Medieval dress sew-along

[Ludi]

I'm starting one here!  

Mine isn't going to be a genuine Medieval dress, but rather inspired by 19th century painter John William Waterhouse, particularly his paintings "Ophelia" and "Miranda"

Here's a page about medieval construction:  http://www.damehelen.com/cotes/patterns.html

Medieval dresses using Victorian construction:  http://periodwardrobe.wordpress.com/lady-of-shalott/

pics of the dress I'm inspired by:

http://www.repfineart.com/images/John-William-Waterhouse-Mianda-The-Tempest.jpg

http://www.jwwaterhouse.com/paintings/large/waterhouse_ophelia_03.jpg

More reference and inspiration: 

http://www.rossetti.vispa.com/waterhouse-gown.html

http://medievalweddingdresses.ideasforweddings.net/making-medieval-wedding-dresses/cotehardie-pattern/

[Ludi]

Started on my pattern.  It's going to be a modified "Greenland dress" like in the "Lady of Shalott" example linked above.

[craftylittlemonkey]

I'm not up for this myself quite yet but I'll certainly be following along with you to see what lovely things you do!

[Ludi]

 

Finished my pattern except for the sleeves.  The dress is in twelve pieces, sort of a cross between a Greenland gown (aka "cotehardie") and a princess line dress.  The front and back gores are patterned of a piece with the front and back sections instead of being separate as in the Greenland gown.  This wastes a teeny bit more fabric but should make it a bit simpler to sew.




Ordered fabrics from Denver Fabrics (they're having a sale!):  A darkish blue linen/rayon blend for the dress (Miranda version) and a coral cotton jersey for the underdress.  The pattern for the underdress will be much simpler, more like a kirtle or chemise:  http://medievalweddingdresses.ideasforweddings.net/making-medieval-wedding-dresses/basic-kirtle-gown-pattern/

[ScrappySue]

aha, I found you!
S

[Ludi]

*waves* 

Here's the nearly-final muslin for the sleeves, which have been tricky.....I need to round the shape a little more at the end there....

[ScrappySue]

love what you have done.  

I have been working away steadily and have made a linen shift/kirtle, a woolen surcoat, a cap, today I finished an apron, most of a small bag, and attempted a basic pair of shoes.
I have an event to attend on the 6,7,8th of January so needed a whole outfit, gad I hope its ok!
Heat could be a problem and ideally I should have something a bit fancier to wear also, but figured for my first attempts I would go with fairly basic stuff.
S
Dont have pics of everything, Ill see what I have, brb.
S

shoes, made from a suede jacket


shift/kirtle quilters linen, just under 5 metres of fabric, pattern from a pattern generator


a close up of stitching, I hemmed the entire thing then stitched it together, everything I have made is hand sewn.


a better image of shift, showing gores at sides, still haven't completed the neckline.


Feedback welcome, but be gentle please, I am a bit scared about wearing whole thing, when so many people are so talented.
S

[Ludi]

Looks good so far.

What kind of stockings do you plan to wear and will the shoes protect your feet sufficiently at the event? 

[ScrappySue]

I'm pretty used to going in bare feet, and have added a lining so think I will be ok. As far as stockings go, I am hoping to avoid them as we have been having a bit of a heatwave here, not 40 degrees (c) yet but close to, high 30s.
Got my nephew to take a pic of me today trying everything on, bag still needs a string and I am going to make a scarf(?) for my head.
I have a handwoven belt I added, made by traditional methods from Croatia, that I finally have a use for, not just hanging in my room  
I am wanting to make another kirtle/shift, and bought some beautiful, $25 a metre linen, which I am putting off cutting up, because I dont want to stuff it up!
S

[Ludi]

You're adorable!

I know what you mean about not wanting to cut your expensive fabric....