Burda Style For people who sew
Victorian Skunk Costume
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Description
Several years ago, I saw a “silly doodle” of a skunk, by a woman named Ursula Vernon. The skunk was rocking out to music on a pair of headphones, and I thought “wouldn’t it be awesome to make a skunk costume?” They’re such underappreciated little beasts; they’re cute, they make pretty cool pets, they’re amazingly adaptive.
So I started looking around, and eventually decided that a Victorian era bustle dress would do well for a skunk’s tail, and so my Victorian Skunk quest was begun. Two years ago, I bought the fabric. This year, I finally got the pattern I wanted. I will also be using this pattern for my wedding dress.
The dress is made up of the Laughing Moon Mercantile Silverado corset, the Truly Victorian Bustle pattern 101, and the Truly Victorian Parisian Trained Skirt with poufs.
I will be adding white lace ruffles along the back of the corset, and around the pouf to finish off the skunk look. It will be removed again and I’ll re-trim in black for a vampire themed halloween ball we will be attending.
Material Notes
Silk of some kind; The backside is true black, the front is a really dark pewter color. The corset is boned with steel bones; I decided not to bother with front closure, and just sewed it shut. The bustle (not pictured) is white cotton muslin, trimmed with lace. All trim on the dress itself was hand made by me, since the fabric isn't true black.
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11 Comments
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Oct 23, 2009, 03.42 AMby Tila70
gorgeous
Oct 22, 2009, 03.40 PMby catherinejsandy
Absolutely stunning! How did you make the piece underneath the corset?
1 Reply
Oct 23, 2009, 02.00 AMby D3liriums4m4
Catherinejsandy: I’m not sure what you’re asking about. If you’re refering to the ruffle on the top edge of the corset, I actually used a ruffle foot to create pleats in one edge of fabric, and then stretched the ruffle flat on top and ironed it, and folded it to make a scallop. I sewed it on by hand. I hope that makes sense.
Oct 20, 2009, 03.42 PMby LaTulipeNoire
AMAZING! You completely rocked this design and your choice of fabric was genious. i can’t wait to see what you do to it next!
Oct 19, 2009, 10.52 PMby ashchaser
This is fantastic! Not only are skunks so cute when they aren’t spraying you, that is an extremely creative costume and deserves a few awards.
Oct 19, 2009, 10.48 PMby sophienissirios
Very beautiful :-)
Oct 19, 2009, 07.52 PMby D3liriums4m4
Thank you all for your kind words! I will be posting pictures of the dress at both the Vampire ball, and on halloween, since it’ll be a skunk for halloween, and a vampire’s ball gown for the other event.
This dress was a lot easier than it looks, to be honest. The skirt is only 9 pieces, plus trim! The top is an actual corset; they’re not difficult, they’re just a lot of steps… and knowing that you shouldn’t buy boning until you’re actually ready to insert it, so that you can get the right length (I learned this the hard way).
Oct 19, 2009, 07.30 PMby elishafaerie
Wow, well done! That looks like so much work! I love the bustle era as well. -
Oct 19, 2009, 07.13 PMby imperfections
Great dress and beautiful work!! Hope you post pics after Halloweeen of you rockin it!
Oct 19, 2009, 07.08 PMby CarotteSauvage
Gosh! That’s so impressive! Amazing!
Oct 19, 2009, 07.03 PMby Rhosyncoch
Wow, that is an outstandingly beautiful dress – words just don’t do it justice.
Oct 19, 2009, 06.55 PMby bellamabella
i need a new word for love. thats how much i love this dress..WOW!
amazing!