The challenge is on....

[Lady Caroline]

My family is saying I now spend way too much time reading through this forum, or sewing garb.  The neighbourhood walkers asked if I had died, since our lawn and garden has overgrown.  (seriously!) lol  But anyway...on to the next project!!

I came across this lovely curtain panel at a thrift store (See, I DO get out of the house!) for $10.  It is a square, 2yds X 2yds.  I have challenged myself to make a new garb before next Saturday (labour day weekend) and my first visit to the Mich. Ren Fest.



I'm aiming for noble-inspired....which will obviously not be HA, but I definately do not want to be mistaken for a wench! lol  I don't have a particular pattern in mind, I think I may look through the collection and pick a detail or two from here and there, and see what happens.  *fingers crossed*  will post pics when I'm through

What is the smallest piece of fabric you have used in your noble-ish garb, as the main inspiration?

[operafantomet]

Ooooh, lovely fabric! The pattern and the colours.... very nice.

Two yards isn't much when it comes to historical clothing and/or costumes... As you probably know. You could make a nice bodice or sleeves of that, while skirts mostly demand 2,5 metres/yards or more. If you want to make a pseudo-historical garb, you could make the front ("stomacher") and the sleeves of the bodice of the nice fabric above (maybe even the front of the skirt), and the rest of the bodice + skirt of a one-coloured fabric. Think Tudor fashion, but in a more free way.

You could make some smashing sleeves, as seen in early Renaissance fashion:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze1/florschool1460-70.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze1/veneziano1465berlin.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/ferrara/turaferarra1460.jpg

You could mix it with nice ribbons (but then you'd have to mix in a lot of ribbons for the skirt, and sew the ribbons in between the fabric rather than on top):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze2/florschool1560-70.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/mantua/lombardy.jpg

I dunno... I'm looking forward to other suggestions here!

[Kate XXXXXX]

I think you should just sit and pet that fabric for a few years. Let it grow up a bit and tell you what it wants to be.  It's too lovely to hurry!

[Lady Caroline]

Well, it's together already!  LOL

I used the material for the entire bodice, and the entire overskirt, which is pleated to the bottom of the bodice.  AND I still have a nice little piece to fashion some kind of headpiece  How did I manage to do this, on my 5'11" frame, you may ask....haha, I said it wouldn't be HA, but it gives the impression  The underskirt will be the reddish-wine colour that is in the flowers, with just a simple elastic waist, since it will be hidden.

For the bodice I used McCalls 4107 view E, which I modified into only three pieces (back and 2 fronts). And than for the bottom I just pleated 2 yards by 46" onto the bottom of the bodice.  Now, I just have to add some trim along the bodice, grommets, lacing, and whatever other embellishments I can find in my craft stash, because my husband will have a spasm if I spend any more money.

Will post pics soon!

[Kate XXXXXX]

Very nifty!  now, madam - PIX PLEASE!   

[sealion]

Sounds wonderful! I can't wait to see pics (and see it in person at MIRF next weekend)!

[Lady Caroline]

I'm just about done, I had to stop many times this afternoon and evening, or else I think I might have finished.  I'm dying to post a pic, but it still needs a little something something.  I'll see how it looks with pearls maybe.....I'm away all day tomorrow, but I might be able to finish when I get home   Thank you for yor interest!

Sealon, I hope I get to meet you next weekend

[Silverbee]

I can't wait to see the photos!

[Lady Caroline]

I haven't had time to spiffy it up yet, but here she is!  My 2yd dress






I'm debating if I'm going to wear a corset underneath, since you can see the slight bend in the boning of the bodice.  I'm just not sure yet if the bodice will even fit over my corset, I haven't had time to try.  (I may have made it an inch or two, too tight.) I'm worried that the corset will just add more bulk, instead of taking it away, since my bodice area doesn't really have anything to squeeze in, it's all ribs lol.

I still haven't decided what kind of embellishments to add, but I will figure that out after.  I think I will try to make a french hood, since I have both materials left over.  Once the whole ensemble is done, I will post the full body shot in the completed projects thread.

Oh, and looking at these pics, I think I may have to adjust the diameter of my middle hoop... the shape isn't right.

Thanks again, to all!

[Cilean]

It looks awesome, are you going to add sleeves with the forepart material?
What about an Escoffion or Caul on the back of your hair? It would be lighter and very nicely done?

I think you look smashing.  I often wait for my local Ross to do their .99 cent sale of drapes that people have taken out of the packaging (why? You can see what it looks like in the clear plastic?? WHY? but it works for me in the end).  I made my youngest a complete outfit and I am now getting the cape done so he can have it truly complete in his eyes.  I found trim for I think .10 cents a yard so it is full of lovely and it is washable! 


Cilean

[sealion]

The dress is lovely and, yes, you have to love inexpensive drapery panels!

[Lady Caroline]

Thank you!  I was thinking of doing the red sleeves   I don't want to be too hot when I wear it this saturday, but I guess they can always be removed....... I was only thinking about a french hood, because I've always (always...listen to me, I've only ever been to three faires...lol) done hats before, and wanted to try something new.  I don't think I like cauls, and I don't know what escoffions are, but I will go look that up right now.  Thanks.

[Kate XXXXXX]

That has come out really spiffy!  Well done!  Love it.   

[LadySeasan]

that is a very lovely dress! i love getting fabric at great prices and making a dress. my friend made her dress out of a curtain panel that she got a goodwill for 2 bucks!

[Silverbee]

Gorgeous!