I finished sewing the gown! This must be a record time for me, especially since I spent so long fiddling around with the trim. Today I spent six straight hours hand-sewing the hem and the final parts of the trim.
Also this weekend, I bought the black chiffon for the veil. Went with the dirt-cheap poly chiffon, having decided that silk chiffon was out of my budget right now. As with the trim, I can always upgrade later, if so desired.
Purchased some dimensional paint and a gold-leafing kit for the crown. This will go over a buckram frame that I might reinforce with papier-maché for strength and a smooth surface.
Next up, a rolled hem for the veil and making the crown itself!
Bodice
Front of gown
Closeup of trim
Sleeves, side of gown
Completed gown