Fake bridal veil project, entry 1

Every once in a while, I do a crazy sewing project.

I'm singing in a recital a couple of weeks from now, and the aria I'm singing ("Son Vergin Vezzosa" from Bellini's _I Puritani_) is sung by a girl who thinks she's going to get married in the next ten minutes.  It's kind of the Italian version of "I Feel Pretty" - she's showing off her dress, and her hair, and particularly her veil.

So I'm making a veil.  It's not a real veil, it's supposed to be more of a prop than anything else.  I chose some flowy, billowy, and (as you can see in the photo) kinda shiny synthetic material that probably gets incorporated into bridal wear on a regular basis.  It turns out that this material frays frighteningly quickly.  Note to self: either don't use synthetics next time, or for heaven's sake buy a bottle or two of Fray-Check and apply immediately.  I pinned the hem as quickly as I could, which will hopefully minimize the fraying damage until I can actually sew it.  After I cut the piece and pinned the edges last night, I threw it over my head (the way they always do in the opera) and concluded that I either can't spend much time fully under the veil, or I need to make some modifications so that my face can be seen.  As of last night, it made me look less like a bride than a ghost!

I also wanted the piece to have some definition around the edge, so I chose some lovely-looking lace ribbon.  I failed to do math, though, and ended up with only about half the ribbon I need, so I'll be going back to JoAnn's yet again tomorrow (sigh) to get some more ribbon, assuming I can find the same stuff.

But lookee lookee how pretty it's going to look (as long as you don't look too closely) when it's done!