Destiny of the Daleks or What the Frock?!

Before I begin, I want to give many thanks and all my praise to Steve Ricks and his blogs on all of the Doctor costumes. Had it not been for him, there is no way I could have even attempted to create Romana's pink frock.

Next, the fabric. I'm really, really bad, and rather than make a muslin pattern, I just dove right in. Since I knew from Mr. Rick's blog that the fabric used was a coarse wool, and because I was pressed for time and resources, I chose a tan colored wool. After cutting out all pieces* I would need, I attempted to dye the fabric. And I used cheap-o RIT dye in a washer. Fuchsia. I wanted to make sure the color was even, and so I would let it agitate for awhile, let it sit, agitate, and after about 2 hours, I finally let the washer go through the whole cycle. And the result was PERFECT (at least for me).

*It took me several attempts to get the right lapel shape, which I did actually do out of muslin. I'm not completely bad...

There was no shrinking, but obviously that is a risk taken when dying 100% wool.

Next began the construction. I have altered frocks before, but never constructed one. I wanted to be true to cosplay standards, so I resolved to serge NOT ONE SINGLE PIECE.

Construction was fast, but then...the lining. Oh the lining. I used cotton. Because I'm dumb. DON'T USE COTTON! We use cotton in a lot of costumes for the opera because they're more conducive to being worn a lot. After constructing the whole darn thing, I had to rip out the lining and start over again with a silky polyester.

I used a maroon velvet for the collar and trim, but after further research, I have decided to replace it all with a more orangey/pink color so that it is more accurate...eventually...at some point...

The pants were faster to construct than the coat because I didn't line them. Romana's pants are VERY high-waist, with a seam down the front of the legs, a front zipper, and contrast on the waist.

 My pattern didn't call for a front zipper, but since there was some room in the fit, I was able to make it work. Because I did this, my waistband is not right. Again, because I was pressed for time, I assembled with what I had. I will one day re-make it.

Small items to mention: Covered buttons from the fabric and front piping.
Button holes were not added to the front lapels. Apparently I don't own a machine that does them. They're decoration, but I need them there.
Suspenders: They now have their own blog post.
Scarf: Cut from two pieces of polyester, with fringe trim
Blouse: From Goodwill. Soon to have their own blog post.
Boots: From Burlington Coat Factory. They also have their own blog post.

This is the first product, as worn to Robercon, 2015.