RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Faire Garb => Garbing => Topic started by: Prima on February 19, 2013, 10:41:51 AM

Title: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on February 19, 2013, 10:41:51 AM
So the next accessories that my husband and I are looking to add to our outfits are lace neck ruffs and wrist cuffs.  I am having issues finding a reputable place to buy them as I dont dare make them myself (too many failures).  Also, should they be of a certain length and should both neck and wrist be out of the same lace?

Apologies if I have posted this in the wrong section!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: isabelladangelo on February 19, 2013, 12:41:47 PM
Yes, the lace of the ruff and the cuff should be the same.  How big the ruff should be depends on the decade you are portraying as well as the region.  I'd say go to etsy but all the ruffs I own were donated to me.  ;-) 
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on February 19, 2013, 02:05:41 PM
Here is a good place to look for Ruffs....http://www.renaissancetailor.com/store/index.php (http://www.renaissancetailor.com/store/index.php) (http://www.renaissancetailor.com/store/images/ruffcuffs_linen_laceL.jpg)

(http://www.renaissancetailor.com/store/images/ruff_laceH.jpg)

They are both beautiful in their simplicity or level of fanciness. Drooling over them enabled me to make my own for Shirts, Chemises, as well as added accessories.

A neck and Wrist ruffs I made out of Silk Organza for a replication of QEI Pelican Portrait gown. Lace is the same for both...http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathy0552/8406554602/#in/set-72157632554647663 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathy0552/8406554602/#in/set-72157632554647663)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on February 19, 2013, 05:37:30 PM
Lady Kathleen does custom work and everything is beautiful.  I'd check with her first.  Many, many forum members have had garb made by her, myself included, and it is drop-dead gorgeous.  Plus it will last.
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on February 19, 2013, 08:44:46 PM
Here is our garb from last year.  As of 2013 we have added a girdle for me and hats for both of us (waiting on pictures).  I am in the process of "removing" the lacing from the front of my jacket, after getting a long lecture from Lady Tess at ARF.  The big questions are what style, length, types of ruffs would be appropriate for what we have.  Also, what "necessities" are we missing?

(http://i.imgur.com/pbO8oJW.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: DonaCatalina on February 20, 2013, 04:51:26 AM
I'm not so sure you want ruffs.
Your dress has Henrician sleeves and a Medici collar.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4464888336_2be2fdd3f5.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Alessandro_Allori_-_Retrato_de_Dama_Florentina_01-1.jpg/220px-Alessandro_Allori_-_Retrato_de_Dama_Florentina_01-1.jpg)

Your husband's doublet looks Italian with the correct standing collar.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3156/3285490246_a86dbd102b_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: isabelladangelo on February 20, 2013, 08:41:03 AM
http://aneafiles.webs.com/renaissancegallery/tuscany.html (http://aneafiles.webs.com/renaissancegallery/tuscany.html)

The above is a link to some of the Northern Italian styles.  Go down to the "mixed 1560-1580" to see some portraits from that period that have a collar similar to yours. 

Although your gown is pretty, just taking the lacing off won't make it more accurate, unfortunately.  Grommets weren't used and it would be a pain to even attempt to cover those up.  Also, if the skirt is open in the front, then the open skirt matches the doublet.   

If you want to go with the accurate - ruffs as we think of them weren't really used for the most part in Italian garb- I'd suggest using this dress as a pattern template and make a new one  - minus the sleeves as Dona Catalina already pointed out.   ;D
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: gem on February 20, 2013, 04:16:30 PM
The Renaissance Tailor Lady K mentioned is the only source I know of for purchased ruffs.

If you're interested in the "proper" collar & cuff accessories to match your current neckline & sleeves, I've heard good things about Thistlebees (http://www.etsy.com/shop/thistlebee/sold?ref=shopinfo_sales_leftnav) on etsy. It's all machine embroidery and blackwork, but still very nice. They could do you some blackwork cuffs (very Tudor) and an embroidered partlet to match the high collar on your gown, like this one (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/43752347?). A little blackwork would be period for your DH's garb, as well. (Any of those pieces done plain would be lovely, as well!)

I haven't personally dealt with Thistlebees, and I don't see any new historical pieces on their site at the moment, but that link takes you to their gallery. I would inquire as to whether they're taking new orders.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on February 21, 2013, 05:07:40 PM
Thank you all for the great information!  We fell in love with the costumes before we wanted to get serious with the accuracy of them :-[  Sounds like we ended up with Northern Italian (ish) garb....funny side note- I am actually 1/2 northern italian.  I've actually figured out a way to hide the grommets  ;D
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 17, 2013, 07:02:07 PM
Quote from: Prima on February 21, 2013, 05:07:40 PM
Thank you all for the great information!  We fell in love with the costumes before we wanted to get serious with the accuracy of them :-[  Sounds like we ended up with Northern Italian (ish) garb....funny side note- I am actually 1/2 northern italian.  I've actually figured out a way to hide the grommets  ;D
Prima, that's the garb Im looking for!!
Did you make it,or someone else?
Those sleeves are it, I can do,the beading...

I want, I need..that's the one,!!!
Gramercy!!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 18, 2013, 07:00:47 PM
Can you pm me?
Gramercy!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on March 21, 2013, 12:28:49 PM
(Prima's Husband) I was browsing around the site and saw your post from the Garbing thread.   I'll make sure to get her over here when she gets off work today.

We have made 3 total dresses, spent countless $$ on fabrics, hours and hours and hours of sewing, arguing over how to do things, cuts, bruises, hurt feelings, etc.  I wish we would have learned the following information 5 years ago.

*WARNING: NEXT BIT MAY BE HARD ON YOUR POCKET BOOK*  ;)
The only bit i know is that the dress was purchased from Pendragon Costumes http://www.pendragoncostumes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=pendragon&Product_Code=anne_outfit&Category_Code=anne_boleyn  (http://www.pendragoncostumes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=pendragon&Product_Code=anne_outfit&Category_Code=anne_boleyn) and is their "Anne Boleyn" style.  We purchased it on site at one of the faires they attend which allowed us to see their different styles and which fit her form the best. Their online $$ For that dress is $685 w/o any fancy additions, fabrics, etc.  Their garb is AMAZING quality, way better than anything we ever could have made.  This did not include the white "shirt", I don't know the proper name but it's not really a shirt.
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 21, 2013, 01:33:12 PM
A friend ,new vendor from my hometown Faire did the exact garb,in black/gold
I am familiar with pendragon,I have two,of their bodices plus a skirt,I agree the quality is excellent!

Last year  the Very Merry Seamstress replicated a gown,my colors are the same as your wife's, rust/gold
Hanging sleeves, appliqués, along with a rebato well made ,,1K,
Let me ask you was it off the rack or was it made?
I just love those Ann Bolyn sleeves.

Thank you for responding.
You both are gorgeous, ;)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on March 21, 2013, 02:39:57 PM
It was an off the rack gown that was purchased at the Arizona Ren Fest last year.  There are some things I would change about it to make it a bit more period accurate....I've found a way to hide the grommets which are the worst offence in my opinion.  We're heading to the BARF in 2 wks so we should have some updated pictures ready for opinions!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 21, 2013, 06:07:04 PM
Are you covering the grommets with fabric?
Gramercy
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on March 21, 2013, 07:51:08 PM
I decided that buttons would look the best.  With some help from my husband, here's what we came up with.  (http://i.imgur.com/QbDBr4w.jpg)

Using a thinner elastic and pulling it tight and tying it off. It allows it to still be laced (with a smaller string as well) and still cover the grommets.
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 22, 2013, 02:39:36 PM
Well done MLady!
Indeed well done!
I do love your buttons
LC
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: DonaCatalina on March 23, 2013, 07:22:32 AM
very well done.
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on March 23, 2013, 03:18:36 PM
Oh, very neat cheat!  I shall pinch that idea...  Ta! ;D
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 29, 2013, 07:42:26 AM
Good morrow PRIMA
May I ask couple of questions?
1-are you wearing a farthingale ,my hoops are way to full for me,like your look
2- where did you buy the buttons?
3- the trim did you add or was it on already?

Gramercy!
LC
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on March 29, 2013, 09:53:34 AM
OK....answers to questions!

1-are you wearing a farthingale ,my hoops are way to full for me,like your look:  I am wearing a farthingale.  I ended up purchasing it from Pendragon with the dress since it fit so well.

2- where did you buy the buttons?  I purchased the buttons on a seller from eBay (very reasonable prices and goot quality metal buttons) http://myworld.ebay.com/wishmerchant2/&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2754 (http://myworld.ebay.com/wishmerchant2/&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2754)

3- the trim did you add or was it on already?  The trim was already a part of the dress.  I know that they are very open to customizing the dresses to your wishes!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on March 29, 2013, 03:11:49 PM
I surmised it was a farthingale,I like that umbrella look, rather then the poofy hoopy
Everything looks perfect
Gramercy ,again!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on April 11, 2013, 10:24:32 AM
If you can remember off the rack from Pendragons what other colors were there?

We have emailed back and forth.
Gramercy!
LC
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on April 11, 2013, 11:36:10 AM
Oye... we saw them at ARF this year but I dont know if they had more than two or three off the rack dresses.  I believe they had a seafoam and gold one and a black and brown one, I cannot remember the third color  :-[  I looked through their fabric selection and I'm afraid I cannot find any samples to show you. Many apologies...
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Orphena on April 11, 2013, 05:05:28 PM
Prima - I just wanted to post this - as I recognized you from your picture - a lovely portrait of yourself and your lord are featured on this blog: www.epbot.com (http://www.epbot.com)   the post made on April 8th! I immediately recognized your gown with the buttons (Super idea) and thought you should know!

Gem was kind enough to direct me here!
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on April 11, 2013, 05:23:27 PM
OMG I'm blushing!  Thank you for passing on the information :)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on April 11, 2013, 07:23:00 PM
How lovely,,,sorry I had to peruse,this is getting me in the Faire frame of mind!
;)
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Lady Catharine on May 17, 2013, 06:52:03 PM
Well PRIMA,

I ordered from Pendragon!

I decided on black/ gold..I should get it by end of June!
gramercy
Title: Re: Ruff Questions
Post by: Prima on May 20, 2013, 10:23:03 AM
Wonderful!  Allow me to unofficially welcome you to the Pendragon Family  :-*  Be prepared for many many pictures taken of you.  We traveled to Utah's ren fest this past weekend and I think 90% of our 4 hr visit there was photographed with and without my knowledge  My husband just received his pants from them (earlier than their estimate) prior to us leaving so he was able to debut them there as well  ;)  If you have a chance to stop in to their shop if you're at a faire and meet your garb's creators, they are so welcoming!  We are currently making some minor alterations to our garb with our grommets.  I'll post some pictures of my lord's doublet with his new buttons in place of grommets.