12th Night Plans

Here are my choices for 12th Night. I want to work on fitting issues that I've had in the past, and make something truly spectacular this time around. My first choice is this gown:


Color choice #1:
This is a silk taffeta (I can hear the swish-swish of the silk now!) from renaissancefabrics.net in an antique bronze. Or perhaps this lovely orange? I just can't resist orange...














I'm wanting to put as much detail into this project as possible, from the spiky-poke-your-eyes-out ruffs, to the sheer overlay on the skirt. If at all feasable, I'd like to even cover the (often missed) details of hair, shoes, and make-up. **Thank goodness the Venetians didn't make the same sort of cosmetics choices the Elizabethans did! Whew!**




My second choice is this gown:


I know the detail is a bit hard to see in this image. I like the closed front bodice (I already have two with ladder lacing, so this would be "new" to me), and the slightly less dangerous looking fitzy-bits. Perhaps I can meld the two? Closed bodice, sheer overlay, not-quite-so-spiky ruffs... Maybe I'll save this one for the hand-sewn project? I think a nice icy blue or a silver would be smashing. It could be my Snowflake Dress!


Let the planning begin!

All of this, of course, will be a dry run for my big project of the year. A complete ensemble---hand sewn only---from the skin out. *whew*

On a side note, here's another 12th Night possibility... The pink and black gown on the far left would be a fun one to have.

On Pause!

Why did I think it was a good idea to start up a Blog for dress diaries just before Estrella War??? There's no darn time to post anything worth reading just yet, (I am sewing cotehardies like a mad woman since they can be layered and pack sooooooo much smaller than my late period stuff!) and I have to find my photos of the various project stages.
*sigh*
Soon.

The Cupcake Venetians

I don't know about the rest of the world, but I tend to name my clothing. This particular dress (a peachy-pink and pale yellow brocade) has been dubbed "The Cupcake Dress" in honor of it's frosting-like hue.
Since I live in a small town, my options for suitable fabric are rather slim. Aside from the guessing game that is internet shopping, I have one store that carries interesting (In pattern as well as fiber content) fabric for the late period costumer... Home Fabrics & Rugs. While I have managed to get lucky with the occasional brocade, I must always keep in mind that I may very well be sewing a gown that matches someone's couch.

When I first found this fabric (A cotton/ick blend), I was under the impression that it shouldn't be too difficult to pattern match.

Silly me.

Not only is the pattern asymetrical, but it manages to run ever so slightly on a diagonal. By half an inch or so... Also, there was a bit of an issue with the selvedge edge. The brocade ended just shy of the motif's middle. Grrrrrr. For once I listened to that little voice of reason and gave up entirely on matching my patterns. All for the best, I assure you.