Today I went to Arley Berryhill's Costuming the Doll class. Very informative. Basically we learned how to drape a basic bodice and skirt sloper on our nude dolls. Most of us used his La Femme pattern which gives an extremely female silhouette that's great for costuming. Mine is to the far left and is missing a few body parts (a second leg, arm, hands, and a head)! We used paper towels to drape and then transfered that to paper. Then we trued up our patterns. Tomorrow we'll correct any fitting mistakes.
Once we cover that we'll be turned loose so that we can make similar costumes to the ones that Arley's made. Here's pics of his 2002 Hoffman Challenge Doll (Masquerade), the Harem Doll, and Minerva the Mermaid. I just love the over-the-top costumes ... beautiful use of jewels and beads. My goal is to use the fabrics that I bought from last September's Sew Expo to finally make my Venetian Renaissance lady. Arley had a great suggestion to make her dressed for Carnivale. That way she can have as many feathers and beads that she desires. Brilliant idea!
