Gallery of Finished Projects

[Meagan]

Thank you for the compliments!

Dona, I had many troubles boning the bodice. The placement kept getting off. Some of the problem is the outer material was thick, but not stiff at all. It is almost like a heavy birdseye. It shifts and puckers easily. I should have used another layer of canvas. Ir just quit procrastinating and make a proper corset to go under the bodices so I don't have to worry about it so much.

Gem, I modified Butterick 4669 view "d" for the bodice. I made the mock up and decided I didn't like the bust curve at all and drafted it out. I made the stomacher in one piece instead of two and omitted the back lacing and just sewed the pieces together. I have narrow shoulders, so the straps were originally hanging off the edge of my shoulders with the ends not anywhere near where they could lace on. This is a common problem I have with commercial patterns. I took a few inches off the top of the back piece and drew a new line to the bottom (The back was cut on the fold) which gave it the V shape. I added the an inch or so to the side piece to make up for it. I altered the pattern and sewed it up without mocking up the alterations, but I know to do that for next time.

[gem]

Thanks, Meagan! That one's not in my stash, but I like the alterations you made. I will be filing them away, because I, too, have narrow shoulders (seriously--they are literally off the Margo Anderson measurement chart, while the rest of me is squarely in the middle. :b).

I usually make my bodices four layers--two of a canvas interlining (where the boning goes), a fashion fabric, and a lining. Nice and sturdy.

[isabelladangelo]

Hi Meagan,

In the 16th C, your bodice was your "corset".   Stays - or a pair of bodies as they were called in period- were worn to uphold and keep everything where it should be.

For your bodice, I would suggest at least adding boning at each of the opening edges - where the lacing is.  It will help immensely.  For boning, use duct ties - you can get them at any home improvement store and they typically come in 18" to 36" lengths.  They should be as wide as the pink part of your pinkie fingernail or pretty close to that.   You can cut them to any length.  Just shave the cut edges with sandpaper or a nail file to make sure they won't poke through. 

[Meagan]

There is duct tie boning at the lacing. The material underneath is simply not sturdy enough, and I had to lace it quite tight to get it near closing.  I am trying to stabilize it more, but this may be as good as I get on this one.

I thought that gowns over a corset were more period. Admittedly I haven't done much research, but I see gowns as more prevalent than the bodice/skirt combo seen at faire.

[isabelladangelo]

Gowns do go over stays (the term corset isn't used until the 19th century and a corset is meant to create an hourglass figure unlike stays, which create a tubular triangular figure).  However, peasants are seen in some period art wearing just stays and a skirt: http://www.kimiko1.com/research-16th/CostumeMythsWS/images/FeteBermondseyHoefnagelDtl.jpg 

There is a lady on the right side of this painting wearing a blue pair of bodies and a pinkish skirt with an apron.   Yes, what is worn typically at the renn fest looks nothing like that but bodice/skirt combos did exist. 

[CenturiesSewing]

My second go at a 100% hand sewn starched ruff, smaller sets this time and a smaller amount of fabric.
This one I am pleased to report does not eat my face. (Photos of me wearing it soon..)

[Evie McCann]

Your ruff looks nice CS. Can't wait to see you in it.

I finally finished my daughter's black/white garb. This is it, minus the embroidered chemise that was being washed and doublet that I'll finish later.  She was so happy with it, she said she didn't need the doublet right now.  That's good because I don't have time to finish it before this weekend.  It'll premier at Scarby on Sunday.



I'll be wearing a new gown on Sunday too, in green silk with gold trim.  I'll post pictures of that after we get back from faire, because I have a feeling I'll be working on that up until the 11th hour. 

[DonaCatalina]

Sunday?
What happened to Saturday?
I was looking forward to seeing it.

[Evie McCann]

I know, DC. I thought about you when I announced that. She'll be in pirate garb on Saturday, but we'll take lots of pictures. Hope I get to see you Saturday. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Oustanding Evie!!

Loks absolutely dynamite!!!!

[Manwariel]

I've been following everyone's lovely costuming but haven't posted in forever, so here's what I've made in the last month or so:

Pirate coat for a customer:







Renaissance hats for two different customers:





A belt:



And a bag:



(You can see the rest of my costuming since forever on my Facebook page if you're interested: https://www.facebook.com/BWCostumes I might post some more here later. )

[Lady Kaalyn]

I have decided that i will most likely not get much sleep tonight since cannon is in less than nine hours.  I am no where near done with my garb but my little sister will have a lovely new outfit that I spent the last to days working on.  I believe i went crazy and did it all without a pattern.  I will have pictures of her in it by the end of the weekend.  It is a beautiful hunter green and tan.  the ribbon lining it is light tan with a darker tan swirl design.  Turned out really pretty.  Ignore the bad stitching on some of the ribbon i had not finished sewing it.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The Goth/Lady Pirate Coat for lady DeLaney is finished. Made from the Brocade she  recommended, underlined with a crisp Chimtz, then lined wtih broadcloth. Pletny of body and flounce. The Velveteen accents add to the coat. The Brass buttons are from Jas Townsend.

The pattern for the front Lapel panels and the cuff, I drew myself. The coat was adpted from a JP Ryan 18th Century short Ladies Jacket Pattern.

Now on to another project for a  June wedding.

[Kate XXXXXX]

NOM!   

[GryffinSong]

Wow, everything is so beautiful!!!