Gallery of In Progress Projects

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Lady Renee Buchannan's Irish Dress....


MAde from Cotton Velveteen that Lady Renee ordered from eBay. There is close to 4 1/2 yards left. The swirled trim is from JoAnn's i bought in Dubuque in January.



A closeup view of the fabric and trim.

The skirt is 3--44" wide panels with a 2" hem and 5/8" seam at the waist. This way, Lady Renee can wear her Buchannan Underskirt and a farthingale with it. I will be taking this to the Shoe Repair next week when her other Bodice is finished.

After finding out there are still 4 1/2 yards left of the red cotton velveteen,  in the future, I can see a pair of removable sleeves for this gown, and also an overcoat like Henry VIII wore for Steve.  I have no idea what it's called, except it looks like a vest because it is sleeveless, but it is completely open down the front and doesn't button up and goes down to about his knees. Henry's usually had fur around the neck, but I know Steve wouldn't wear that because it's way too hot during our faire season (usually 90+ degrees).

[Lorraine]

Very nice work Lady Kathleen, I have new found respect for how difficult it is to work with velveteen (yippee for walking feet). I finished the new cotton velveteen pants, I shortened the old ones my last sewing machine chewed up and gave them to my best friend to go with her burgundy bodice. So anyway, this isn't the greatest pic in the world, I made the outfit too short for me (I'm 6') because every time I make something that fits me it's too tall to sell after wards, so ignore the gap between the pants and bodice, and ignore the fact I need to lose some weight >.>

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Here is a good tip Lorraine because you are tall and perhaps longer waisted.

Have someone measure your Back Length  from the Bottom of your Neck to the Natural Waist Line. Subtract 3" from that measurement, then adjust the pattern. What that comes to will also include seam allowance. 

Then!!! What the side seam measures for the patern, adjust the side seam for the Front Piece of the Bodice pattern. Be sure to make a Muslin of the bodice before you cut out the actual fabric.  I do 5/8" seam allowance as a rule even though the pattern calls for the 1/2". That will save you time and frustration of having a bodice too short and fit the way you want it to. There, you can make the necessary adjustments at the shoulder seams etc, to get the right look and fit.

Your bodice work is lovely and I commend you.

[Lorraine]

Actually I made it short on purpose, my normal bodice length is 2" longer on the sides but I can never sell them when they're that long. Thank you for the advice though

[Guinevere of Leonesse]

Here's my finished gown that Lady Gwyndolyn, Archduchess of Austria made me at the beginning of this year for Frankenfeast in Frankenmuth in two weeks time. I tried it on at her house and I'm in love with my gown. Please excuse the red headband. Oh the main swirly material is dark blue and gold.



I do have some pieces that I bought from Sapphire and Sage and made my own pearl.crystal/chainmaille necklace as you can just about see in the picture on me.

[Dinobabe]

Such amazing work!  I'm almost scared to post anything I've started work on...

But, with a new season comes a new dress.  After watching that new Seeker series (such a guilty pleasure!) I was inspired by that green dress and want one of my own... only shorter sleeved.  I'm still debating which sleeve (which is why in the mock up photos, I have two different sleeves).  The cotton mock up pulls funny in the lacing, but I think with heavier fabric it'll be alright.  Still might end up with a small line of interfacing...

Never mind that it's only the bodice... and the shorts...



the hood is my pride and joy right now.  Drafted that myself by guessing the shape and measurements.  Came out lovely the first try!

I love that show and her dress!  Good job!  Can't wait to see the finished product! 

[LadyMeg]

It is a great show!  And awesome dress!

I haven't picked out the fabric yet.  I'm still debating whether to go with the olive-ish green (as those tones do tend to look good on me) or go for a more burnt, deep reddish color.  I suppose it'll depend on what I find in the stores.

[sealion]

It is a great show!  And awesome dress!

I haven't picked out the fabric yet.  I'm still debating whether to go with the olive-ish green (as those tones do tend to look good on me) or go for a more burnt, deep reddish color.  I suppose it'll depend on what I find in the stores.

Either color would look great on you! I envy those of you who can drape your own patterns.

[LadyElizabeth]

LadyMeg, I'm so way excited that someone is drafting this gown because I absolutely adore that show and her gowns...  You totally have the body for it, so I'm just way excited to see it come to life!!!!  Please please post pics as it goes....

[sealion]

I finally started on my Countess Livia zimarra coat cutting the faux fur lining last night and sewing it together this morning. At the moment it looks like something out of Cruella DeVille's closet with the spotted backing showing but it will be covered with cranberry satin.

[LadyShadow]

It is starting to look wonderful.  I cant wait to see it finished.

[Lorraine]

Oooh, I love the color of the satin, and that fur is perfect!

[DonaCatalina]

I can't wait to see the finished project. 

[sealion]

I've had a bit of a set back. In order to address an issue with the shoulder seams in the satin shell (discovered when the collar wasn't matching up right) I am forced to remove the sleeves. Since I have to do that I am also removing the sleeves in the lining then I will finish the sleeves seperately and whip them into the armscye as I should have done in the first place.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Earlier today I finished a Celtic styled Chemise. The McCalls pattern that is out there is okay. The sleeves and how they go in leave much to be desired.  The next time I make this style of chemise again, I am going to do the sleeve differently oir get a different pattern altogether.