Thread: help for Lizzy Borden?

Tweet

I am in the slow process of making parts for my Lizzy Borden prop. I am finding it hard however to find clothing that would be of that period (late 1800's)

I have seen some costumes but not quite right and WAY too much $$$ for my humble budget. suggestions please ?

Maybe start with one of those "old lady" type nightgowns (seems like I noticed some at Walmart while with the Mrs cheap enough). The kind with the floral patern and ruffles at the sleeve and neck, and over that a cloth apron. Get one oversized and pull up and pleat (small folds) and tack the upper sleeve, and maybe do the same at the waist. Maybe also make a chicken wire hoop skirt to get that look of the victorian dress bulging mostly at the rear. Hair in a bunn of course.

It doesn't have to be an exact replica, but just give the feeling of that era of dress. That should give you at least a start towards what your after.

This seems like a good resource for the appropriate style of clothing.

Now, if you find yourself a cheap second-hand shop gown (with stretch), vest, and some ribbon, you can probably alter it to look close enough for Halloween.

You would need to buy a larger, full-sleeve floor-length gown in a solid color or skinny stripe pattern. The longer the sleeve, the better.

First, you need to pad the prop form with copious ammounts of newspaper held in with tape on the shoulders to elbow to create the proper shape for the poof-sleeve. Then, pull the gown over the form and see how the dress fits over the newspaper. Push as much of the fabric as you can past the elbow, leaving enough to extend to the wrist on the form.

If the prop is only going to be seen from the front, your life is very easy. Fit the dress on your prop form and pull back all the excess fabric around the waist to the back and cut/pin/glue the excess to create the impossibly-skinny bodice waist look without a bodice. If it will be from a greater range of angles, you'll have to cut the gown and glue it in place hide the fact that the dress is that altered.

Then, you will pin the vest onto the dress (buttoned closed if possible) and cut the sides and back out to create the color-blocked front panel look. Hot glue it to the front of the dress.

Finally, hot glue a solid-colored ribbon to the bottom of the dress and the neckline, and a frilly/lace-like ribbon to the sleeves and you have something that would pass for an elaborate 1890s period costume.

AH, YES! Thanks too you both, you have given me some great ideas to work with.

(don't know why I didn't think of some of those ideas myself , too close to the problem I guess ) With all the talent in this forum, I knew SOMEONE would be able to give me some direction Thanks !!!!!!