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The 2nd Greatest Showman

When I came across a Facebook post about needing entertainment for a The Greatest Showman-themed birthday party, I was all over it. I believe I’ve talked about my love of that movie here before. I have done multiple Princess parties before, and loved it so much. And I am so excited that this is my first party under my new company Favorite Fables Entertainment, LLC. https://favoritefablesententertainment.com/. I didn’t have long before the party was to happen, so I quickly started on a costume.


I was lucky enough to find generous yardage of (what I assume to be) gray polyester wool at a thrift store. The skirt was the first project I started for this costume. It is the largest circle I could cut from the fabric. I made it a high-low by cutting the waist circle closer to one edge. Don’t ask me how I installed the zipper; It’s different every time. I did a waistband in the usual way. First, I attached the skirt to one side of the waistband. Second, I folded the waistband in half to cover the seam allowance and top-stitched it down. And that was it! I didn’t even bother hemming it, since the wool doesn’t fray. I’ll probably hem it later with horsehair braid for more volume and pizzaz.


Please enjoy the best twirling skirt photo I've ever captured. (Honestly, it isn't that good. But it's the best anyway)

The waistcoat is probably my favorite piece of this ensemble. It’s so sophisticated and chic. And the curves are beautiful. I used Black Snail Patterns 1890s Vests, View B. There was one step in the instructions that could have been written a little bit clearer, but I eventually figured it out. I didn’t have time to order a special canvas for the interlining/strength layer. So I used some cotton/polyester twill from the stash. It seems to have done the job well enough. But if I use a thin fashion fabric next time, I will order some tarlaton for strength. And I WILL be making another Victorian waistcoat. I used to think I hated vests. But now I know I just hadn’t found the right one yet.


This blouse has served me faithfully for many years and in several different costumes. I first made it for my Pirate Queen Belle costume. It next made an appearance in my Hobbit cosplay. I think the lace on the cuffs add the perfect dash of drama. I may have to make a new version, maybe in white rather than cream. Someday, I'll make a red coat to finish off this look. I have one, but it's just too small to fit over all the layers of this costume.


To finish off this ensemble, I wore a yellow scarf, also from Pirate Belle, tied around my neck. And the top hat is a last minute find from Amazon. Overall, I adore this costume.


Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of Pixie Dust

Sarah
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