FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Hermione’s Yule Ball Gown
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Todd Welvaert, Two Rivers Photography, https://www.tworiversphoto.com/
Outline the story …
I always pictured Hermione’s Yule Ball gown as a floaty, periwinkle dress, as described by Harry on pg. 414 in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is why, when I saw the Goblet of Fire movie, and she walked down the steps in a pink dress, I was confused. What was this nonsense? Based on the time period, and Hermione’s Muggle upbringing, and based on the premise that the students did not leave the school between summer and winter breaks, I surmised that Hermione’s mother would have sent her a dress - albeit from a Muggle shop - to make up for not being able to shop with her for the event. Given it was the ‘90s, I was sure it would have been a higher-necked prom dress, with the ombre fabric that was popular then, and beaded, although in a subtle way. Once she received it, Hermione likely saw her dorm mates’ dresses, and realized it didn’t fit the bill for a witch’s dress robe. Gladrags Wizardwear had a location in Hogsmeade, as we know from the advertisements at the Quidditch World Cup, so it’s likely she would have gone to the shop on a Hogsmeade visit, and found a floaty robe to go over the dress, plus the to-be-famous purple beaded bag. A quick spell for a flower for her hair, (courtesy M&S Schmalberg) and voila, a Yule ball ensemble fit for the brightest witch of our age!
Outline the construction…
I have never made any kind of garment, so I started by taking my measurements as instructed on the Foundations Revealed corset document from Cathy Hay. This was immensely helpful, as I could then determine what size of pattern to buy. I found the Vogue Pattern V1615 at Joann's - although I had to alter it, not realizing it contained a lace section at the top. I cut the pattern, did a mockup out of an old sheet, adjusting and basting a few times. Then I used that to cut a pattern out for the Quidditch-themed lining fabric (another sheet). It took some time, but I was able to sew it together and practice the darts. I then edited the paper pattern just slightly. For the top layer, I used a blue ombre cotton fabric which, post-washing, would not lose its wrinkles despite all attempts. I realized I’d have to piece part of the train and sides, which worked out fine in the end. The real challenge was fitting the lining into the dress. I ended up redoing the neckline twice, and then putting in an additional facing on that part. I hand-sewed the straps, hem and all the Swarovski crystals. For the robe, I used a periwinkle silk organza, then watched a video from Mood Fabrics about how to sew the seams, and took my time with it, folding, ironing the folds, then pinning and ironing each hem before sewing and adding the snaps and crystals.
Absolutely delightful! Great fit, and the colour is sublime! Those seams!! <3
Oh thank you! That’s so kind! 🙂
Gorgeous!
Thank you! 🙂
ABSOLUTELY it MUST be blue. So much thought went into your dress I love it!
Team Blue! 🙂 Thank you so much!
The story of your choices for the gown are wonderful. Of course it would have been a variation on a muggle 90s prom gown. Love it!
Oh, thank you! Yes, not even the wizard world could escape ’90s fashion, I’m afraid… 😉
Yeah, that pink dress….no go. Love your line of thoughts on the gown, and the gown itself is beautiful.
Thank you so much! Yes, team blue all the way! 🙂
This is so beautiful! I wish they would have use this version in the movie as well.
Battle between pink and blue… makes me think of Sleeping Beauty when the fairies battle for the color.
Great job and I love that your overdress actually looks like a robe like Hermione’s described to be wearing in the book!
Thank you so much!
What a fun visual! (Ideas for future iterations of the movie/book? :)) Thank you so much!
I love the crisp lines and the way the overdress floats around you!
Oh, thank you!
So pretty on you, and the whole thought process is inspired in the truest way!
Thank you so much!
As a child of the 90s I love how many thoughts you put into the why’s and how’s!
You’re right, movie versions left me confused many times….
The ombré effect is realy nice and the little pearls a beautiful detail! well done!
’90s kids unite! 🙂 Thank you – truly appreciate it!
I had the same reaction as you did and you are now the only Yule Ball Hermione I will ever need!
Glad I wasn’t the only one! Thanks! 🙂
Wow, so nicely done. I can’t believe you consider yourself a beginner. I love that fabric, blue does it for me! Thank you!
This looks amazing!
I love how this turned out and the colors are superb.
I love your interpretation of Hermione’s gown! (I was immensely confused by the movie version as well :/ )