100 pieces are never enough.

This is the finished product...... (guesting tutu for Melody Herrera)

Guesting Season is upon the ballet world, and Principal dancer Melody Herrera of Houston Ballet has many special performances on her plate. She came to me with the need of a good universal tutu: Sugar Plum, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and any other classical rhinestone, and tulle draped lead role that may come her way.

The above sketch i sent Melody turned out to be what i like to call a "splash and a hand" design. It's a bunch of wavy lines, loops, and squiggles. In the construction of this tutu I've challenged my self to really read the design and convey as much of what i put on paper as possible.
Below is the start.

The picture above is the very fist layer of several on the center front panel of the bodice. The flat lining is cotton twill topped with a cream file, the colored floral pieces are dupiono silks that i will applique' and the edge of the pieces are airbrushed with a soft pink floral so that they blend into the rest of the bodice which is more pink.

Below is the next layer of embroidery, and beaded lace that tops off and tones down the applique' and painting.

I was very lucky to found a lace with patterns that are a mirror image, it makes the frankensteining cut and piece work of the lace much easier. Once the lace is applied and drips onto other bodice pieces i will incorporate a few petite silken flowers and some additional crystals and bead work.

I will post more pictures as the tutu starts to take shape.