Final Pictures

Finally Handed in today and got to see my costume on the correct size mannequin instead of my own which is bigger.  i am please that it all fits.

Final Evaluation

This unit has been a huge learning curve for myself and has really tested my abilities as a costume maker.  Going into the unit still completing CIC did prove challenging but building on reflection from that unit I planned my time well and completed it without getting behind.  Wanting to really improve my grade as I have always stayed around 65 I have looked at areas previously suggested I work on.  Technical skills and presentation is something that I planned to improve upon throughout this unit.  As it involved a lot of precise technical construction methods it has really pushed me and my skills as a maker to a higher level.

Having not seen many Ballets before, being able to sit down and watch a range of dance pieces and greatly improve my knowledge of the subject.  Being able to discuss the productions has encouraged me to really look at performances and have confidence to criticise what I don’t like and why.  Watching such a diverse range of ballet has solidified my interest in the area, Matthew Bourne’s ballets, the Trocks Bro showed me that ballet isn’t always classical.   I have completely immersed myself in the world of dance, writing my POP essay on this area and travelling to see other dance performances such as ‘Missing’ and Scottish Ballet ‘Street Car Named Desire’.  I plan to visit more over the summer so that I have a greater knowledge of the area in time for EMP in which I wish to pursue this option.

As said previously the construction of the costume involved many new techniques which I did struggle with as any person learning a new skill would, because of this my final finishing’s of the costume are not completely up to scratch however this will come with time. Learning these new skills and making mistakes has allowed me to be critical and learn from them.  For example; pressing lighter with the tailors chalk, using clean pins and taking care of the costume which proves harder than first thought as even small catches with a cracked nail pulls the slipper satin.  The skirt of the tutu was again a new challenge that I took on well.  Having had a very creased bit of net which I cannot get the creases out of has taught me to make sure if I’m not happy with the quality of the fabric to change it.  I also held the iron too close to the skirt which made it get very thin.  All these learning points are things that next time I will be able to do right.  I wish to continue constructing tutus over the summer to get my skills up to scratch as I feel in the technical side my quality slipped in some places.

Within this unit we also had a decoration workshop.  I found this incredible helpful, learning not to take this at face value.  It really taught me to look at decoration to see how they can be manipulated and taken apart to create something else. Looking at colour and thinking of character are important in ballet and need to be reflected across a theatre mainly through the decoration.  Having to really think about this during the workshop was harder than you think but it has really taught me to look into the character and what I can add to the costume to reflect that.

Being able to reflect on myself within a blog was a challenge at first but it has really helped me to be critical of my work and allowed me to pin point any problem areas that I need to work upon.  It has also helped to improve my time keeping as I have had to keep updating and reflecting so I wanted something to reflect upon.

In conclusion it has been a great unit and feel like everything taught was new.  I have learnt a great deal of skills in this area not just technical making skills but contextual as well.  I feel my confidence in my own ability and initiative has improved as working independently has been a big part of this unit.   Moving into next year I hope to build on my skills learnt in this unit and any issues arisen so that I am fully prepared for next year.   

 Words 717

Little Wood Nymph

Finally finished the petals which I'm going to call leaves as they are green,  My costume looks very much like a Wood Nymph or forest creature seen in early ballets.

This was the exciting part of arranging the leaves into an attractive pattern following the design for guidance.  The leave were meant to look as though they had be blown across by a breeze.  This was trickier than first thought as my colour green is quite pale unless mixed with the others closely. I did get a bit carried away on the  bodice but did take a few off and place them on the skirt.

We had to put them on in 3 different ways manipulating the circle so that they didn't all look uniform.

I'm not going to lie the excitement of the leaves soon came crashing down with the stitching them on with invisible thread.  Frustratingly slippery and annoying that each time you thought you'd cast on it unravelled. 

I got incredibly annoyed with the process and felt that because the thread was slippery you had to pull it tighter than normal thread in order for it to lock on and knot.  This they shows on the fabric which i found impossible to make look invisible.  I did after do a tester using thin cotton and you can barely see it.  As it will be seen from an audience i don't think this would be an issue so next time i will use cotton especially on the skirt where the invisible thread refused to hold and cause i didn't want to pull it there are loops of thread.

After 2 days of getting frustrated it is finally done. 

i am pleased with the overall look of the costume.  There are a few tweaks I'd do next time as maybe not have as many at the waist but after removing one from the waist i realised that it leaves a mark on the bodice so left the rest and blended it in.

i did want to have lots on the bodice as the colour against the net isn't hugely visible so i wanted to get the colour across in the bodice and I'm glad i did as i think from a distance with all the petals layered up looks quite striking.

If i were to have more time or even in hindsight i would make a few more leaves to add to the skirt but overall i am pleased.

Petals

Making the petals or leaves!

For our decoration we each got given a colour mine being a dark green and were to make petals that look a though they have been blown across the front of the bodice and down the tutu. As mine were green they look a lot like leaves so my costume will look like a woodland creature when finished.

Using the template and the excess net cut out 64 petals making sure they are neat as the edges will show.

I then had to dye the net with silk paint, i used Seta Silk Paint in Moss Green and Meadow Green mixed together to get the right colour.  The petals needed to fade towards the middle so layers of paint was applied.  I applied five the fifth being on the very outer edge.

This i found rather tricky as when laid out on a plastic sheet they were impossible to see!  Therefore not easy to paint once the first few layers were on it became easier.  i didn't notice the change in colour at first but towards the edge i can.

I painted them on newspaper then transferred them to kitchen towel as the silk paint is runny and pools on the paper leaving blotches on the net.  This worked well and on the last layer of paint i left it on the kitchen towel for it to pick up a bit more colour. 

I'm really happy with the colour of them and think that it is quite near to the colour  wanted. (see design here)

I have just started pinning them onto the bodice now as you can see in the picture below. They do go down the straps which i have yet to attach as the ones i had were not very strong and snapped.  As said it is meant to look as though a breeze has blown them across the front.

Final finishings

Very nearly finished now just the petals to go!

Here are a few pictures of the fastenings on the bodice and the waistband of the skirt. 

The Bodice had 5 hook and bars on it with the hooks on the top sided lined up with the stitching on the bone line.  Important to have one on the waist point as this area takes the most strain.

Sewing these of with button hole stitch is always quite difficult to start with as the hooks like to move, once one sides done is easier to do the other.

On the skirt is a bigger trouser fastening at the top as it is stronger and will hole the waistband in place better.  I opted to put 2 more smaller ones underneath to keep the whole of the back together. 

These took a lot longer than expected and did put me behind in my schedule but i should be back on track soon.

Skirt to Bodice.

This was a rather exciting bit as its starting to look complete.

Firstly you pin through the bottom of the waistband to the waistline on the bodice then place on the mannequin and pin through the piping to the basque.  Then back stitch it on .This was tricky as there is a lot of quite thick areas of fabric to go through, and having a brief 20 mins of brain fog about how to do a back stitch made it seem harder than it was.

Remembering to stop at the elasticated bits and a bit from the c/b so that it can stretch with the elastic otherwise it may distort the bodice or net.

The to finish i place swing catches on all the seams bar the side seams to stop it moving around and squishing down when the ballet dancer dances.

These end few bits just showed me how much thought goes into a ballet costume that you don't think about when you are just looking at it.  Also how everything has a purpose it may feel like its a never ending cycle of hand stitching but it needs to all be there.

Reflection of sleeves

Originally i was quite daunted by the fact that we were going to have to create these sleeves independently as i have always found sleeves rather tricky.  However i found it surprisingly enjoyable.

To start with is was a rather tricky process of working out how to adapt the pattern to the specific style wanted and as seen in my first sleeve can go wrong.  Even though i measure my own arms to check i didn't take into account the lack of stretch in the fabric.  However i did learn from this and went on to produce a second sleeve which i am much happier with.

This workshop has allowed me to work independently which has greatly improved my confidence in my skills.  I have had to overcome issues and work out problems by myself which has increased my learning and skills and knowledge as I've had to be critical of my work and really look into the construction of the sleeve.

Its also encouraged me to look at different types of fabric and how to manipulate them and add to them to create the desired effect.  i feel that i have done well with this area especially with my second sleeve as i really thought about the style and material and how to create structure without being to heavy as the dancer needs movement there so can't have a heavy sleeve.

I researched a bit before starting the workshop as i wanted to have a greater understanding of the needs of the dancer.  i found it really interesting that the sleeves are higher underneath and wider at the top to help them move.  It has really taught me the basics of making a sleeve for a ballet dancers and over the summer i may have a play around with a few more to get my skills up to scratch.

overall it has been a good learning curve and i have learnt things that can be translated into other areas of costume as well.  Along with improving my confidence in problem solving and my ability to work independently.

Constructing sleeves

After getting some inspiration for my sleeve i went on to make up 2 sleeves.  We already had a basic one piece sleeve which we were going to have to adapt.

Sleeve 1

    My first sleeve i attempted was a pretty frilly one with quite a narrow sleeve to it. We had to make the sleeves out of a sympathetic fabric. I chose for this one a thin polyester mix satin ( probably use silk if it were for a real garment)  with chiffon/ crepe ruffles,  along with a few ribbons etc.

I did find the drafting quite tricky as what you thing looks like the arm circumference isn't always the case as i found out with this first sample.  Even by measuring my own arm with the trimmings and elastic it still was a bit tight.

Anyway instructions:

• I lowered the top of the sleeve head on the pattern and widened it as well to allow for movement. I cut it just under the elbow line for turnings and took it in at the sides quite a bit for the narrow sleeve (now knowing too much)
• Cut out on fabric. 
• Machine stitch two rows of gathering stitch in the seam allowance around the sleeve head ready to gather up later.  Neaten hem.
• All trimmings sewn on before the sleeve is sewn up.

• Take length of the chiffon in twos colours and fold in half (saves having to neaten the seams) 
• Create a channel along the top for the elastic. Insert elastic.
• Stitch to the cuff of the sleeve with the elastic stretched out.
• Place braid over elastic and stitch in place.
• Sew down sleeve and over lock.

Findings:

Once finished it was established that the sleeve was too tight and not wide enough the  braiding on the cuff should have been sewn on with the elastic as it has created tension and tightened the sleeve so it can't expand with the elastic.  i also needed to have made the pattern wider when drafting it.

Overall i do like the look and think that the fabric choices were a good representation of what they should be maybe the satin could have been a bit lighter. 

Sleeve 2

Having had issues with the first sleeve i decided to make up another one to rectify any mistakes.  This time i chose a 'national' style 3/4 length sleeve with quite a puff.  It took a while and lots of different fabrics later to find one that would puff out and stay out but looks dainty. I used a polyester organza again for the real thing i'd use a silk organza, to give it some structure.

I decided to use double layers of it with a layer of the tulle sandwiched in the middle to create more structure and as it will be used when dancing in will ensure that it can return to its original state if squashed.

Instructions:

• Like before widened the head of the sleeve considerable to 28inchs wide and shortened the length to elbow height.

• Placed the net inside the 2 layers of organza and pinned and cut out.
• Gathering stitch like before.
• Folded up cuff to create a channel for the elastic and added the trimming to the top stitch line and stitch it on .  Add blue braid over the top.
• Insert elastic.
• stitch down sleeve and gather head.

I am much happier with this sample i can fit it on my arm! The material and net have worked really well and looked structured without the risk of being uncomfortable. 

This workshop has been really helpful as its shown me that sleeves that go into normal costumes can be adapted and made into ballet costumes.  It s made me realise the differences and why the sleeves need to be different from other sleeves and has been a good learning curve as i can learn from my mistakes.

Sleeves

For this project we have to create a ballet sleeve by adapting a basic sleeve pattern to fit ballet. 
Before i do that i wanted to get more of a idea of how they are constructed and the differences between a ballet sleeve and one created for theatre.  i also want to get some inspiration on sleeves that i can then go on to make.

http://balletnews.co.uk/cupcakes-conversation-with-natalia-kremen-artist-english-national-ballet/dsc_5608-copy-2/

Ballet dancers have a full range of movements and need to have this throughout the performance.  The sleeve needs to allow for that and give ease to the dancer without looking too big and baggy.

This is done by making the sleeve head lower than normal sleeves for theatre and make it wider.  This allows for more fabric to create movement for the dancers.

The sleeves are lower and wider!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/2592166/Royal-New-Zealand-Ballets-La-Sylphide

The armhole is higher in the garment than normal stage costume so there is not excess fabric floating around restricting the dancer.

By doing these things it allows more ease for the dancer. 

Inserting the sleeve can be tricky due to the amount of fabric so it needs to be eased in carefully so not to pleat.

http://www.kievglam.com/culture/tchaikovskys-first-swan-lake-ballet-the-most-beloved-ballet-of-all-time

Female Sleeves are sometimes cut on the bias as they are quite tight this allows it to be moveable for the dancer and comfortable.

http://balletnews.co.uk/cupcakes-conversation-with-maria-kochetkova-principal-san-francisco-ballet/

Reflection on the screenings

Having at the beginning of this unit only seen a handful of ballets mainly when i was little i was really looking forward to the screenings. 

I was not prepared for the diversity of the performances watched.  It was such an amazing experience to see not just different classical ballets that i was expecting like Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty etc But to see ones that are so different an  more contemporary such as the Matthew Bournes Swan Lake, The Car Man and The Trock Bros.   Being able to see all these different styles were really helpful in creating this background to dance and ballet. 

I think that it is so important that if your making something to know about the show or production it is in.  It helped me to realise why we need to constructed something in a certain way,  being able to see how it should look and act it a great and vital experience.

It taught me to be critical of work.  If i don't like something then don't be afraid to voice it, i am quite opinionated at times but feel as though i should like something so don't want to be critical.  It is a good experience to be able to see where the production went wrong or if the costume don't work cause this allows you more knowledge on what will work when you come to do it yourself.  Knowing what you'd change and how is a valuable experience and this unit has really helped me do that.  I feel that i can be critical of a production cause i can back it up and know where they are going wrong. 

The screenings have been so important to this unit to see different styles,  it has encouraged me to go and see different types of ballet.

i really enjoyed Matthew Bournes Ballets as i feel its narrative without words and theatrical which is what i enjoy.  I decided to go and see the Scottish Ballet of Streetcar Named Desire and fell in love with it.  Just knowing how the costumes should flow and the different dance styles makes it a far more enjoyable feel.  Again later went to go and see Matthew Bournes Early Adventures and again really enjoyed it. 

Throughout the summer i will be going to see more productions of dance and ballet as i feel i have found my preference in more modern ballet however i haven't written off traditional!!

Screening La Sylphide

Not to be confused with the previous one Les Sylphides.

This is one of the oldest romantic ballets still in use today.  There were two versions only 1 survived to this day.

Originally by Filippo Taglioni in 1832 starring his daughter Maria Taglioni was then revived in 1836 by Danish balletmaster August Bournonville (1805 - 1879) this version is the one usually used today by the Danish Royal Ballet.

Discussions:
Very beautifully costumes creating a really romantic feel, i think the colour palette was well thought out nothing stood out at all.  The sylph like mythological creatures were well represented through that even though majority in white the decorations and the delicate sleeves were stunning.

Screening Les Sylphides

The first ballet of its time to have no plot or narrative.

Ballet Blanc meaning they are all dressed in white romantic tutus.

Written as an orchestrated piece by Chopin in 1892 originally called itself Chopiniana after the composer changed its name in Paris to Les Sylphides after audience saw a version of La Sylphide.

Along similar lines to La Sylphide with sylph like creatures in it but with no narrative.

It is a 'Romantic Reverie'  set in a atmospheric lake with a series of suites of dances.

Ballet Russes Premiered it and it has been developed over time.

The one we watched at the screening is by The American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1984

My thoughts:

Costumes: Slightly busty for the women could have had a higher neckline on some of the costumes.  I think the skirts were beautiful and moved well with the dancers.

Male costumes was rather feminine but being in black and white made him stand out from the women.

The role of the male dancer in this reflected the time the piece was made as he didn't do a lot.  His role seemed to be admire the women dancers and life and hold when needed.  It seemed as though he didn't need to be there if they didn't need lifting.

The steps of the ballet were slightly repetitive and the non plot made it hard to get my full attention and unfortunately i did get rather bored.

This did help to show the different styles of ballet and i think its important to be able to start criticising whats good and bad about productions as you can take the critical into your work.

Ballet Presentation

As a group we got the opportunity to present our work to our year group along with them doing the same.  It was really interesting to see what everyone else has been doing as your so wrapped up in the technical ballet work you don't get the chance to look around.

We had planned our presentation well having all our costumes on the mannequin at the time we were all at different stages so it was lovely to see them all lined up.

We each had a subject to talk on which were:

Introduction

History

Context

Construction

Decoration

Conclusion

They all link very well and even though it was brief we got across what was needed. 

I found this really helpful as we have all be so busy that i haven't had the chance to look back and see what we have actually achieved.  How we achieved it and where it all started.  This helps so much with reflecting on myself and how i have changed as a maker.  

I think we have all achieve lovely pieces and as a collective look brilliant together.

Reflection on Complete Bodice

Looking back at the work gone into the bodice i am proud of what i have achieved. I have learnt many different skills over the time and feel that i have improved greatly as a maker.  There are as said in previous posts mistakes on my bodice but what this has taught me is to problem solve, what is the best thing to do?  For example; on the C/B with the double lines, instead of unpicking it and making what would probably be a mess as it was so close to the edge and the two lines  are close together.  This would have severely frayed and looked awful had i tried to unpick it as it is very fine satin.  As it looked neat and would not be seen from the front as it was the placket i left it and will learn from it next time.  Obviously if this was a real live project i would unpick it as if it ever needed to be altered it would waste time then having to unpick four rows of stitching.

Again with the point on the piping as said in my bodice construction post.  I am not very happy with the outcome of it but without taking off the entire piping and restarting which would waste time and material i used my initiative and rectified it to the best i could do.  I think this is an important part of making a garment to overcome issues and learn from mistakes. I have learnt next time to use my judgement on whether or not it needs to be snipped at all.

I feel apart from these two mistakes i am happy with the construction overall.  There are  things i would change next time:

• Sew down piping neater.
• Leave more piping cord.
• Be careful not to catch the fabric as it pulls very easily.
• Not to leave pins in too long.
• Use clean pins as marks on satin.

This list to me could go on but i feel that even the best makers in the world will still be critical of their work which i feel is important as you will always be striving to do better on each project.

A lot of the instructions on the bodices completion was hand stitching which use to be quite a weak spot for me but i feel i have progressed well with this project.  Learning to take my time and keep it neat and small has greatly improved me in that area and feel that i can transfer that over into all parts of costume making.

Bodice Completion

After a few hectic weeks i have finally found the opportunity to update.  The end is in sight with only a few things  left to do. 

Completing the bodice was step 1.

This actually took not as long as I'd thought thinking that all the button hole stitches and hook and bars would take a while but with concentration was done in a couple of hours.

Here are a few pictures of the final completed bodice.

Mistakes:

• Having been told to snip into the seam allowance on the piping at the c/f to get a nice point at the bottom of the bodice an reduce bulk, which i did.  This promptly frayed and the seam allowance did not cross over each other leaving a rather big gap (as picture below) I therefore had to fold under the edge of the seam allowance in a V shape to make it look neat and hand stitch down the frayed parts.  This doesn't look overly neat but better than what was there previous.  I think as my bodice design line was more curved than pointy that it probably didn't need the snip so next time with this knowledge i can make the decision of whether it needs a cut or not.

• C/B: with having a few bits having to be on either the right of left side of the centre back there was no doubt I'd get confused.  Firstly sewing the double stitched line to the side of the boning. Having unpicked it ( luckily doesn't show at all) and done in properly.

• Secondly i then did the double stitch close to the edge of the other side forgetting there was a placket.  I have however left this one as it looks neat and won't be seen rather than unpick it and make a mess.  I shall know for next time and won't make that mistake again.

Screening: Matthew Bournes Swan Lake

Finally got round to watch it again as i couldn't take it in the first time.

First performed at Sadlers Wells London in 1995 it was given mixed reviews from audiences some deeming it the gay swan lake.   The reason being is that all the swans are male not female like tradition.
Our tutor  told us all to keep this in mind throughout it and whether or not we feel that it is going in that directing.

Discussion:

• Relationship between swans symbolic not romantic.  The prince wants freedom from his repressive lifestyle and the swan represents that.
• Black swan: this part slightly annoyed me, some people didn't agree but i thought that there was a slight gay reference that was put in that didn't go with the rest of the story and i feel that Matthew Bourne ( even though said he didn't in a previous documentary) put that in to maybe create controversy around the piece gaining well publicised attention.  I did not have an issue with it however if he were going to put in a romantic connection between them he should have carried it through the whole ballet.
• Is it ballet or not: As Matthew bourne has suggested they just dance which is the only explanation that can be given.  They didn't have ballet shoes on, and the costumes weren't tutus but there was still a feel of ballet within it wit the addition of contemporary.  It worked well as a piece of dance and the storyline though could be up to the audience interpretation was easy to understand.
• Theatrical
• Costumes were brilliant the male swans costume moved well with the dancers and created a very masculine feel to the swans, quite a contrast to the female swans who are very pretty dainty creatures.  These ones are dangerous.





• Womens roles were not nice,  cold hearted mother and a cheap,lower class, footballers wife style character for a girlfriend.  Complete opposite of the norm in ballet where the women play syilphs and princesses and have the men lift them.  The men are the main part in this ballet. 

 This performance really opened my eyes up to interpret  and that ballet isn't just about women in tutus on pointe.  It isn't always going to be the tradition which is good as i feel its keeps the story's and piece alive.

reflection so far

Well everyone else has handed in and i can't say i'm not jealous.  I was determined that even though i was given an extension due to illness i really wanted to finish the construction part of the costume before today.  But not wanting to rush and make mistakes for no reason i am not done yet.  My new aim is to get the construction done  by next week so i can finish my workbook and POP essay after.

Having been in an essay mood these last few days i have written my Ballet essay comparing and contrasting the 3 Swan lake Ballets watch, Moscow City Ballet, Matthew Bourne and the Trockadero Ballet.  I struggled to fit it into 1500 words once i got going but wittled it down to 1561 in the end.  My essay writing skills have always been a poor point for me, i struggle so much with it as i can't think of how i want to say something with out it sounding waffly.  This essay has helped me be more precise with my answers and get to the point.  I feel i am improving greatly in this area and an get my point across clearly now.  The essay has really encouraged me to think about what i am watching and not to be afraid to critique something if i don't like it but back it up with why.  I've really looked at the performance and taken on board our discussing at the screenings of these and incorporated it into the essay with some valid points.

Levelling

This was something as said i struggled with.  What i really should have done and will do in the future is to do something else if i can't get it.  The first few layers of my tutu i was doing and my hands were shaking and my concertration kept waining.  I should have and will do in the future do something else like my bodice and try again later as this resulted in the first layer and 1/2 to be a bit wonky and the measurements were more like 13 than 12.  Luckily i was in a better frame of mind for the rest of the layers which were of better quality.

I feel i have gained a lot of experience from this, taking my time over something is important regardless of how repetitive it is and not to rush.  I didn't rush with mine nad i'm glad because i can see a few mistakes and wobbles on it that happen with me taking my time which may have been worse if i rushed.

lots and lots of pins i have learnt really helps, you can see the line created before you cut it and whether or not it symmetrical with the others. 

Washing hand: cause its a long process i wash my hands plenty of times to ensure they were clean as the net is white and i didn't want stains.

Finally lots of steaming. This really helped to get it flat before and after cutting so that the measurements are accurate.  Also not to hold the iron too close to the net, i learnt the hard way.  The irons when held up are heavy and my arms ached and i tipped the iron a bit close to the second layer and it has a bubble, ripple effect down one panel, you can't see it with the other layers over it but next time ill  know to keep my distance.

Levelling

Quite possibly the hardest thing I've done so far.  I'm not sure if its just myself but i found this fiddly and very time consuming and at times frustrating.

Starting with steaming the layers flat you pile the net (trying not to crease too much) on top of the Mannequin.  Looking like white puffy clouds we can begin the long process  of levelling.

Setting the mannequin to the correct height usually of your dancer allows you to be accurate with measurements as you measure from the ground up rather than down from the waist.

The skill fullest at the back wants to create a nice bell shape with a slight dip to the back therefore the back was a inch shorter than the front.  This creates that really romantic feminine feel of ballet.

Graduated slowly in 1/4 inch's at the bust line and side seams these are the first points marked with pins into the net.

You find your own way of doing it after a while but at first it was going horribly.  My hands kept shaking and the pins kept falling out and the each time i check the measurement it would be different.  After a few frustration hours on just the first layer i got the knack of it pinning in sections and cutting in sections, very slowly.

It is a very long process, i cannot begin to think what it is like to do an entire Ballet group but after the 3rd layer as it starts to shape it can be rewarding to see the tutu coming together.

A few pictures of it finished:

I did find it hard to move on from each layer as you could sit for hours trying to cut it dead straight, there are slight wavers in it but i think for a first attempt it be impossible not to.

I did worry about the fact that some of the underneath layers were longer or short that the one after, not knowing the answer i have left it but i may go back to it to try and get them similar levels.  I'm not sure if this is because of the measuring or if i maybe pulled the net but it doesn't should hugely and could just be me being picky and wanted it perfect.

All i have left to do it attach to the bodice and decorate!!