Ohmygoodness! I recognized the dress in the New York Times too, and my first thought was, "I *know* that dress. I've been Craftsterstalking that dress!" It's beautiful!
Fantastic idea - My college is doing a production of Midsummer next semester and I've been fretting about the ass's head. I'll totally try this technique!
[Eyes fall out of head] This makes me wish I were in high school again. And, uh, that I were you. And I agree that it's much lovelier than the inspiration.