I found some throwback photos of probably my first BIG costume project! I was in LOVE with the movie The Mask of Zorro (1998), and wanted to copy the gown that Elena wears in the dance scene. I wore it to the Gaskell Ball in October 2009 (ooof that is a long time ago!) and later sold it on eBay.

Looking back I see all kinds of errors and fitting issues, but hey, I was still really new to sewing in general and was quite proud of myself at the time!

 I used Past Patterns Ball gown Bodice #704, and just made the skirt up as I went. The black lace was stolen off of an old lace bed jacket from the 80's! 

 I used an entire can of gold spray paint on the lace, it was black and purchased from Jo-Anns. The bodice and overskirt were made of a polyester taffeta, and the white skirt was muslin.  

Here is a photo of the original gown from the film, worn by the lovely Catherine Zeta Jones.

As you can see I let off the lace sleeves, I felt I didn't need them but I kind of wish I had added them.

SO pretty!

Overall, it was fun to wear and a huge learning curve for me to make! Makes me want to watch this movie again.....