Anastasia Costume

My daughter has been in love with Anastasia since first seeing the movie a few years ago. She's also taken a love of Paris from the animated movie. She decided last year that she wanted to be Anastasia this year (and next year, she will be the Corpse Bride). Of course I was on board from the start. Fabrics include damask, jacquard, multiple corded laces, and tons of boning for the bodice, and almost four dozen hooks and eyes to make this gown look like it has no way into it (can you find how it goes one?), as well as custom-embroiders satin for the sleeves, and Swarosvki crystals. The entire list of supplies is quite long, and quite spendy at almost $200 in supplies. I spent about 50 hours making it, and finished last the night before a party.

There really isn't any advice to give. This sort of ensemble is a not something the typical beginner should try to tackle since this sort of thing would frustrate and discourage someone who doesn't have such skills yet. I suppose that this means the best advice I can give is to just keep sewing and constantly working to improve your skills. Don't get discouraged by errors. Those are just moments of learning what doesn't work. Just keep sewing. :)