Planning a "Black Swan" costume

[MadAlice]

Okay, two things:

First you need to sew the layers onto the band (or knickers) the wrong way up, so that they face upward from the beginning. If you sew one layer directly under the other, they shouldn't dip down anymore. Difficult to explain, you probably need to find a graphic online. Then you keep the tutu flat by loosely sewing all the layers together in the end.

Plus, stiff tulle will of course help. :cool Hmm, I hope this was a little understandable.

 

[karennb135]

Thanks. I started doing it like that. I still had some issues until I tacked the layers together as you explained. I also sprayed it with stiffener to help shape it. I pinned it to my dummy upside down and it's looking pretty decent. I did improvise in one area which has made it have more of a messy look, but I kind of like that because that's how it seemed in the movie.

 

[okstout4]

This costume turned out really cool. My dd decided she wants to be "Black Swan" a few weeks ago, so I purchased a costume pattern for this. It has the corset and the skirt (two separate pieces). Ive made the corset, but its not quite finished yet. It only says to add trim at the bottom, but Im afraid its not going to be long enough to cover the skirt waist. The skirt waist is elastic w/an attached yoke w/the tulle attached to the yoke. Your idea inspired me to make it like yours, but she is now saying she just doesn't like the way the pattern shows it to be like (the design) or that she doesnt wear stuff like that. So what I am wanting to do now is is create the skirt/tutu like a 15 yo girl would be happy with. I am inspired to add the black feathers and the rhinestones as well now.

So do you have any ideas how I could create/finish off this costume where she will be happy w/it, be able to wear it to school and for Halloween? Possibly also adding the tutu part to the corset as well, although it doesnt have to be attached.

Ideas will be greatly appreciated. Photo will really help to as I am a very visual person. Thanks in advanced! Tina

 

[okstout4]

To add to my prev post. My dd has two tutu's. One is yellow had consists of 4 layers. Its a stiffer tulle and they cut a piece to a specific size and sewed it to elastic down the middle of the tulle (its creased down the middle)...thus making 2 pcs out of 1 pc of tulle. The other one she has is an official ballet skirt (at one time went almost to her ankles) that the ballet dept at a local college use. It cost me $80! It has been cut down and the color changed 3 times. Now its a purplish/black color and its now short. The tulle is about 9" to 15" in length (layers all the same length) w/only 3 layers.

Even though I've already purchased about 4 yds of tulle and about 1 1/4 yrds of lining, how do you think I could possibly incorporate the black skirt to use for this Black Swan skirt?

Here's the pattern Im using. I did the corset pattern A and was thinking about using Pattern B's tutu. Her black tutu hangs down similar to Pattern B. I originally didnt want to add the lining to the top of he tutu like in A, that's why I picked B. But now I kinda want it to look like the Black Swan outfit w/the feathers, etc.

Simplicity Creative Group - Misses' Costumes

 

[ed209]

More reference pics...

 

[Double H]

That brilliant work you got gong there. I made on of these for my wife and it turned out ok. Will be keeping an eye on this thread great work.

 

[MadAlice]

Thank you, Double H! @okstout4, I sent you a description via PM.
So long, I'm off to my very first ballet lesson! :lol Fingers crossed I don't trip over my own feet.

 

[Lauralot]

For the white makeup, I remember reading somewhere online (can't seem to find it again, sorry) that Natalie Portman wore a very pale ivory foundation with white powder on top, rather than putting white all over her face. That might cut down on the clown makeup look?

Gorgeous costume.

 

[MadAlice]

Just sorting out stuff on my PC, and stumbled over this Black Swan shooting.
Thought I'd share my two favorite shots of the costume here...:rolleyes

Still taking ballet lessons by the way, perhaps I'll wear that on a stage one day...:lol

 

[Klaudika]

Yes I want to make the tiara next, but I'm not sure how to yet. :rolleyes

So the corset is pretty much done, although it needs some more rhinestones and feathers.

And that is the result:

Hi, congratulations on your costume!, I'd like to know what kind of feathers you used, the size or the brand.. thank you

 

[twinkleshoez]

Hello MadAlice,
Here I am, just two years later, with a suggestion for gettin your tiara going....better late than never right!

make a copy of the movie poster then place a clear glass baking pan over it.

 

[twinkleshoez]

ugh, Im new at this!!!!

Soooo, what you ll need:

* a printed copy or trace of the one Natalie wore in the movie
*hot glue gun and sticks...LOTS of sticks.
*clear glass baking pan (tupperware will work fine)
*a piece of wire (to fit your head), head band or something of the sort.
*black paint (acrylic worked for me) if wall paint is all you have, make sure you let it air out to get rid of the smell.
*black and white (several sizes of rhinestones)

Now, place pan over your picture and start tracing it with the very HOT glue...dont worry, you wont mess it up! :facepalm
let it dry
peel it off
paint...bedazzle....attach...VOILA! you have your very own Black Swan tiara. :thumbsup


The tiara seemed an easier start for me, as for the tutu....im still trying to figure it out. :confused

 

[Soulinertia]

You could also use a heat proof silicone mat too. The glue will come right off with little to no effort.

Glue gun pad, silicone, clear, 8x8-inch square with non-stick heat resistant surface. Sold individually. - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads