'Cupcake' Robe a la francaise with a twist XD

And heeeeeeeeere comes my big project for Venice Carnival 2014
Back in December, when I bought my embroidery machine, I decided that I wanted to make something a little crazy and sweet for Carnival, and thous this piece was born XD

My original plan was to make a full robe, ankle-lenght like the historical ones, but then the effect wouldn't have been crazy like I wanted, so I opted for a short version XD it was also waaaaaay less expensive than a full one, added bonus
Not to mention that embroidering the short one would have been quicker, so yes, in the end it was a simple choice

The robe is an actual historical cut made with off white furniture velvet (cheaper and lighter than fashion velvet) and aqua green silk with rose pattern (scraps I had from another costume XD) for the skirt and stomacher, worn over stays and pocket hoops+lightweight crinoline
The frills are made with two layers, like the sleeve puffs, one layer is a transparent white-multicolor-shades organza and one is a baby blue-with-gold-feckles semi transparent stretch voile I especially love these two fabrics
The robe is a single back/skirt piece pleated on the shoulders from 2mt to 40cm (yes, there's a LOT of fabric under the pleats XD) + two front pieces + arms + frills. It closes on the front in a completely unhistorical fashion, one side of the stomacher is sewn on the dress and the other side sports a very elegant velcro strap XD
Elegant, I know. I'm just too lazy to make eyes and hooks and I need to dress myself quickly XD

All the embroideries are made by me using my Brother Innovis 5000 embroidery machine If you're looking for a semi professional machine go for it! It's incredibily functional, and it also sews! I got mine with a promotion so I don't know the original price, but it's really worth every cent you spend on it I still don't own an embroidery design program so I usually buy the designs of ask for them to the dealer where I bought the machine, I highly suggest you take a look at www.emblibrary.com/ and www.urbanthreads.com/ , they are my favourite embroider shops! The designs stitch perfectly and they have a HUGE selection!
Most of the designs for this dress come from EmbroiderLibrary, and two from Urban Threads. I will upolad a reference deviation later on
All designs are stitched with silk thread that gives them a shiny feel
Other details include the gold mesh bling on the hem&between the frills (left overs from my Belle cosplay XD) and brown paillettes on the sleeves (left overs from my OUAT Belle cosplay XD)

The original concept was "sweets!", but in the end it became more and more "cupcakes (with some additional other sweets)!" ....it's not my fault if the cutest designs sport cupcakes recently!! XXXDD

...I also made a matching bag with cupcakes. Yes. I went a little crazy with this project XD

Total sewing time (pattern making-cut-stitch): 8 hours
Total embroidery time: 50+ hours O____O
Yes. It was terribily long XD
But I'd do it all over again!! I had so much fun making it, and since it was my first real embroidering project I'm very attached to it not to mention that I had a blast wearing it XXXXDDD

Costume concept/design/making: me XD
Embroideries design: EmbroiderLibrary & Urban Threads
Embroidery: me XD
Photo&very poor editing: me XD

WIP and other pictures on Facebook and Instagram

 This work is not stock and is protected by creative commons - ask permission before using (chances are high that I'll say yes xD)!!