Arwen chase dress

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For my first real sewing project (besides pillows, quilts, and easy stuff like pajamas :) I decided that I would try to make a replica of the dress worn by Arwen (Liv Tyler) in the movie The Fellowship of the Ring, during the scene where she is chased by the Nazgul while carrying the wounded Frodo to Rivendell.

It seemed fairly easy to make for a beginning pattern modifier like myself, plus, after spending large amounts of time on the LOTR Costume research site, now officially my favorite place to go whenever I'm online, I found that a pattern that I had already could be fairly easily transformed into the costume.

The pattern that I am using is Simplicity 9891, which I got on a whim because I thought the designs looked fun, but after closer study realized that it was Simplicity's answer to the female elves' costumes in LOTR. My guesses are that view A, the turquoise dress w/ white sleeves is based on Galadriel's prologue dress (see the LOTR costume site if you want to research it), view B is a general elf or maybe even a hobbit dress, and View C is based on Arwen's purple Rivendell farewell dress.

The design that I am using is view C--the large picture on the left, the blue dress with the black sash. There are several major modifications that must be made to get the look of the riding outfit. Here is a full length picture of the original dress to give you a better idea at what we're looking at:

First of all, the skirt needs to be split in 4 places to make the separate panels: front, back, and both sides. Also, the bell sleeves need to be split at the elbow, to show the undersleeves, which I'll get to later. Also, the collar will need to be more rounded off, lacing added to the front, a sash to be sewn into the back (which you can't see in this picture, but is evident in the film and in pictures on the LOTR site.) and the zipper moved from the back of the dress to the front, for a more authentic look.

Finishing touches to be added much later would be a silver buckle to be tied below the lacing, an underskirt, split on the sides, plum colored leggings, grey gloves, and grey boots, and for complete accuracy, the evenstar necklace, elf ears, and even a long brown wig if you want.

I will try to guide you through the whole process, and you're welcome to sew along with me if you want, but keep in mind that I'm sort of teaching myself pattern modification as I go along, so bear with me and I will try to be as thorough as possible when updating this page and giving new info.

Until then, good luck and happy sewing!

UPDATES

Update 12/1/02--I started the muslin copy of the dress and as of right now, all the pieces are cut out, marked, and steps 1, 2 and 3 are completed (steps 3, 8, and 11 on the printed instructions).. I took pictures of the dress after each step with my brother's fun new digital camera and have them somewhat organized.

Update: 12/12/02--Just as a side note, the design of my dress has changed completely; the bodice is now separate from the skirt panels, which are much smaller and petal shaped. Also, I have freehanded a new sleeve pattern, which looks more like the elven style than the flared out pattern sleeves. Hopefully I can get the some pics posted soon showing how the dress is really going to look.

Update: 12/17/02--Unfortunately, my dress will not be finished in time for TTT, but it is coming along nicely--the bodice in my gray fabric is almost done, except for the facing on the collar, the sleeves, and the lacing in the front. I'll post more pics when life stops getting so insane.

Update 12/18/02--Just got back from seeing TTT--it was absolutely amazing!! Go see it, you will not be disappointed!

Update 12/24/02--Have a Merry Christmas!!

Update 12/26/02--I shortened the skirt petals and added the loops for the front lacing, as well as sewing on the back sash. Also, I have started the spiderweb-like pattern on the inside of the collar--I am using fabric paint, and it doesn't look half bad so far. I promise pics will be posted soon :) Really I will!!