TuTu Time!

Time to finish this tutu. The bodice is done so it's time to finish the plate and put the whole thing together.

After adding sequins and beads along the scalloped edge of the lace I gathered it to the size of the prepared net plate and stitched it together.

I cut a basque in net and attached it to the plate. Then using the remaining scallops I hand stitched them over the basque and the gathered edge to hide the seam. 

It even looked kind of cute without the tutu.....

but I thought it might look better actually attached to the tutu. 

 My little ballerina loves it and it just sparkles and sparkles.

Time to Make a Bodice continued........

Well, it's all put together and it's time to bead!

 I beaded sections of the lace before applying to the bodice. 

 I used a mix of pewter sequins, bugle and seed beads and some hot-fix Swarovski crystals in Black Diamond.

It's quite heavy so I'll have to make sure the elastic straps are nice and strong.

Time to Make a Bodice continued......

Okay so now I've finished all the sewing on the bodice and now all that's left are the final touches of beading etc.

I always make my own piping as that way I can control the width and get exactly what I want. 

I used piping in the same fabric as the bodice for the waist but on the top edge, I used plain satin. I did this because this fabric is a bit scratchy so would be very uncomfortable for the dancer. The top edge will be covered with trim anyway so you won't see it. 

Hook and eye tape on. 

All the hand stitching is now done and all it needs now is a final fitting to check the piping before finishing the neckline.

Time to Make a Bodice

The bodice is progressing nicely as you can see.

I only use plastic boning or if I can spiral boning. Always make sure you round off the corners to stop it sticking into the wearer. 

This boning is quite narrow so I'm using the seam allowance on the front panel to create the casing for it. On the other seams I will use a different method. 

It means there is a stitching line on the front but it will be covered by the trim. 

All sewn and pressed, ready for fitting. 

I haven't pressed the side seams as this is where I will adjust it if required. 

I popped it on the dummy so I could have a play with where the trim might go. I can't do much more until Miss A gets home and I can fit it on her. 

Time to Make a Bodice

So it's time to make the bodice that will go with the black tutu I made. Even though I was happy with the tutu pattern from www.tutupatterns.com I decided to try the bodice pattern from, Tutus That Dance so I could compare the quality and the pros and cons of each pattern. I've made quite a few bodices in my time so I didn't bother purchasing the instructions. I ended up getting the pattern printed out at Officeworks on a large piece paper which saved having to tape it together. I had the same sizing problem with this one due to my daughter being between the youth and adult sizes. The only downside of this pattern is, measurements are only in imperial not metric. I still find it surprising that there are still countries who use imperial, as it's just not as accurate as metric.
I started with a cotton toile which fitted quite well but needed to shorten the pattern and removed some of the bust shaping. Once this was done I transferred the adjustments to the paper pattern and was ready to go.

The Bodice

I found this beautiful silk jacquard at The Fabric Store . It looks grey in this photo but it's black with lurex thread so it has a lovely shimmer. 

I picked up this gorgeous rhinestone ribbon from, Darn Cheap Fabrics and I'll use it for the trim. 

Before cutting I backed my fabric onto woven fusible interfacing.

I made sure I kept enough fabric for the hip basque of the tutu. I'm not sure if I will use it but I want to make sure I have the option. 

Top fabric cut and ready for backing. 

I always mount my bodices onto washed calico. You can use more expensive backing fabric but I find this works well and is comfortable for the wearer. Once it's pinned on I cut it out and stitch it together.

I'm a bit lazy and often don't bother tacking the top fabric and calico together. I just pin it and overlock it together taking the pins out as I go. 

When I'm feeling really lazy or in a hurry, I don't even cut it out properly, I just cut it out quickly and trim off the excess with the overlocker. I wouldn't suggest you do this unless you are very experienced and have very good machining skills. You have to watch out for pins and it works best on pieces with smooth, long curves.  You also have to make sure your tension on your overlocker is spot on. 

All overlocked together and ready to go. 

For the tutu plate, I'm using this silver and black lurex lace so I'm also using that in the centre panel. As you can see the design of the lace is not symmetrical so I will have to do some applique to help make it work. It may not need it with the rhinestone trim, I'll just have to see. 

Stay tuned for the next part of the bodice.