Ever After #1: Announcing a new BIG project and building a specialized wing-harness corset 

I will admit to being a hair nervous upon your announcement, but as soon as you got to work, you started doing the EXACT thing I love about all your videos and that, in my mind at least, sets you apart in such a wonderful way. You break down patterns, step by step, like nobody else. You are never just "I changed this shape (and probably off camera)," you are "I changed this shape for this purpose, here's the original shape, here's where and how I changed it and WHY. Here's why it did or didn't work." NOBODY else is that thorough. Least not anyone I've found. I just want to say, THANK YOU for being such a great TEACHER. Doesn't matter what you are making, just don't stop the breakdowns. It was only after watching you that I got brave enough to try alterations. I'm very excited to follow this along with your regular clothing videos. Thank you, THANK YOU, for sharing your attention to detail.

I just want to say I’ve loved your more practical, less historybounding videos lately. You honestly make anything you film seem so interesting, informative, and fun that I’d love watching anything you made.

This was the first historical gown that I ever tried making at age 16. I remember doing hand embroidery in typing class in high school! My mom helped a lot also. I still have the dress although the metallic silk is looking worse for wear without proper storage and cleaning. It's still one of my favorite movie dresses ever.

A) I love that you're doing the Just Breathe dress. Classic. Should be beautiful. B) As someone with a similar sewing journey - started sewing costumes, but have transitioned into sewing for wardrobe over the past few years partially due to inspiration from your channel and others, but want to get back into sewing costumes again - I love to see you're dealing with similar need to balance and trade off time. I'm looking forward to the inspiration to do the big movie inspired project over the coming months :)

What girl who has seen the movie doesn’t want this dress?! 🤩 As always, I love your process and attention to detail- you just amaze and inspire me!! I need to get my sewing machine out! ❤🥰😍😘

oh wow I know what it is just from the title. So excited! Edit: have now watched the video. Having made an italian ren gown with similar sleeves and knowing people who have done similar we often cut those straps with the bias curving around the shoulders so they stay on better and stay up with you add the sleeves. Something to consider.

I am so excited to see the progress of this project. Yay for costuming adventures. This is gonna be a wonderful challenge! You got this! Just breathe💖

I love these kinds of videos, I know they’re long and probably a lot of work but I feel like I can actually go make the thing with all this detail and explanation it doesn’t seem so scary

Really looking forward to this! Honestly, I just enjoy your videos, regardless of topic or length. You're just so thoughtful, thorough, caring, informative. So whether a project is fanciful or realistic, outrageous or everyday wearable, I'll be here to watch it. I remember really loving Ever After (I have it on VHS and can see it on the shelf from where I am sitting to type this comment) so I'm excited to watch you bring it to life in your own methodical, bird cameo filled, way.

OMG I love Costumer's Guide and Padawan's Guide! So happy to see that shout out.

My three year old and I were watching this together. During your review she said ''ooooo, she looks beeaaauutiful." Great job!

Oh my goodness, Mariah! I have been obsessed with this dress since I was a little girl, I'm so excited to see you make it!! I look forward to living vicariously through as you undertake this project. 💕

Oh, I LOVE a multi-stage big project, especially coming from you. You explain the steps and your reasoning for alterations so well, to say nothing of the fact that "Ever After" was my absolute favorite movie when it came out (when I was a sophomore in college). Can't wait to see how your version of this confection of a dress turns out!

Awww! Your focused expression while doing a thousand little girly hammer taps, followed by your dad effortlessly and seamlessly popping a bunch of holes in for you, was a very cute father-daughter moment.

I forgot this movie existed, so when I saw wing harness corset, I actually thought it was going to be related to the most recent world building video you posted on this channel 😅 I came excited for that, but stayed for what you're ACTUALLY making But goodness, I would be ecstatic to see you making costumes of your own characters too 😍

Seriously my favorite movie. The first time I watched it I cried the whole movie. Sad, happy, sad, I was just a mess. Wonderful dress. Can't wait to see the journey 🥰

I knew the costume as soon as you opened the box. That was my favorite movie in high school; I had every line of it memorized (and the video rental late fees to prove it).

I love this moment. Best Cinderella ever IMHO. If anything it stands alone as it's own thing.

you did this in just 3 days?? holy moly. the corset looks amazing and i'm very excited to see the rest of this project. i've never seen ever after but i will get on that till the next installment of this series comes out :)

What skill you used in this video is amazing. Your sewing is so good to watch. And love the sewing machine you use. Just imagine years and years ago before the sewing machine how ladies would sew the whole garment all by hand.

this is one of my all time favourites both the movie and the dress... so excited to watch the rest

On my third iteration of a costume that I've been working on for five years and I really needed this video today...

I had the same trouble with spiral steel. I did eventually learn how to put the ends on using two pairs of pliers. You need to be very careful and apply the same pressure on both pairs of pliers, and squeeze the cap closed at the same time width wise and top to bottom while making sure not to pull the end off the bone. It’s doable and not difficult but it takes lots of experience to trust that the ends are going to poke out through your corset fabric. For that, I had a belt and suspenders solution! There is a product available for rubberizing the handles of tools. It’s called “Tool Dip”. Basically it’s a liquid rubber/latex/vinyl that you dip the end in until you get the coating you need. I went for a tiny blob in the shape of a cotton swab but much smaller. You need to be sure that it will still fit in your bone channels. It dries pretty quickly. Again, try it with popsicle sticks or shisk-kabob skewers or coffee stir sticks. It comes in lots of colours. You can also use it on some of your sewing tools. Any tool that hurts your hand can be giving a new comfort handle with one ot two dips. It does tend to dry out fairly quickly if you aren’t careful. I meant to decant some into a smaller container that could be sealed better. You get about 1 1/2 to 2 cups in the can. I learned this from someone who taught bra making. She put some into cleaned out nail polish bottles and called it “tip-dip” for dipping the ends of bra underwires in. I much favour the spiral steel bones. When I was using it in bridal sewing and alterations I bought a 25 yd roll and learned how to use and put the ends on my own custom sized bones. At the time it was cheaper than what the synthetic bones. I doubt the price difference is much less now. I bought them from a company who started doing costumes for a Shakespeare Theatre here in Canada. Now they do a really busy online business. It’s called “Farthingales” here’s the newest link. www.farthingalescorsetmakingsupplies.com/

THIS IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE! I can't wait to see your take on this beautiful costume

This was brilliant to watch someone make alterations to a corset to make it have a shoulder!!!!

I attempted a corset a while back! Ran into the same issue of me not having a typical vertical fit. Maybe this video will get me to try again soon! And I definitely thought you were going to use a drill on those holes lol

What a great dad to help you out with the tools to make your job easier! I'm sure he loved being able to help out in that way.

I'm really looking forward to this series, especially the wings! It'll be really cool to see it all come together.

This was in my recommended and I am quite pleased by the algorithm's choice! Subbed and bell on! Great work on step one!

Side note, I really appreciate you showing a good closeup of the fabric you'll be using. It's so hard to learn about textiles from many costuber videos, cause for the most part you can usually only see the color and maybe the weight. This on the other hand gives me a very good idea of what fabric you're using even if I don't know all the fancy textile terms!

Now that I think about it I wonder how the 16th century dress this was based on worked. Corsetry and boning seems implausible for the turn of the 16th century (this movie's costumes are based on Venetian styles between c.1490 and c.1510, never mind that it's supposed to be French) and I have made a completely supportive underdress of this period with no more structure than 2 layers of linen but crucially it had straps that go straight up over the shoulders to help with that support. The sketch this dress is based on shows the straps right on the point of the shoulder and the engineering doesn't seem to make sense without boning. Boning just doesn't fit the historical evidence of Italy at this time, so I'm not sure if this sketch might have been a bit of artistic licence or maybe some fitting secret I don't understand. I know your goal is different because you're recreating a movie costume including the wings so it's not historically accurate but my brain went in a different direction to the historical original.

Today (and tommorow) I am going to try and pattern Princess Buttercups orange-red dress. And one day I will save up and get the appropriate wool twill from a shop in Germany, the woven pattern is very close. But until then. I am going to make a just slightly more modernized version for my winter dresses. One in merlot wool (that I have) and one in near prussian blue wool (that I soon will) medium weight surge. Stabilizing the hem with flannel, as an experiment. Flatlining with standard cotton lining, because I have decided I am going to be lining everything now. Buttons up the front, instead of lacing up the back, inspired by Princess Grace of Monaco's wedding dress. Gorgeous and practical. Pockets. Because we all know they're there. Secretly being a skirt and blouse. Versatility. What else can I say. Taking some (but only some) of the volume out of the sleeves, I don't have enough fabric for those dirigibles in the original. And instead of those darts under the bosom, I am going to pull the front volume into slight blousing while lowering the bodice down into my natural waistline. It will be more flattering on me that way. Even better! My long thick flannel kirtle/jumper will fit just right underneath, for a winter petticoat. And with the way the caller is, I can wear my warm high neck blouses, letting the collar just peek out from underneath. I plan to do some decorative stitching on everything.

I'm excited to see more costuming on your channel! This is a beautiful dress and I'm excited to see you recreate it I hope that your everyday projects still keep at least a little bit of historical flair though!

can't get enough of your profile pic that smile is just so cute and energetic

Ever After is one of the main things that got me into sewing and interested in costumes when I was younger, so naturally this project will be super exciting to watch unfold! One of the first costumes I tried making from a patter was an ever after style dress. I made it all out of quilting cotton because it was cheap, and I had only really been sewing doll clothes up to then so I did a 1/2 inch seam allowance instead of the standard 5/8 inch. Needless to say it turned out quite a bit larger than I expected 😂

Thank you for all the detail on the grommets! I was having trouble finding detailed information elsewhere. Great tip about avoiding the edge-splitting grommets.

I love this corset! The dress idea is so awesome but even just the corset looks like it would be super useful!

As someone who prefers the steel corsetry eyelets, it is possible to open a hole with an awl, you just need a broader awl. I have a hardwood piece I use. I open the hole with a steel awl then ease it further with the hardwood one. A large knitting needle CAN work, but the taper on an awl is better.

I don’t even sew and I have found this process fascinating… which might be my ADHD talking, but still… thanks for documenting and sharing! I had no idea what all went into constructing a garment like this!

Omg yes! I can't explain how excited I am for this.

This is one of my all time favourite dresses too!!

If this is how you are going to tackle this project, I really can't wait for more. 😊

Love the look of the Corset giving pushup effect

I just watched this yesterday and was really hoping this would happens so now I’m pretty sure I must be a low level prophet. Kidding but this is amazing

I am only just discovering your channel, but you have definitely made a new subscriber out of me. I can’t wait to see your progress with this project!

I get excited for both your practical projects AND your fun costuming projects! There's a lot to learn from watching both. I may not be planning on making a corset that is also a support for wings however, there's further applications for a lot of the info in this video. My favorite thing about this channel is watching your problem solving because that alone is incredibly helpful. While I have never even seen this movie, I'm very excited to see more of this project!

That turned out so beautifully! I’m jealous of your dad’s work shop! Looking forward to seeing more of this. And anything else you want to show us!

It also looks like you have a beautiful foundation for a late Victorian ball gown now too!!

Great video! Having a longer running project is a great idea and the dress itself is such a good choice 🧚‍♀️ The fact that you have different standards for your everyday wear versus your costumes makes sense why it would be more all-or-nothing when it comes to how they are made. In this case compromise is not an option and it seemed to have lost the effects you wanted for both! Looking forward to how that perspective changes your approach from now on. :)

I always loved that dress, so this is very exciting to me. Thank you.

Your microphone isn't so micro. LOL I'm in the same process, it's very rewarding. Really appreciated the section on ripping the boning channels to put the waist tape in properly. It's always worth it or it will haunt.

YES! Amazing project to take on! So looking forward to following this one. You are so inspiring, sharing all your ideas, thoughts and progress so neatly. You’re the best! LOVE IT!

Ooh I love this dress! So excited to see your process and final product!!

Yeeeessss this is one of my favorite all time dresses I'm so excited!

Omg!!!! 😍😍😍😍 amazing. It’s my dream dress too. For sure my bucket list to sew. Can’t wait to follow along

This was incredible!! Wow thank you for taking us on this journey 😍💕

I love that you’re doing this dress! It’s one of my favorite costumes and I’ve always wanted to recreate it! I also appreciate the direction you’re taking your channel. I’m doing something similar. Thus far I’ve only made historical costuming videos but now I’m planning to incorporate some modern wardrobe sewing videos as well. I think both types of videos can have a place in our lives!

SO excited to watch you work on this project!

I've lived in the suburbs of a big city my whole life and I find it fascinating that you just had a turkey in your house. She popped in to see what you were up to and tell you what the chickens were gossiping about lol.

As a short waisted woman with extra 'frontage property,' I really appreciate all the time, physical and mental work that went into making this corset. Bravo!

yesss I'm so excited about this project! loving the progress so far :)

I love this! I find you always have an interesting approach to new and/or complicated sewing projects. Very excited to see the progress with the rest of this costume!

You go queen 👸! That’s my favorite movie I’m so happy you chose to do the dress. I support your decision.

This project is so exciting! Thank you for sharing your work especially for such a gorgeous dress that has stayed with me for as long as I can remember. So hype to see how you engineer the wings!!

Love it!! So excited for the progression of this project. Thanks for sharing and all the details in the mock up were excellent🧚🏼‍♀️

Bless you for listing the music you used.

This is so amazing!

This is my dream dress! I'm so excited to see this all come together!

Very nicely done, bravo

I so enjoyed this video. My sewing skills are not yet proficient enough to follow everything you did, and why, but expect I'll re-watch the videos when my skills improve and will enjoy the series even more. Meanwhile it is still so interesting to try to follow along. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. (And I always enjoy seeing your chickens and turkeys).

I love this so much. To be honest, I'm not subscribed to Bernadette Banner's channel anymore because it's gotten a little too pretentious for me. The way you film, keep the pace going without making me feel overwhelmed with information and, of course, all of the knowledge you impart are, in my opinion, perfect. I'm so glad I've found you, if not a little late in the game :)

This is so exciting! Great video!

So good to see you growing and challenging yourself. Be assured, we'll be here to journey with you.

Oh wow, the end result was amazing, super excited to see more of this project 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The inspiration for this project looks awesome! Any chance this is a Worldbuilding crossover? 👍👍

Really enjoying your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Yey I'm so excited for this! This costume is so, so pretty!

This is my first experience of your channel I’m very excited for seeing this completed Thank you for sharing this with us

Ohhh i'm so excited!! I'm doing some of the goldwork embroidery on commission for a friend. Its a stunning costume, and I can't wait to see how you approach it!

Looking forward to following along on your long-term project! Love all your videos, you're informative and enjoyable to watch, and I really appreciate that you share not just the flaws but all the steps you made up to it and how you edit them. I absolutely love the dress you're about to take on and can hardly wait to see your final reveal -all in good time, of course; Just Breathe!

Yes! I am here for this!

Absolutely lovely! Yes. Yes. Yes. More please.

I am so excited about this new direction you’re taking! I also keep a list of my favourite movie costumes/dress so that I can make one day! (I don’t know how to sew yet, but I want to start before the year ends!) Thank you for inspiring us. I cannot wait to watch you make this gorgeous dress!!

I'm really excited to follow this project! Ever After has amazing costumes!

I love the long projects and am working on a couple myself. I’ll certainly enjoy watching this come together!

This is SO HELPFUL when it comes to drafting a corset, thank you!

This was fun! Can't wait to see the rest.

I've never seen your videos (and I admit I haven't even watched this one yet). But I can tell what dress/outfit you're making from the "Just breathe" title and the colors of the blurred photo!! So excited!!

I am SO HYPE for this series of videos! I agree with you about going all the way for costumes, especially if it's a costume that you clearly love so much as to want to make it for so long.

This came out wonderfully! I’m excited to see the progress of this dress and am thankful for the other projects that will be interspersed.

One of my favorite looks 😍

One of my favorite dresses of all time. Can't wait to see yours! ❤️ The foundation is lovely!

Wow.... Very impressive 👍 that's some great work right there. Amazing well done you ❤️

Amazing, loving the journey! You put in the hard work and it's paid off!

Love this pivot for you and the channel, thank you for sharing your amazing work!

Very excited about this new format !!! I love longer projects divided into several videos, and I'm sure I'll enjoy this one a lot!!!

YESSS this dress is amazing, finally someone is making this!

YES YES YES have always loved this gown!

Sharing the zigs and zags of your journey is so helpful for us perfectionists! Can’t wait to see everything you make-fantastical or otherwise:)

It turned out amazing, cheers to this new project!