Gown Decision

[Celtic_Fae]

I decided not to got with Midnight Breeze based upon the mixed reviews. However, does anyone have any feedback on Matti's Millinery? I'm torn between ordering their Elizabethan Court Gown or Very Merry's Winsome Gown. Since these are both "big" purchases, I'm trying to do my research ahead of time. Thank you for any advice.

[GirlChris]

The Matti's Millnery gown looks interesting, but with the picture cycling through various shots of the dress I can't get a good enough look to really know!

[LadyShadow]

I would say the Elizabeth Court Gown.  But the pictures do scroll way to fast to really look at the dress.

[isabelladangelo]

Both have pluses and minus depending on what you are looking for.   The Elizabethan Court gown I'd be weary of because I recognize some of the fabrics.  Anything less than pure silk, linen, or cotton isn't going to be friendly unless you are in a temp controlled room or it's 72~75 outside.   

The other one is better but neither would be good for any H/A activities if that is what you are interested in.  Both are "fantastical" Elizabethans.  You might want to save your money for something more correct because you'll probably be happier with it in the long run and you can wear it to more places.

[DonaCatalina]

I don't know anything about this garb maker, but I do recognize a lot of the fabrics.
The winsome gown in particular appears to be almost completely a rayon/poly blend called 'silk essence'. This fabris is meant to almost mimic the look of silk but if you see it up close and touch it you will realize its not.

The Elizabetha? Court gown appears to have a higher percentage of cotton fabric.

But still has a lot of poly/rayon fabric.

If your heart is set, I'd say go with the Elizabethan? gown. But for what they are charging, I'm sure Lady Kathleen
could do better.

[gem]

I've never heard of Matti's Millinery, but after taking a closer look at the pictures DC posted, I'd be a little wary of the workmanship--I see seams pulling, crooked seams, pleats that don't lie correctly, and wonky trimwork.

Very Merry Seamstress, OTOH, is one of the most highly regarded seamstresses in the trade; I have never heard a complaint about her (and I've been on these boards since 2004). 

I agree with the others' comments about natural fibers; I'm sure VMS would happily work with you on this.

[Celtic_Fae]

I'm in discussions now with VMS to hopefully find something within my budget.

[gem]

Huzzah!!  Do keep us posted (with pictures!!).

If I could ever talk myself out of the "pah, you can make that!" mentality long enough to order a gown, she'd be my first choice to go with.

[Celtic_Fae]

I'm actually going with an Elizabethan ensemble from Lady Kathleen on the boards here.

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

You can't go wrong there, it's a exact fit and will last for years!

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I'm actually going with an Elizabethan ensemble from Lady Kathleen on the boards here.

Great choice.  The work she has done for us in exquisite, and it not only lasts for a long time, but the garb still looks brand new after several seasons.

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

FANTASTIC CHOICE!

You won't be disappointed, in fact I think you'll be addicted to her garb like most of us who have purchased from her

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

And all of us garb addicts want pictures of the gown when it's done - with you wearing it, of course!

[renniegirl85]

As a friend of Heather's (VMS) I can certainly vouch for her. Her stuff is gorgeous and well made. I'm not sure which Kathleen you're talking about, but if it's the one I bought a gown from several years ago I can tell you she is fantastic, as well. Definitely post pictures when you have your new gown!

[DonaCatalina]

We definitely want pictures.
I don't think you'll go wrong with Kathleen. The dresses you posted
didn't look like they would last more than one season. With Lady Kathleen's work (and VMS) you'll have a dress that you can wear for years to come.