The top half of the bling 'dress' is completed (except for a closure at the back of the neck) and mother and daughter are very happy with our progress. There is something so luxurious about the quality of outer fabric - randomly shattered sequins on a double layer of deep grey silk georgette. The bottom half is made in sheer silk organza, to avoid bulk when tucking the top into the skirt and to create a different look if worn out over jeans. The lining is grey silk.
I've included a lot of couture finishes on the inside including handpicked under-stitching of the lining and the hem on the organza skirt also has been hand finished. Thanks for the advice about providing extra support for the neck band. I ended up using horsehair lining and using tiny tailoring tacks to hold in place. The layers of thickness resisted turning so only the top and ends were machined and bottom held together with tiny slip stitches. I've removed all the sequins from the seam allowances - hundreds of sequins coming off with my snip scissors. Four more long skirt lengths to go...and I'm almost crazy. There is a lot of love in this outfit!