I have a large malevolent swan hanging in the corner of my spare room

[KatyMac]

awaiting refurbishment.....

Well actually it's a ballroom gown with swan's down round the hem

Goodness it is heavy & I have no idea how to go about taking it apart in order to put it back together

I'd suggest you take a lot of pictures as you dismantle it and take notes too.

Does it actually need to come apart? Can you repair it as it is?

Yes the top is useless, it's a size 14 (dd is a 6) and probably too long too & it's grubby

So the plan is to sew the 3 underskirts together in a straight line (currently the waist comes to a point at the front & the back), then cut them off; wash them then attach to a wide piece of elastic to make a separate underskirt.

Then we remove the top (cut it off again) and bunch the maribou together so it doesn't get wet and wash the pleated top skirt in handwashdetergent in the bath.

Then make a new top and attach the top layer

Voila!

or maybe not

I remember the photo of that dress and thinking but KatyMac's DD is tiny and that woman wearing it isn't.

So the plan is to lose the original top altogether , make a separate underskirts and then attatch top layer to new top .

Yup should look good. Eek indeed !

Do you think?

I think the separate underskirts is the key idea, as if I keep it together & use stretch lace for the top it will go all saggy; but if the top only has one layer of skirt it should stay snug (I hope)

I still need to wash the swansdown/maribou stuff which isn't looking positive

Do you think a white lace top or should I try for something crystally a bit more bling

I didn't remember linking it on here

I may have to make a new skirt if I can't wash the feathers

Have you thought of sprinkling marabou with talc (like a dry shampoo) rather than washing?

Yes - but it's the skirt that needs washing

Sorry if I spooked you . No you linked to it on eBay I think . If you can find a white lace it would look good. Yes I think wash the skirt and talc the feathers. You don't half set yourself some challenges !

I am a pratt

I beg to disagree ! You are not a prat at all .

Yes but with a F/T job, a post grad (to be finished by Jan), and a home the last thing I need to do is sewing