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[LazHiral]

Hi!
I am trying to figure out how should I make a hoopskirt without the "front" part.
As an example, I can show you Dorothea from Avalon Code:
http://mjv-art.org/pictures/get_imag...lue%20eyes.jpg

And Alier from Knights in Nightmare:

http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2011-07-20-423329.jpeg

I've tought of making a whole hoopskirt and cutting it's front part, but I'm not sure if it will work... Does anyone have a better advice?
Thanks!

[Stormraven24]

I don't think a hoop skirt is what you're looking for. Those dresses look like they have some kind of epic bustle system rather than a rigid structure like a hoop. I'm not as well-versed in bustles, though, so maybe some other members can help you out? I'm sorry I'm not very helpful xD;

[LazHiral]

Oh, I see! So maybe something like this ( http://www.jasminesbridalshop.com/re...lcyoneUS-a.jpg) would do the work. The only problem is that the front part of the dress is also over something round. Maybe if I make this bustle rounded in the front and big on the back...
Thanks for your answer! It gave me a lot of new possibilities! xD

[lawrah-jayne]

I would make a full hoop skirt, cut it to the shape needed then you could use interfacing to help keep it in shape? I don't know as you might be able to see it D; but just an idea ^^

[Tengu-chan]

DON'T use a normal hoopskirt!!>-<

What makes a hoopskirt hold its shape, is the fact that the hoops are FORCED to stay as a circle, if you cut it open it will spring out and try to straighten. It won't keep its round shape.
This you could overcome by using something even more rigid, like a cage crinoline. Here's an example: http://www.sewingcentral.com/cgi-bin...t_id=6244_8419

I would recommend crafting it yourself, so you're absolutely sure it will hold its form and not collapse under the weight of the dress.^^ Plus you could make it short in the front and long in the back.^^

BUT there's more!!!! The weight of the dress you want to make will rest primarily on the back of the dress, and thus the whole contruction will swing forward (like a bell) and not sit as you want it to!! For this I recomend wearing a bustle-pillow (kinda like shown earlier) UNDERNEATH your crinoline, as this will prevent it from swinging forward.^^

I hope this made any sense, and good luck! I'm currently in the process of sewing a large dress myself, so thought I'd give you my two cents on the subject.XD