Sweet sweet freedom!

So now all I have to do uni-wise for the next 2.5 weeks is turn up to class, I have lots more time to sew! Hooray!

I haven't actually done anything since my last post (which was really just for procrastinatory purposes) but I have decided on the design of my dress so hooray. At Catherine's last night I pored over Hispanic Costume for a while and found a few examples of similar bodices and decided on the sleeves. Notes are below.

As for everything else....zero progress! Lots to do!

OK UPDATE I've officially done something! I called up the canvas place and got the price (Ouch!) and checked that they have some in stock. I will pick it up on Friday

Plan-er-ating

With only 20 days left til Crown (AAAH) its time to get cracking.

Project Man-Sew Update

So far I have patterned Gilbert for his doublet and hose. Just waiting for him to get the fabric to me so I can get started.

Keg's undershirt is finished. I need measurements before I can get started on the tunic, cote and hood. The hose are getting there - will need help putting the feet in though :P

Tent update

Still nothing D: I have decided where I'm getting the canvas from though, so I just have to get down there at some point and get it. Pantera has offered to help with the woodwork - need to organize a time with him before it gets too late as I don't want to inconvenience him.

Ball Dress Update

I have decided that the dress consists of a chemise, a black underdress (side or back lacing) and the silk overdress (front lacing with opening). Still haven't found any other pics that I could base the bottom half and sleeves off.

So my layers will consist of:

1. A linen chemise with stem-stitched embroidery. It will have a square neckline with rounded corners. Haven't decided on the sleeves yet - depends on what the over-sleeves will be like.

2. Black linen petticoat. Probably just interlined with heavy-weight linen or canvas. Box pleated skirt. Side lacing or back lacing? Can't really decide. Probably side.

3. Silk overdress. I have some nice grey silk I will use. I will interline with heavy-weight linen or canvas, and line it with linen. The skirt will probably be fully lined as the silk is really fine. The embroidery will be done by couching some gold cord I bought ages ago. I may only get to the stage of the two straight lines around the edge of the bodice - I think with the time I have I am happy for this to be an ongoing project (I'm learning to remember my limits). I plan to do most of this on the train. I am probably going to buy these for the lacing rings.

Here's what I'm thinking about the bodice and sleeves so far. The back of the bodice with be square. I'm imagining the bodice is straight along the bottom, with the opening the same width all the way down not altogether unlike this Italian one. I don't want a train. From what I can see of the sleeves they don't look overly fitted. However, that could just be the way she is holding her right hand up - they could then be fitted. AAh this is so hard! Other Spanish images from the same period show both fitted and loose detachable sleeves. It's possible that this is part of an arrangement similar to these ones and this is an underdress with fitted sleeves to go over an overdress with baggy sleeves. I do like the sleeves on the woman in the bottom right of the picture with her back to us. However, it seems rather ornamental for an underdress, and people didn't normally have their portraits painted in underdresses, right? Another possibility is this one with some kind of baggy sleeves.