Morticia - The Addams Family Musical version

For The Addams Family Musical - Wimbledon Light Opera Society I was asked to make Morticia's dress. This version is similar to the one I have made before with some changes to fit the needs of the show.

The dress got a great comment in 'Sardines Magazine': 'The action was complemented with some wonderful costumes (I was extremely envious of Morticia's dress!)...'.

Naomi Fieldus wearing the dress:

Some wonderful production photos by Soundstagestudios.co.uk:

Updates

24 May 2015

The dress is finished! I added some neck line lace I had to the sleeves. I cut around the lace so it doesn't look like it just stops but it's meant to be like it. Furthermore I added bugle beads all the way around the sleeves for some extra sparkle. I'm very happy with how it all turned out! Of course the brah won't show on our Morticia

17 May 2015

I sewed all pieces together, did 2 zips, overlocked all of the lining, put the waist stay in place and attached the buttons and loops to keep the dress up. I also took out the basting stitches (takes so much time, but it's worth it).
I got the sleeves done. It's lined with spider web lace, they just need to be sewn on. I also still need to line the bottom panels, however I had to cut them to the right length with Morticia wearing the dress to make sure they are the right length. And I need to top stitch the neck line at the back and close the lining at the shoulder seems.
My dress form doesn't fit the dress very well.

10 May 2015

In the show, Morticia reveals here legs towards the end just before she and Gomez start dancing an intimate tango routine. Looking at traditional tango dresses, I think this way of pinning the dress back up gives a very nice silhouette.
There is an invisible zip on the side seam to open up the dress and the inner skirt has snap buttons going down. The lining will be attached to the zip.
The waist stay will be on the inside (of course). There is no need for it to keep the bodice in place, however the bottom (without lining) is already too heavy for the bodice seams to keep it up. Therefore I'll add the waist stay and the little loops will come out of the seams to attach the bottom to.
I made two versions of the sleeves, one like the first dress I made and one bell sleeve. We will go for the bell sleeve which I will line with spider web lace.

Here the shell is fully basted together with the inner skirt pinned to it to see what it will look like. I stitched the pattern onto the fabric to make sure it all lines up during the test fit, chalk rubs off too quick.