I mentioned this blue dress from MR that Milord bought me for Christmas:
(http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/26-882508_1_t.jpg)
(full-length pic here (http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/26-882508.jpg))
It's a lovely, breezy lightweight cotton, perfect for hot days. It came with a beautiful heavy rayon chemise... not so perfect for hot days. It's too sheer to wear without a chemise under it, though, and my current chemises are all huge and flowy, and they won't work under the more fitted silhouette of this dress. I want to make a fitted (probably sleeveless) chemise to wear under it, and I'm hoping the pattern gurus might have suggestions! Even a basic mundane pattern for a slip or simple tank dress might work. I'll probably be using a hanky-weight linen.
I want an actual commercial pattern b/c Fair starts in 3 weeks, and I don't have the brain power/time/energy to draft one myself!
Suggestions?
Gramercy!
You could always use the shift pattern from Simplicity 2621 (the Elizabethan undergarments). That's my project for today, and it's going well so far. I would definitely recommend cutting the shoulder straps farther in than the pattern has them, though. I sewed the body together and put it on, and it promptly slid right off again ;)
I think that this is actually what you are looking for since the gown is more of a 14th century style. (http://medievalweddingdresses.ideasforweddings.net/making-medieval-wedding-dresses/basic-kirtle-gown-pattern/)
Thanks, you both! As I was looking at the catalogue photo, I realized that the dress (which IMO is slightly too large on me), is *supposed* to be that loose! Huh. :-\ Anyway.
I actually gave 2621 some thought, since I have it in my stash. It's very similar to the 18th C. smock I already have, which is what I will probably be wearing with this, at least until I have the red chemise for it figured out (going for a Miranda (http://www.johnwaterhouse.com/paintings/images/waterhouse_miranda_the_tempest.jpg)-esque look with it).
Dona C, I was looking in that direction, too, but was hoping for something that skimmed the body a little more.
Then I ran across McCall 4491 (http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4491-products-414.php?page_id=493), the sleeveless one, which looks promising. I don't think I have it in my stash, however. Shopping trip. Oh, what a trial. :D
Reconstructing History has a 14th century women's smock pattern. It's sleeveless and fitted at the top with a simple scoop neck. Looks easy to make in a hurry.
Ok, so I'm late for the party, but here are some ideas (pulled from what I could find in 5 minutes from my pattern stash).
Simplicity 4940 - I made this as a medieval gown, but, I made a mockup from a white sheet that I use as the under gown / chemise. I made the undergown about knee length, and left the sleeves completely off - but you could adapt it to copy the sleeves on your pretty gown.
Mccalls 4492 - although it looks like it takes more fabric.. same idea, just change the sleeves
Burda 7977 is very high necked, but might be a good starting point
An old out of print Mccalls 8826 - definatly on my "try" list, but haven't gotten to it yet.
Of those, it is only the simplicity one that I have made, but I made it twice, and the pattern does go together nicely!
Gem, I missed this the first time around. Have you checked out any the "Bohemian Bathhouse babes" styled chemises? That may be an option. http://www.gallowglass.org/jadwiga/pictures/bohemia/bathkeepers.html (http://www.gallowglass.org/jadwiga/pictures/bohemia/bathkeepers.html)
I'd also look at a basic smock. They aren't completely fitted but they do have a narrower sleeve and a fitted neck. http://www.elizabethancostume.net/chemise.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/chemise.html)
The picture looks vaguely like a Turkish styled chemise underneath it. http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/workbox/extcam2.htm (http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/workbox/extcam2.htm)
Simplicity 2573 The underdress is more of a "shift".
Just an idea but:
have you considered a placet beneath the gown?
http://cadieux.mediumaevum.com/burgundian-placket.html (http://cadieux.mediumaevum.com/burgundian-placket.html)
The dress looks to be about the 1470's/1480's in style. It would help with the "sheer" problem.
Wow, that website is fantastic! I just wish she hadn't protected all of her pictures. I favorited the website for future reference. Excellent 14/15th century research!
Oh yes, she's awesome when it comes to late Medieval research. I use her website a lot for all her 15th C stuff.
Quote from: Betty Munro on August 25, 2011, 07:06:46 AM
Wow, that website is fantastic! I just wish she hadn't protected all of her pictures. I favorited the website for future reference. Excellent 14/15th century research!
Yes, she is a fantastic resource! But what do you mean by "protected" pictures - that you can't download them? That works fine for me (though on a Mac - you just drag the picture over to your desktop). You could eventually do a screencap?
Gem, if you're not going to use the rayon chemise, maybe you could rip up the seams and use it as a pattern for a new one?