stubbletts]

Absolutely beautiful! My wedding dress was a similar shape. I had a petticoat which made it so much easier to walk in, since it held the skirt away from my feet!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alicia! Yes I think I'll have to make a mermaid shaped petticoat for sure!

[@cathypickard4615]

Bianca, take your pattern and reduce the amount of flare by about 10 to 15% ; then about 5 inches below the knee, add ruffles that are 4 to 5 inches deep - this will become your petticoat to hold out your skirt. ( my measurements are approximate, but I think that they will work.). Love from Cathy in Alabama

[@marcellacruser951]

This is a must have formal item for any complete wardrobe. I'd pair it with a plaid wrap top for a holiday party or something glitzy for New Years, as well. A fun thing you can do with this skirt is to stitch a couple lengths of seam binding in next to the seams in the train and run some draw cords in them.... shirr it up when you want a different look with less of a train .

[@stephaniethompson4918]

I so love watching you creations. As soon as I finish one video I immediately watch an older one. I think I have watched the Cicada Gowns videos seven times each. Very enjoyable. Thank You! 👏👏👏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Stephanie!! 💚

[@stephaniethompson4918]

@@TheClosetHistorian No. Thank You!

[@LarixLyalliiAlpine]

Ahhh, one day I will have the fabric to do this justice. Maybe. I have high hips and hip dips so I don't wear many things that are tight to that area of my body. But a floor length mermaid skirt is just so ~*~dramatic~*~ I love it so much! As always, thank you for the highly entertaining, highly educational video - turns out the steampunk convention was a super spreader event this year and the Rona finally got my husband. My son and I have tested negative so far, and hubs is isolating, but I swear I can hear the Jaws theme in the back of my mind at all times. So watching you create this beautiful piece is a very welcome respite from the anxiety.

[@marcellacruser951]

Just a couple ideas... peplum tops with only a slight bit of ease/flare camouflage hip dips nicely. I make them for a sis with that issue. She also found a panty with hip/tush pads and we stuffed a bit of a padding bunt in the dip areas, on the inside. It gives a pretty smooth line. It does bump her up about two inches the caboose tho, so we keep that in mind for fit.

[@cherylrosbak4092]

Or you could decide that life is short and try not to care what your belly looks like. I promise you, most people won't notice.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I hope everyone is on the mend! ❤️

[@LarixLyalliiAlpine]

@@TheClosetHistorian thank you so much! We all got it but kiddo and I are on day 11. We all had mild cases (from a medical perspective) but there are some lingering things like my sense of smell being gone and extreme post exertion fatigue that are a bummer. But I finally had the energy to sew again yesterday - got started on two more bowties for m'husband. I'm actually thinking of making a tagboard version of the pattern for them now that I know exactly how to make them. 😅 I'm rambling, sorry. Every day it feels like more brain cells wake up since I was in the thick of covid but my ADHD overshare game is still on point I guess

[@ashenwalls3558]

Not gonna lie, this would do beautifully as a wedding dress skirt! Saving it to the necessary playlist...

[@IvyRosethebus]

I love your videos! Especially when you draft patterns. I’ve been watching a few challenges on making the “Walk away Dress”. Your channel has been mentioned several times on where they learned drafting. A great compliment to you!! Would you consider drafting that dress? I’d love to see it. Either way, thanks for all your work & skill you share 🎉

[@ReisigSeeds]

OK but wait: If the rest of us mediocre sewers can supposedly make the WalkAway dress in 4 hours, Bianca should be able to complete the whole thing in an hour and a half, TOPS. Otherwise, it’s just not a challenge for her. We don’t want to bore her., after all. The rest of us Walk Away to lunch. For it to be a challenge, Bianca should start after breakfast and walk away to a brunch. 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dianne! I have had several requests so I think I'll draft and make a version next spring/summer!

[@IvyRosethebus]

@@TheClosetHistorian Eee. I’m excited! Thank you 😊

[@roecocoa]

You inspired me to look up what the back of the knee is called. It is the popliteal fossa, or hough (pronounced "hock"), which is just delightful.

[@fuzzywondersock1722]

I was scrolling down to comment this as well. I had a physical therapist cackle at me one time because I called it by its proper anatomical name and he was so startled that I knew its title. Good times lol

[@LeOhio817]

When you get your home, I hope you have gatherings that will showcase all of your beautiful creations. Or that you have outings to attend to wear your things. They deserve to be seen and admired. Edit: I wrote this comment before the end of the video! Great minds….😁

[@paulamiller8386]

Beautiful skirt. I have been looking at mermaid skirts for a dance costume. Having seen your vid I now need to make a stretchy one for dancing and woven one for haunting the family over Christmas. 💜🖤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Paula! I need to make a mermaid shaped petticoat with floof at the very bottom to help make this one easier to walk in 😅

[@whimsicalmusedesign]

Thank you so much for teaching the drafting things! I am working on my first bodice block because of your help! I’m so excited about it because I’ll be able to make so many different bodices with it!❤

[@samh.3421]

Tis Gyorgeous. Stunning. Feeling inspired to dress up and haunt my own house, thank you very much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sam!

[@ZolaZsun]

You have created the skirt of the dreams of my younger self. 😊

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

Morticia Adama would die over this skirt!! Truly stunning

[@emmadavey3892]

Fabulous vintage vamp❤ Also without checking my suggestion would be “knee pit” 😂

[@s.l.bright3675]

Love the skirt! I hate ironing. One thing you can do to make it less wrinkled when you left it in the dryer to long is redry it with a damp kitchen towel. My mom taught me this. She hated ironing too.

[@cherylrosbak4092]

I got a steam dryer for just this reason.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I am too forgetful when prewashing fabrics...

[@jenniferzayerz9907]

I leave stuff in the dryer all the time! I find adding a damp washcloth or spritzing the items with water and then putting back in the dryer removes any wrinkles that happened from cooling in the dryer. Just set a timer so you don't forget to remove them again!

[@susanconner6586]

That's absolutely beautiful! Oh, to have a reason to wear that skirt! And a decent waist, of course. I always enjoy your videos. They're the perfect boost on a cold, dreary day.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@mrswintersparrow]

I'm finding your videos invaluable and beautiful. Loved the vintage jewellery haul.. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Sayyadina42]

Thanks for the explanation on this! I've been wanting to make a dress with a skirt this shape and this will be very helpful!

[@EarthToBlair]

I know I watch your channel a TON when I've memorized your outro and video release schedule. I am a huge fan! Keep being amazing

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I used to do rectangular waistbands too, since they're so much easier, but I've become a convert to shaped waistbands. I'm extremely short-waisted, so having a skirt that sits at my natural waist with a waistband above it, well, even 1" cuts out a significant portion of my torso. With a shaped waistband I can create the illusion of an (at least slightly) longer torso and have a wide waistband, which I like the look of. So, anyhow, that's my 2 cents of advice for my fellow short-waisted gals.

[@ljshaw8516]

What a Phenomenal Skirt! So delicious to wear I am certain. Your professionalism is over the moon.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@moonbasket]

What a fun and dramatic skirt! I love it.

[@mondress]

I loved and enjoyed the video as I always do! ❤ I do find myself missing the one hour videos though.. 😊

[@TheFreckledLassSeamstress]

Fantastic! Gives me a bit of Morticia vibes. I'm looking forward to recreating something similar now. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amber!!

[@ViolentRoseAu]

I have made a similar skirt in stretch bengaline pinstripe and another in stretch velvet. Both have been worn to death. I love this style of skirt.

[@Bulldoghustle]

I'm so envious of your pattern skills!! I'm self taught..I would have loved to go to school for sewing! Your creativity and skills are impeccable! Thank you for sharing!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Darlene! It's years of practice, things become second nature after a while!!

[@oleanderwyvern]

Ugh, this would look so good in velvet. I adore the drape and sheen of velvet but can't tolerate touching it. Sends a shiver up my spine to deal with it - made a velvet dress for my mom once as Christmas gift and had to wear gloves anytime I was in contact with the fabric.

[@TheDeepRedCharlie]

Yay, I'm not the only one who has that problem! I can't even watch other people touch velvet or flocked fabric. Shivers!

[@alexandraleigh]

I understand the reluctance to sew Velvet is out there and oddly its the fabric I turn to so often but now with my Heavy Kenmore I have become more addicted lol but I still have a huge fear of zippers go figure but with your Vids, I keep watching and listening to you!! One day soon May I say how beautiful this design is! I am so inspired Train and Gore so elegant thank you for sharing !!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra!

[@gerileemakes]

So beautiful. So spooky chic. Love it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Geri!

[@laurenschulzetenberg5077]

Gorgeous! What a fun project!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lauren!

[@marchellabrahams]

Possibly not the comment you were expecting, but how nice to hear that very English word 'bum' from your American lips! And you said it beautifully, too. I like the skirt as well.

[@elainebye9090]

Delicious! So dramatic, spooky, and sophisticated.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elaine!

[@sinndymorr6358]

Just amazed! So lovely. Love this silhouette.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It's a fun one for sure!

[@melodysimonson1510]

What a marvelous skirt!! I love mermaid style skirts and you made it look so easy! Absolutely gorgeous!!!🙂❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melody!

[@doloresgreen1563]

Gorgeous as Always !!! 😻😻😻 You are such an inspiration to all of us. 💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dolores!

[@salttothesea]

Love your videos! I’d love to see a skirt with godets, too!

[@ategetho]

I learn so much from this channel. Literally, learning to pattern draft and sew has been life changing. So Thank you!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy!

[@sandiemable]

Bianca, this skirt is gorgeous! The speed of sewing does not diminish the quality of the garment... that is when you are the one sewing. Have a wonderful weekend, xoxo's Sandie😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Intently watching every second of the video, knowing there's no way on earth I will ever make anything like this because I just don't do elegant (and would quite likely fall in an untidy heap if I tried to walk in mermaid anything. I like taking long strides and have popped seams in tight skirts before). I do elegant vicariously through you! Keep up the good work!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@beckymiller6703]

I love this skirt!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you becky!

[@apalehorsenamed_death2849]

This would look gorgeous with your iridescent blouse love watching your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@susie1089]

Your so beautiful! Love your videos I’ve always loved vintage but now more since I started watching your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susie!

[@sarahduffy6964]

This is lovely! It would be an excellent garment to revisit in other fabrics for future videos (like your excellent shirt videos). AKA more please...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@marykallis3677]

Always a pleasure to watch and listen to you design and creative! Happy Holidays! 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary!!

[@marykallis3677]

You are welcome! Keep rock’n it sister! 😁

[@maureenheil5009]

I love your videos, I don't know what you are saying most of the time but I love the results and the way you style them.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maureen! ❤️

[@petarahmatalla2796]

As always another piece of artistic craft. thank you for sharing x from the UK

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@TropicanaThunda]

Love it! I just finished my 1906 princess ten gore skirt and I wore it last night. Not only was I dramatically twirling in it, I raked leaves and anything under the hem as I walked 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Pretty and practical ✨ Thank you!

[@leenanorms]

Stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leena!

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, Thank you for this tutorial on how to sew gored things. I have wondered over that as I seriously need to make myself a training skirt at some point. Sooner rather than later would be a good thing, but who am I kidding. Yours, Ann

[@mathnerd3364]

Gorgeous skirt! I would love to see it in taffeta!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rachellynncreates2703]

This may be the most you skirt ever! Love it. 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 💜

[@olliejones3302]

Amazing as always 🖤🖤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ollie!

[@tenaoconnor7510]

You need a wrist loop like for dancing or moving around without it catching on snags. So pretty 😍

[@PurColour]

I really enjoy your videos. I learn a lot from them. Your designs are amazing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tinajohnson7230]

I have a piece of that rubbery cabinet lining under my machine to keep it from "walking away" on me... it works great and I picked it up for less that a dollar. I watch all your videos and love them btw!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tina! i really need to put something underneath it, I sew too fast and it dances on me 🤣

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lesli!

[@dellymel9840]

I love th skirt. My favourite style. xx

[@carolbarbee5653]

You look fabulous I love this skirt❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carol!

[@ruthnelson1783]

throw a damp washcloth in with the fabric in the dryer and it will "steam" a lot of the wrinkles out for you.

[@jasondeeley797]

Love the skirt, you should do a lace overlay version, loved you vlog Jason from uk 🤓

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jason!

[@bravehearticus]

That's delicious and incredibly flattering

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Naomi!

[@bethliebman8169]

So Morticia Addams!! Looks great on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth!

[@cathypickard4615]

I'm designing a 6 gored skirt with fall 6 inches below the knee with 8 inch pleats between each gore and a jacket with peplum to wear for my son's wedding on 2024 all on navy wool and a loden green suit with sage green silk blouse - the skirt is a straight pencil pattern for the front with a center back box pleat and two more pleats to either side (side zipper) so that I can walk. I know it's 18 months away, but I'm slow and want to have it done early enough. Cathy from Alabama

[@MichelleSMV]

Gorgeous work! ❤ I love the whole idea of it trailing behind you a la Mortician Addams. It’s gotta be the perfect house skirt just for that lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! Helps to dust the floor behind me 🤣

[@MichelleSMV]

Perfect! The floor sparkles everywhere you walk 😆

[@rinaeperron7746]

Stunning! ( again!) ♡♡♡♡

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rinae!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I love this!!! ❤❤❤

[@teelehansen4995]

My 5yo daughter told me she thinks you're pretty. Which I agree with and super talented. This was a very interesting watch and not nearly as complicated as it seems.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Teele! (and daughter!)

[@lindseybotelho]

Gorgeous 🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lindsey!

[@patrickm2894]

Your entire aesthetic feels very “Other Mother” from Coraline!

[@paisleywatson3369]

One day I will take a crack at making myself a set of basic blocks so I can make things along with you but today is not that day 😅

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Do it, do it, do it ✨🧵✨🧵

[@armedvsokord]

Such an awesome video

[@debrastyle]

This is beyond awesome look on you. Stunning.....

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mandycollins8795]

Gorgeous! I feel everyone could use a black mermaid skirt.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy! Agreed ✨

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

i would never be able to walk safely in a skirt made like that. However, it is good to know how to alter a pattern to make one if needed (for a school play or Halloween). It looks great on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Arvetta!

[@marcco44]

very slinky and elegant!😃

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco!

[@raquelseydewitz491]

Fabulous

[@emeraldcat1962]

Hi! I am a new subscriber and LOVE the channel. The creations are just, as you say, delicious...very pretty. I've watched several videos here and so now I am going to check out your Patreon channel. Thank you for sharing. Oh, the back of the knee is called the Popliteal.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤️

[@jsmith8904]

Love it

[@MDeLorien]

Love it !!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!

[@brendabijak7171]

Love it! Beautiful drape on that baby. Please tell me you have new tattoos?! If you've had them and I didn't notice.....shame on me! LOL! As always, perfection....

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I got the leaves on my left arm in July 😅 And there is a newer botanical addition that I picked up after filming this that will be seen soon ✨

[@davidh.4220]

Another home run, B!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you David!

[@CharredFibers]

I think, perhaps, you need a mat underneath your sewing machine. Mine used to move with the vibrations, but then I got a simple mat from like the dollar store that keeps it still and also buffers the sound when I'm sewing fast.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I totally do indeed 😂

[@kittymarch8455]

Forgot something in the dryer and now you need to run the dryer again? That's why God made damp washcloths! I know how to fix the mistakes because I make all the mistakes!

[@DeniseMJoerg]

Nice job, Morticia! 😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@suemeonyoutube]

When you accidentally leave clothes sitting in the dryer too long, just add a clean, wet hand towel (wet, but not dripping) to the dryer and run it again. When the hand towel is dry, your clothes should be relatively wrinkle-free. Give it a try - I think you'll be surprised by the results. 😉

[@daunledford7780]

The back of the knee is called popliteal or knee pit

[@michellecornum5856]

I love and need.

[@lindagoesel3815]

Ok energizer, you are amazing. I agree with L. H. How do you choose what to wear. Love your hair cut and I have been trying to figure out who you remind me of and I finally saw her. Leslie Caron. So adorable. And talented beyond belief. Hope the house hunting is going well.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda! I wish I could dance like her, but instead I have two left feet 😅

[@lindagoesel3815]

@@TheClosetHistorian but I bet she couldn't sew or create like you.

[@charlarp]

Just……gorgeous

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ReisigSeeds]

Love the music for the reveal! Where did you get it?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

All the music is from a service called Epidemic Sound ✨

[@halfgoddess_halfhell]

Random thought: I wonder if one of those gripper mat things people use for cabinets would work well under you machine to keep it from walking while it's working hard. 🤔

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I seriously need to get something 🤣

[@joansalamanca2159]

love your make up...

[@lauracooper1218]

Very old Hollywood glamour!

[@marigoldmonsters2725]

this is beautiful bianca!! would this pattern behave much differently if cut on the bias, i wonder? it's such a floopy 1930s morticia addams moment

[@Dear_self.]

Same thought 😁 And then my immediate thought was what if... Lace over this layer? So pretty! 🖤🖤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes I think bias would be extra slinky, but also harder to sew of course 😅😂