Gallery of In Progress Projects

[LadyShadow]

Looking good. 

[Manwariel]

It looks nice so far!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Gown Project Update!!!!!

The skirts are finished. The silk is a breeze to work with. The trims need no embellishments whatsoever because the pattern is so  busy. The Silk is luxurious. Pictures do not do this fabric justice.

The cartridge pleating on the silk was easier than I had thought. I used black 1" gingham underlined with one layer of Canvas Duck. The waistband of the skirt is also underlined with Duck. I swear by using 1" gingham as a pleating guide.

With the Bodice muslin. I made a double muslin for any agjustments needed before I cut out the Silk at my end.  I believe that doing muslins, I can assure better fit and alterations needed. The Bodice muslin is made from the MArgo Anderson Women's Elizabethan Ensemble pattern.

I will be making the sleeves this weekend. I will post photos when they are finished.

[Kate XXXXXX]

OOOOH, looooverly!  That pleating is fab, and I love the trim, especially.

Um...  Can I cut your blue curtains up, please?  They are just what I need for this 10thC sack back gown I want to make 'just because'...

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thank you Kate!!! Like I stted, I swear by the 1" gingham as a Cartridge pleating guide underlined in one layer of Cotton Canvas Duck.

ANd NO!!!  You cannot have my curtains!!! 

[Kate XXXXXX]

I wish I could find 1" gingham in cotton.  Best I've seen for ages was 1/4" in polycotton...


Aw, shucks...  I'll have to see if Abakhan have anything suitable instead...

[Syrilla]

Lovely LadyK!  I can't wait.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thanks you, Syrilla!!!

The Embroidered Dupioni Silk cost a Pirate's ransom, but it was so worth it. What I have left out of the 8 yards I bought will enough to make enough for something else. Perhaps a new dressy blouse for me!!!

[Aernn]

Yay!  My skirts are looking great!  Just got the corset and muslin today!

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

Beautiful as always Lady Kathleen. I cannot wait for my new dress by you. I got the swatches today and all I have to say is WOW.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thank you so much, Ladies!!!  I am humbled.

[Artemisia]

::looks at cartridge pleating by Lady Kathleen of Olmsted and drools::

That's some fine pleating.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thank you Artemisia.

Here are some progress pictures of the ensemble so far...


The sleeves have two sets of bottom sleeves that I fashioned with snaps inside the sleeve band of the upper Poofy Sleeve. The bottom sleeves have snaps for easy removal. Not period, but then a different look with the contrast fabric will make it look like an entirely different sleeve.


What is nice about this style of sleeve, the bottom sleeve can come off and allow the chemise sleeve to show through. There are ribbon ties that will tie to rings I will sew onto the underside of the armsythe.


The Unfinished bodice. It was totally random as to how the trims on the overskirt and on the bodice happen to line up. I am going to underline the bodice with 2 layers of Cotton Canvas Duck as well as the Quilter's weight Broadcloth. I also underlined the Silk with a Quilter's Broadcloth to give it more body.

Due to the busyness of the Bodice, I will put tabs at the shoulders and not about the waist. I have plenty of silk left over that I am going to make a bias binding out of it to sew along all the raw edges to finish it.

Then on to the Shoe Repair on Monday for grommeting.

[Sorcha]

Oh my Lady Kathleen! 
This is looking really amazing!!  You should have a dress diary blog with all your text and photos for your projects.  I suggest it for purely selfish reasons of course  ...  You have a wealth of knowledge and "tricks" I'd love to refer back to. 
I cannot wait to see the final product.  It just keeps getting better and better!
M~

[Aernn]

*Bounces up and down with excitement*

I am so excited to wear the finished product, I can barely contain my enthusiasm!