Victorian Swimwear!

[sairosaurus]

I just saw nillakitty's post (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=249831.0) for her Old Time Bathing outfit and realised that I completely forgot to post my Victorian Swimwear Costume that I completed for class early last year.

So here it is, a little late, but here none-the-less. I took inspiration from this picture: http://www.agelesspatterns.com/images/1426.gif but made a few modifications (added a skirt, made up the back view). The website does offer the patterns for this one, and a couple of other really really cute outfits, but part of the project was to draft the patterns so the patterns for this outfit are my own. The only part of the outfit that isn't mine is the hat, these were made by 3rd year students (I was 2nd year) for the show.
I originally wanted to make something a little more similar to this http://www.agelesspatterns.com/images/1417.gif or this http://www.agelesspatterns.com/images/1418.gif but so did everybody else in my class. So I decided to take a slightly different direction.

Back in the day, these outfits probably would have been made from wool, or a heavy cotton. We made these from a light poly/cotton drill in navy or a calico in cream. All of these photos were taken during our annual show in August, modelled by a good friend of mine, make-up done by ACMEWS.



Anyway, the pictures

[ninjanator]

wow! Your swimwear came out fantastic! And heh however cute, I can't imagine swimming in something like that - but I'd definitely wear that out to say, a picnic or something

[nfirehazzard]

These are absolutely wonderful! I especially love your make up. It pulls the whole look together and brings back to life what life was like back then. Kudos!

[skaborsk]

wow wow wow! i love them. you are super talented

[katherine83]

Wonderful! The makeup is a great touch too!

[M-alina]

Oh my goodness!  Those are perfect!  Your hair and make up totally match it, too.  I love the front detailing with the pink bits and the diamond waistband bit.  It's just amazing!  I definitely want one...

[sairosaurus]

Thanks guys!
I'm glad you guys like the makeup! My classmates and I thought the stage makeup far too strong (and not very period!) for our photo shoots. While it looks great and natural on stage under lights, I find it a little strong for photos.
The trim I used is great and quite cheap. I got it here: http://www.sewbizfabrics.com/trimsjacquard1.shtml
Luckily for me she ships internationally!!

[contrariwise]

I definitely think that you made the right choice to do something different from your classmates. This is beautiful! Is the outfit two pieces, or is it like a jumpsuit?

[fishgurll]

Oh wow, this is so lovely!
I would love to have seen you all together - the different styles and variations of the bathing suits - they're so cool and really not the kind of thing you see every day.

[Persephone Hazard]

Oh I love these so much :-) I actually kind of want one to go swimming in, but I'd probably look like a total nutter.