So I'm in the process of transforming the blue Museum Replicas dress (http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/26-882508.jpg) into something vaguely inspired by the works of John William Waterhouse. My plan for altering the dress itself (the false chemise puffs (http://www.johnwilliamwaterhouse.com/assets/images/content/waterhouse/hi/waterhouse54.jpg), fine-tuning the overly loose fit, etc) is going well so far, but I have some questions about some accessories I'd like to add.
There's a beautiful veil in Fair Rosamund (http://www.jwwaterhouse.com/paintings/images/waterhouse_fair_rosamund.jpg) (and others) that really adds a lot to the look, and I stumbled across half a yard of some lovely white chiffon in my stash that would make a terrific veil... but I have no idea *how.* What shape should it be? How do I finish the edges? And most important, how does one actually *wear* a veil like that? Is there a way to pin it in place that looks intentional? Or do I need a circlet? Or...? Revival Clothing (http://www.revivalclothing.com/productimages/veil_organza_rect_Cream_fntlcdgown_Black.jpg) has a good photo of a real person wearing a veil this way, but no specifics about how it's staying on her head.
I also have yards and yards and yards of trim in my stash and would like to turn some of it into a ribbon belt like this:
(http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.250905369.jpg)
I've seen belts like this in pictures, but none close up, so I'm not entirely sure what's going on to make that look. Is it just tied that way? How? Or is it somehow pieced/sewn in that configuration, and if so, where does it then fasten? And is the ribbon backed with anything to give it more stability? Ideas?
I'm really excited about this project (it almost seems predestined! LOL), so I can't wait to dig in and make it happen... but I need a better plan first.
Thanks!!
gem
from what I know, veils have always been held in place by pins for some sort- like hat pins.
As far as belts, when I have made belts from embroidered trim I always back them because the threads on the back of embroidery have a tendency to catch on everything imaginable.
To collect them I make a loop at the short end, then run the long end through the loop and over- secure in the back with a safety pin.
I even use this method sometimes with chain maille belts to get the same look- those I secure with lobster clasps
(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l487/AurynsLair/chain%20maille/223796_259207944092320_100000093488652_1166189_6892861_n.jpg)
For the veil I would sew a few combs or clippies in stratigic spots that way it will stay put.
For the belt I would maybe take and cut the part that goes around the waist at an angle and sew it that way it makes a V and then stitch the longer part onto the V that the first piece made. But since I am by no means a pro at this era thats how I would wing it.
I'd second what Adriana said about the combs for the veil.
For the belt, my first instinct would be to just cut a long piece and tie it like a man's tie :D