Elizabethan Nobles c. 1570-ish (photo obese)

[SkyyAngel]

You look really incredible in that dress, it is SO flattering!  Don't you wish we could wear dresses like that every day?  The older styles are really friendly to the bigger girl.  In fact, IMHO, they look better on a bigger woman then a skinny one!  I'm a big girl but I don't have your sewing skills, sadly.  I am SOOO jealous! 

That's why I'm in the SCA (so I can wear these more than one day a year... lol). I'm fairly pleased with how the outfit turned out in regards to that though. I know the photo with the corset looks "lumpy" but that's because the skirts were tied around it for a few hours before we took the pic and sort of "dented" them in. I didn't really notice until I posted the photos but the elongated bodice also makes me look taller I think (I'm 5'2").

Thanks for the compliment I'm far from an advanced seamstress but I'm proud of what I do manage from time to time. Although I'm a virgo/perfectionist and happen to be my own worst critic so I look at something and see all the flaws. I love this place in part because I get an impartial audience to tell me how it looks. I'm thankful that they're good reviews so far.

[variableenigma]

This is amazing. Gorgeous!

[missgabbielynn]

These are both absolutely amazing!!!!!!  You did a great job on them both.

missgabbielynn

[craftewoman]

OMG! You did all this for Halloween! Wow. You really are a talented seamstress! You guys look amazing in these!

[SkyyAngel]

Thanks guys!

[Ducky2010]

I actually first saw this yesterday but I don't feel you have enough gratifying posts. This ROCKS!!! I love the attention to detail, particularly on the sleeves. A lot of people overlook the sleeves when doing period clothing because our culture has changed, but that used to be one of the biggest indicators of status. I love love love it all!!!

Do you attend Ren Fairs? Because that would give you the opportunity to wear this awesome costume even more!

[SkyyAngel]

I actually first saw this yesterday but I don't feel you have enough gratifying posts. This ROCKS!!! I love the attention to detail, particularly on the sleeves. A lot of people overlook the sleeves when doing period clothing because our culture has changed, but that used to be one of the biggest indicators of status. I love love love it all!!!

Do you attend Ren Fairs? Because that would give you the opportunity to wear this awesome costume even more!

Aww thanks!  The sleeves are my favorite part too. I want to add more smaller pearl accents inside the squares as well but didn't have time this go around. I left the sleeves unlined actually so I'll have the ability to go back and add more stuff to them. I also wish I'd had more time to fiddle with decorating the hats.    Oh yeah, we were in such a rush I also forgot all of my jewelry!! I have these awesome vintage filigree earrings, a huge Baltic Amber ring AND a reproduction of the necklace in this painting I bought in Rome. There were also supposed to be pearls cascading all over but I forgot about them. 

I love Ren Fairs! I'm not a huge "period nazi" like some SCAdians and I think Ren Faires are an opportunity to really liven' it up a bit. I'm originally from Austin so I've been to the Texas Ren Fair a fair number of times and I've visited a few smaller ones in Michigan. I'm currently living in Italy and have managed to make it to several small-town medieval festivals that have the same feel and are LOADS of fun too. 

I've discovered the pirates are universally pervy bastards though. 

[sassypriscilla]

Wow - what wonderful costumes!

[SkyyAngel]

Oh, almost forgot! I updated the dress diaries I kept with photos of all the in-progress stuff here. In case anyone were interested. The archives over on the right are labeled for each piece of the outfits for easier browsing.

[cigarettesandvalentines]

sleeve detail ftw!