Pelham Puppet redressed as Scarlet O'hara in her blue velvet portrait gown -

 A Pelham Puppet redressed as the fabulous Scarlett O'hara from the classic film 'Gone with the Wind' - 

Dressed in her blue velvet portrait gown. 

This gown was created for a patron's commission and is inspired by the blue gown worn by Scarlett in the huge portrait which graces her and Rhett's Atlanta mansion.

I selected to use a Pelham Puppet Ballet Girl as the base, as the face and expression reminded me of the amazing English actress, Vivien Leigh, who played Scarlett in the film and won an Oscar for the role. I then added the moulded arms from a Pelham Fairy puppet, as I felt they would be more attractive/suitable for the low neck-lined and puffed sleeved bodice that the design required.

The hair was cleaned with soapy water - while still attached - brushed smooth and then restyled into a classic chignon at the back of the head. A blue satin bow was then attached with stay stitching. The crinoline, hooped underskirt is supported by two tiers of satin covered, imitation whale bone boning and trimmed with lace. The bodice is stiffened with buckram and cased boning and is corset laced at it's back.

The main body of the gown is blue cotton velvet and a bodice trim - created by lines of gathered satin ribbon - were added, embellishing the neckline. Gathered lace was then added to the inside hem of the upper bodice and a diamante, pearl-drop brooch stitched to it's centre front. The shawl was crafted from netted, floral lace and fastened at the elbows.

Created by Alexander Sanderson Designs