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I haven't written in a dog's age! I'll admit, it's because I've been so busy with work lately, being a teacher and all. Secondly, I'll admit I have become quite addicted to WoW and I still have yet to make 80....but that's besides the point...
Now that school is slowing down, summer's coming up, and having OD'd on WoW, I need a new project! I wanted something Tudor since TRF takes place during that period, but I'm waaaay too big on top to fit in a French gown. I also want to create a faux pas by not wearing corset, since TRF season is often hot and sunny. There's not a whole lot of shade there, especially where you go to watch shows, and I just know I'd be walking out with a sunburn the shape of the square neckline!
I've gone through the patterns I have and figured out what patterns I needed and went to Hancock and Jo-Ann fabrics. Neither of which had buckrum or boning for the farthingale, much to my bitter disappointment. (The both do regulary carry buckram and one does carry the boning I needed but of COURSE they were out.) I'm really tired of fabric stores not having what I need. I really wonder how much business they lose to the Internet.
The pattern I chose is Simplicity 3782, View B for the gown. I did a little bit of research online and it does correspond to a lot of real gowns from period paintings. The only thing is that it buttons in the front with jewelled buttons, which isn't quite historically accurate. But then if you take a look at people at TRF, it really doesn't matter! I'm still trying to figure out the exact name of this type of gown, though. For some reason I keep finding the name "French gown" but whenever I find a picture of what I want, there's no description or name. Weird.
The photos above are of Lady Jane Grey and Queen Mary I. I noticed that the drawing has tighter sleeves, unlike the other puffy long ones. I figure this was during a mini ice age, and I live in Texas, so why can't I take a little liberty so I don't die from heat exhaustion???
I got some *cotton* velvet off eBay, 7 yards for $75! (Plus shipping.) I decided cotton would be necessary since poly is hot and my cape got discolored at the dry cleaner. I can't afford this one to get discolored! I also found out cotton velvet is washable so that means it's cheaper to take care of, too. I'll just have to dry-clean the skirt. (Haven't bought the fabric for the center front part but I'm thinking of a gold/ivory brocade vestment material, but I haven't find a final decision. I think it would really make it look stunning though. I'm just trying not to go over-the-top. Kinda hard on a budget.
Renaissancefabrics is always a good eBay seller. He always has plenty to choose from.
I also decided what to do about the trim. I found a beautiful gold metallic trim from Hancock's that is not your traditional gimp. It has leafy-shaped trim going one way then the other, and I think it would be perfect to place little pearls in each unit. I'll have to get a photo of it later.
I had to resort to ordering patterns online from Period Patterns: #52 - Tudor Headddresses (there's one that is wearing my type of gown at the bottom) and #93 - Bags and Pouches. I figured they'd come in handy and could be used many times. I just hope they're worth it. They are VERY expensive patterns. I need a new bag/purse anyway.
I have been quite indecisive lately about what to do with the farthingale. No one really sells them and the ones on eBay are crappy. I really want the cone look and don't want to use my Victorian one. I finally decided on one from Realm Collections and it cost me about $100 with shipping. I figured between all the places I went to (in person and online) it would probably cost that in all the supplies I'd have to get. Sadly, it seems much more economical to buy bulk and make a bunch of farthingales and sell them than it is to make one. Since I'm not a big fan of using hardware tools, and I don't have the big bucks to make a bunch to sell, I figured this was the best option. The way I look at it is, I save loads by making all the other stuff myself. It won't kill me to give a little bit of business to someone else. Plus, it's a basic foundation garment, and if it's any good, I will be able to use it many, many times.
The fact that it's machine washable and travel-friendly is what did me in. I think it also looks period accurate too, unlike a lot of others online.
However, I am making the chemise myself. I am using Simplicity 2621. I had a load of muslin already, so I didn't have to buy any. :-D
Lastly, I'm going to have to look for a bit of jewelry. Since I have a very short upper chest, I'm thinking maybe a choker and a beaded girdle. I just hope the beads don't cost too much or I can find one for a reasonable price. I also have to research earrings and rings.
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