Gold Lame Ballgown

Slowly I'm getting caught up on the custom orders that I still have left to finish (before I can begin working on my ready-made stock for the shop...)

The latest one was this: a gold lame ballgown in 1860s style. Originally inspired by the Phantom of the Opera dress made last year. This dress is now on it's merry way across the ocean to Germany....

Fitted, boned, bodice with puffed sleeves. Separate full gathered skirt.

The client requested a slight train in the back.

I've never done eyelets with metallic thread before.

 That was quite interesting - but it did cooperate surprisingly well!

I had never worked with lame fabric before. I liked the end result, but was a bit frustrated during construction as you have to be so careful to use a cool iron or else it will melt, smooth, and shrink.....also you have to baby it when gathering to keep the raveling at bay until the seam is secured and covered.

I couldn't help but be reminded of Grace Kelly's gold lame gown

 for the masked ball in the movie 'To Catch a Theif'.