This outfit was inspired by my favourite book character: Tiffany Aching from I Shall Wear Midnight by Sir Terry Pratchett. I was motivated to bring her dress to life and be able to proudly wear it to conventions with other readers of Pratchett's work. To create a convincing costume, I consulted the book's descriptions of the dress and examined the fashions of the 1890s. However, I also drew in unique modern influences- like the James Webb Space Telescope- to develop the themes of the costume and draw it close to my interests. Throughout this project, I have learned so much about fabric, history, and the creative process. Through deep research into the historical uses of fabrics, I gained great appreciation for the fabrics and learned how to innovatively adapt each one to my design ideas. By embarking on such a large project I learned firsthand the struggles and joys of bringing my creative vision to life. One such joy was the experience of learning the aspects of sewing I enjoy, particularly handsewing and beading where I slowly crafted the costume exactly as I desired, leaving me with a sense of lasting satisfaction. However, the challenges in this project were as great as the joys. In particular, the time management of it required great discipline and tested my determination, especially to progress during the more mundane phases of the project. The outfit itself is composed of a capelet, a bodice, and a split-skirt, designed in a 1890s Victorian style: an hourglass silhouette with puffed sleeves, a fitted waist, and a full A-line skirt. The design also has a great sense of movement, created by diagonal and swirling lines all over the full capelet and skirt which whirl around when worn. The beads glow in the dark, referencing the midnight sky; the glowing patterns of galaxies cover the capelet, while hand knitted lace resembles nebulae. The split-skirt transforms from a skirt to pants, buttoning open and closed. The bodice also closes with buttons, to easily don the costume. The shape of the skirt and sleeves is made by the stiff organdy lining, which is neatly secured on the inside for comfort. Despite the customised close-fitted pattern, the costume is surprisingly comfortable, with light cotton for hot weather, but warm velour that can easily be put on or off. And of course, it has pockets.
