How to Create a Miss Electra Costume for a Gypsy
The musical "Gypsy" follows Gypsy Rose Lee and her mother as they try to succeed in vaudeville in the early 1900s. The process of becoming a star is difficult for gypsy, and she eventually becomes part of a group of showgirls who dance burlesque and perform strip teases. Some of the women Gypsy dances with are Miss Mazeppa, Miss Tessie and Miss Electra. Miss Electra is an outgoing character who wears flashy costumes. Some people even add electric lights to her costume. You can use some creative license when making the costume; however, it should be period appropriate.
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Things You'll Need
- Leotard
- Sequins
- Ruffles
- Lace
- Scissors
- Ribbons
- Battery operated Christmas lights
- Sewing machine
- Large hat
- Long, flouncy skirt
- Snap closure
- Thigh-high stockings
- Garters
- Tap shoes or high heel shoes
- Hair elastics
- Hairpins
Instructions
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Sew ruffles and lace to the body of the leotard. Sew ruffles or lace around the neckline of the leotard, or sew a line of ruffles down the front or sides of the leotard. Sew a line of ruffles to the top of the opening of each leotard leg. You can also sew ruffles to the seat of the leotard for a flirty look. The costumes worn by Miss Electra are very gaudy and excessive. Sew some battery operated Christmas lights around the top of the costume bodice or the leg openings.
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2
Cut a long slit in the skirt from the bottom hem through the waist of the skirt. Alter the closure of the skirt so that it is easy to take on and off. You can sew on a snap closure to keep the skirt closed.
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3
Embellish the hat with sequins, lace and ribbons. Tie the lace and ribbons around the brim of the hat. Make a large bow from ribbons and sew it to the crown of the hat. Hand sew the sequins to the ribbons or the hat in circle patterns, or randomly around the hat crown and brim. Sew another string of battery operated electric lights or Christmas lights around the brim of the hat for a dazzling effect.
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4
Put on the leotard. Put on the thigh-high stockings and place the garter belt over the leotard. Wear tap shoes over the stockings. If you can't find tap shoes, or do not wish to purchase them, you can use high heel shoes instead. Snap the skirt in place over the garters and leotard.
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5
Put your hair up in a bun or braid at the top of your head. If you braid your hair, pin it around your head like a halo if your hair is long, or tuck it up under the hat like a traditional bun if your hair is shorter. Place the hat over the bun. Pin the hat in place with hairpins, if necessary.
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References
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Comments
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With electra this one should be either green or black or pink. Tessie's costume is lavendar and pink. Mazeppa's is red, white and blue.
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I am making this costume along with Mazeppa's costume (either a gladiator or the patriotic one) and Tessie Tura's butterfly costume but how do I make Mazeppa and Tessie's costume.
