Originally, I had intended to finish my version of Eowyn's Funeral Raiment, but I found a lovely brocade for the sleeves and upper bodice of Arwen's Blood-Red Gown, so it was added to the list. I decided to go ahead and start the costume even though I (still!) haven't finished my muslin for the Funeral Gown. As things stand, I'll probably finish this dress before I have the time to devote to any other project on the to-do-list. And in the end, this is exactly what happened.

Status of Costume: complete

Started: September 2004
Finished: July 2006

Materials Used:
Underdress Bodice & Upper Sleeves - red chinese print brocade from Joann's
Underdress Skirt & Lining - black satin, also from Joann's
Underdress Lower Sleeves - red velvet and red satin, both from Joann's
Underdress Trim - delicate gold lace from Joann's and gold cording from Wal-Mart
Overdress - black stretch velvet for the main body from Wal-Mart and self-made brocade bias tape from Joann's

Patterns Used:
Underdress & Upper Sleeves - Simplicity 7964, with modifications
Underdress Lower Sleeves - self-drafted
Overdress - based on underdress muslin

What I like:
I really like how the lower sleeves turned out - very full and drapey. After many many muslins, I'm finally happy with the compromises I had to make on the underdress in order to get the best use of my limited brocade fabric. I'm so happy that the underdress doesn't fall off of my shoulders when I wear it - I was worried that the weight of all of the fabric in the sleeves would be too much, but the dress wears beautifully.

What I would change:
While I adore the full lower velvet sleeves, the lining needs to be cut a little smaller. I understitched the lining to the velvet seam allowance, but the heavier velvet seems to 'stretch' the lining layer and the satin still shows at the hem. However, since there is so much fabric in the lower sleeves, you can't really tell. :P Working with stretch velvet for the overdress was trying - I had massive issues getting a zipper in the back of the overdress and in the end, made the overdress without one. This makes for some interesting acrabatics getting in and out of the costume. Also, I'm not 100% satisfied with the trim I chose - it's 'pointier' than the original and the overall look is just different. But I don't have the time, energy, or money to find something better so there you go! :D

LJ "Diary": bloodred

To see the reference images used to make this costume,
check out my Blood-Red Gown research.