A Long Shot

[shanmonster]

I hold no hopes, but I have to ask. I have a gorgeous blue silk beaded dress I want converted into a dance costume, but the work involved is beyond my skill level. The work involved in converting the dress into a costume is probably worth a couple hundred dollars' worth of labour. I really want to have this costume, but I don't have the money to hire a seamstress (seamster?). However, I am very willing to do things in trade. I can give dance lessons/performances, or make some basic silver jewellery in exchange. I also own fabric, dance costuming bits, books, and CDs I'd be willing to trade. Any takers?

Comments

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

You'd have to see it to know what I'm talking about, but I'll try to explain.

The dress is made of a very fine, sheer blue silk with beadwork, and lined with the same colour blue. Although the label says silk, I suspect the lining is not. It could be cotton or rayon.

The skirt is the easiest part. It needs a waistband and zipper, and is otherwise good to go. It still has heavy beadwork, but not as extensive as on the top.

The sleeves are also fairly simple. I'd like them converted into slim-fitting gauntlets.

It's the top that will be the real bitch. Basically, I want the top part of the dress to leave my shoulders bare by going in to a tight jewel-neck collar. The arm holes have to be quite deep, because my muscles are fairly large, and the current openings aren't big enough.

A shelf bra will probably need to be put in, or else foam boob-shaped cups to maintain shape.

A rear zipper needs to be put in the top, like the zipper for a jacket (i.e. it opens completely with the zipper).

Beadwork needs to be kept track of. The design is quite complex in places. I think a slightly asymmetrical cut to the top would be stunning.

If this hasn't frightened you off, let me know if you'd like to see the dress and have me explain what I'm looking for in more detail.

Whee!