Queen Elizabeth Halloween Costumes

For Halloween 2007, I created a Queen Elizabeth I costume for my youngest daughter.

Queen Elizabeth I Gown or Dress

To create the lines of this coronation dress, I had to use two different patterns - one for the square neck (Butterick 4884), the other (Simplicity 5835) for the pointed dropped waist. I used heavyweight interfacing for the front of the bodice to give it the stiff, crisp look of the original. I lined it with brown silk so the interfacing doesn't rub against the skin. Rather than gather the skirt before sewing into the bodice, I folded the fabric to resemble the pleating in the portrait. We added velvet trim to the wrists and rhinestone encrusted trim to the waist. For hip bustles, I stuffed very small pockets about 3" x 6" and stitched them into the side seams at the waist.

Coronation Crown

I started with a flat sheet of metal and created the parts for the crown. I then folded the parts - base into a circle, the bands curving down onto the base and riveted them together. I covered the rivets and the rest of the crown with large Swavorski rhinestones.

Jewel Encrusted Scepter and Necklace

To continue the regal theme, I created a large cross necklace that matches the cross on top of the crown. In addition, I made a scepter out of a brass curtain rod and glued additional rhinestones onto the top and bottom of it using E6000 glue.

Cape

Even though the cape in the portrait was long and full, I chose practicality over authenticity in this instance and made a short cape with side slits. The side slits allow my daughter to have her hands free for her scepter and her trick-or-treat bag, which in this case is a gold "designer" handbag. Might a well make your handbag match your outfit!

Finishing Details

We found some pretty lace-covered shoes to finish out the look. She chose to wear gold spiral earrings with gorgeous dichroic glass center stones by artist Katya.

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