Florentine overgown skirt musings

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Gem, I know you've already made your decision, but I just saw this thread, and wanted to mention why I chose #3.

When I looked at the 4 pictures, my first thought upon seeing #3 was that it is different because it has side openings and you won't look like everybody else.  To me, that made it outstanding -- to not look like everybody else. 

Most peoples' garb is pretty much the same, mine included, so to see something so different makes it really stand out and very memorable.

[Artemisia]

Open sides? Giornea wins! 

Okay, I only have my own scribble notes on one construction technique. It's simple. Mind you, there are many other ways to construct a giornea. This is just one.

Notice in some paintings how the shoulder pattern of the fabric has no seam. The pattern continues unbroken. This can be interpreted as the fabric being all one piece, at least on the sides. This pattern will give you a full, billowing giornea.

Take around 8 yards of fabric of 60 wide fabric. You need the width so the giornea will drape correctly, you can probably get away with 45/55 width. Rip or cut across the middle so you have two four yards pieces. The middle seam will go up the back, open in the center as the neckhole and down the front. Here's a really rough sketch of what I mean: http://i35.tinypic.com/28ktrtt.jpg

Now comes the draping. Place the giornea on your dress dummy or have a helper do the work while you wear it. Start gently pulling and draping the fabric. After the giornea is draped and falls in way you feel looks good, begin to cut out the sides by starting at the shoulder point and straight down the front. Notice any naturally falling folds and cut behind them not through them. Then do the same from the shoulder point down the back. Do the same with the other side. Now you can cut the hemline and include a train if you desire one.

You now have your custom giornea pattern. The giornea can be finished with a bag lining or any lining that you wish. Just make sure the lining isn't stiff because you want this garmet to flow and move with every step you take.

Here are handouts for the cioppa I got from a Pennsic class. I used a high resolution so can download the images if you can't see them clearly. Also included is a pattern for a partlet and a handout for gamurre: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/565535375GMecWB

Good Luck

[Silverbee]

I'm late, I'm late!  But I still have to vote for #3.  It's gorgeous and like Lady Renee said - it's different.

[Marietta Graziella]

Gem, that #3 was the pattern that Lady K of O posted and sent to me so I could look at it more closely.  That was the one that inspired my Florentine (which ended up looking nothing like it, but there you go). 

I love the smooth front, the pattern, the no added bulk to the stomach area!