Calling all YLF Sewists and Divas!

I'm planning to make a long skirt for my upcoming turn as soprano soloist in an area Messiah. I was looking for a Downton Abbey inspired brocade or velvet for a draped, tulip front skirt (kind of like photo #4) but couldn't find suitable fabric. What did I find? This brilliant (or whackadoodle, can't decide which) silky print.

I'm imagining a treatment like photo 3 -- skirt only, with black netting overlay. I think I'd choose a simple top, likely black, perhaps a fine-gauge t-neck with scrunched sleeves and one statement bangle. A crisp black shirt might work as well. Purple and cobalt would "go," but might be a little OTT.

Whatdya think? Unique and powerful, or too much? This is an afternoon performance, but a Messiah requires full-length, I think. BTW --- the pattern is called "Abstract Peacock." Perfect for a soprano!

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13 years ago

Carole

Veteran

Wow, that's stunning fabric and I love the style of the skirt you post. Since its a solo performance you wouldn't need to coordinate with anyone, right? I say go for it. You will look gorgeous in those colors.

MsMary

I don't think it's possible to go overboard when singing Handel! What fun! I love to sing along with all the soloists on my recording of the "Messiah!". I wish I could attend your performance! you will be gorgeous!

Scarlet

Not a sewer, but that looks like a gorgeous fabric and dress style! I agree with MK, you can't be too bold for a gig like this. gorgeous!

Ingunn

(website)

THis will be just brilliant. The fabric is beautiful, and with a tulle overlay, it will be very sophisticated. How wonderful that you can sing like that - I wish I could come.

Caro in Oz

I think a simple black top would work really well with this. It is gorgeous fabric & I love the idea of the tulle overlay, very diva.

lyn67

Oh, you'll be the most gorgeous diva on that performace! Mesh overlay is such a sophisticated look in my book, and that print is glamorous!!!! cannot wait to see you in this!!! Excellent ideea!

Mirp

Active Member

Gorgeous fabric. I'm sure you will look great in it.

Anonymous

Awesome print and fabric. I am loving the idea of the black netting overlay too. Big thumbs up from me. I'd love to see you perform. I got to say, YLF has a collection of the most talented women on the planet.

Karie

I am a sewer, and I love the print and the style of dress you chose. The black netting overlay will make it stunning. Can't wait to see the finished outfit, please post pictures!

Ornella

Breathtakingly beautiful, Beth Ann! The idea of netting is fantastic. I am excited just thinking about the finished garment and what you'll look like in it. I do agree that the simple top with statement bangle would be just perfect.

And if only I could hear you sing....

Beth Ann

Thanks for all the feedback! Sometimes these prints can overwhelm, so I wanted to throw it out to the community. It's really hard to find performance wear that is out of that ordinary "mother of the bride" variety in my price point.

Oh, and Carole: The rule in the opera/singing community is that everyone needs to match the soprano. I'm kinda like the bride. Gotta love that!

Wow, Beth Ann! You will be Queen for the Day, I wish I could come. I envy your amazing talent.

bj1111

LOVE! what are you planning to wear on top?

JulieJohn

Oh, Beth Ann, that will be stunning and lovely! I can't wait to see the finished product modeled on you with your black top. What a divine, diva-worthy skirt that is going to be!

BJ ---- I'm going to keep the top simple. I'll wait to buy it until I see the finished product of the skirt, but I'm imagining a fine gauge turtleneck, or perhaps a crisp black blouse with a popped collar. This last option was inspired by Angie's prom post from last spring, and her recent post on maxis with chunky sweaters (although chunky would never work for Handel, my top will be more streamlined).

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Mander

Wow, awesome print! I love it!

I think this sounds like a fantastic outfit.

shiny

Gorgeous fabric. I do not think the pattern will overwhelm at all. I love the idea of paring with a crisp white shirt, ala Angie style.

Can't wait to see the finished project!!!

cjh

Beth Ann, this fabric is gorgeous. Is it very drapey? If it is like a peach skin weight or silky satin, the tulle could work very well, but if it has more body closer to a taffeta, you might think about using black organza as an overlay instead. It would be a bit more opaque, perhaps. Then I could see using a gored or circular style pattern. Like this http://www.simplicity.com/p-21.....kirts.aspx

Or The black one on this pattern http://www.etsy.com/listing/78.....simplicity

CJH -- Thanks for the pattern suggestions! It is a silky blend (oh, my better get a fresh needle and be prepared to pin the daylights out of it before cutting). I will probably take the skirt to the fabric store and actually "try out" the netting fabrics over top of it. I figure that I the more I gather, the more opaque it will get. I may do the netting as a complete overskirt on a black band, much like the dress is constructed in the picture. I think I want a little more opacity than the model dress, however.

Wish me luck. Maybe I'll have to do my singing practice while I sew! Not far off from "Whistle While You Work."

How exciting! I've never sung a solo in The Messiah, but I've provided piano accompaniment for a choir a performance of it. That dress is stunning, and you look fantastic. I say go for it!

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