Cinderella’s Rags Breakdown

So after a really long hiatus, I’ve decided to start sewing again. And since my first Not So Scary party of the year is in a week, I figured I should start now with something simple. I’ve always thought Cinderella’s rags were actually kind of pretty, plus my friend is going as the fairy godmother (which I also have to make, oops) so it’s perfect.

The dress is pretty simple- loose ¾ length sleeves, a slightly fitted bodice, and an A-line skirt. All it needs from there is an apron, a pair of black ballet flats, and a blue hair ribbon. Sometimes Cindy also wears a white kerchief, but I probably won’t bother with that. But really, it’s just a hemmed square of white cloth, so I’m not really concerned if I do decide to make it.

While her skirt in the movie is an A line shape, I think it’ll translate better in real life as a circle or half circle skirt. Probably a full circle, because I have a penchant for spinning. In order to have more fullness, I’m going to add a gathered muslin slip layer underneath. Basically a tulle-free petticoat. Besides, Cinderella most likely had some kind of plain petticoat under her dress if this was an actual time period. Also, petticoats are fun.

And because I’m a sensible human I’m also adding pockets.

Typically I’m a big proponent of getting lifelike fabrics. Like…if I was doing Snow White’s dress, I’d get velvet for the bodice and matte satin for the skirt, maybe with some embroidered texture to it, rather than just solid cotton or costume satin. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! That’s just what I like to do personally. I was thinking about that for this project- corduroy for the bodice and heavy linen for the skirt- but I’m on a time crunch and I’d rather grab accurate colors than search for the Perfect Fabrics. Besides, they’re rags. Cinderella probably wore cotton.

So all in all I bought:

3 1/2 yards white muslin for the petticoat and apron
2 1/2 yards light brown cotton for the skirt
1 yard dark brown cotton for the bodice
½ yard light blue cotton for the sleeves
14” dark brown zipper
6 yards white eyelet trim for the petticoat (yes I am that weirdo)
1 yard blue ribbon for my hurr

And a pair of black ballet flats, because I have a pair and they’re painfully too small and I really should get rid of them.

Next up: cutting pieces