I did a lot of commission work this year, as part of the never-ending Quest To Pay My Rent. Now, working for others is great and profitable and all, but it's frustrating when you basically just want to play dress-up. ;) If I recall correctly, in the middle of a terribly frustrating piece of work, I made myself a deal and gave myself three days of play sewing time, if I met a set of deadlines. This was the result.
The main of the dress is a fabulous red/blue brocade that speaks for itself. (It occassionally shouts, actually. I don't know if anyone had notice, but I seldom use colors that stand there and mumble selfconsciously.) Now, normally, in 'bethan costuming, we end up trying to "jazz up" a plain fabric, or use decorative elements to give a little oomph to an otherwise plain dress fabric. This was sort of the opposite case -- I was afraid anything I did might tone down the overall effect. I settled on very thin guards at the neckline and center front, with a wider guard at the bottom of the skirts. This is seen more in the early reign of Elizabeth. The guards are a crimson velveteen, edged with matte gold-tone piping. The sleeves are dark blue acetate grossgrain, with silver trim. I mean to do little slashes on them, but that's going to be after I repleat the skirt (which isn't playing well at the front in these photos), which is going to be after I finish adding jewels and pearls around the neckline, which I had better finish soon if I plan to wear it this weekend when I go to MN, huh? Right. That'll all happen. The skirt is gored, a la Alcega. The forepart is actually from another dress, but it worked well.
As a note to the discerning viewer, the horizontal creasing at my waist is from the bulk of the skirt top beneath the bodice. If I'd had the good sense to tack the front of the skirt downwards along the edge of the bodice, you wouldn't see that. Also, the single pleat at either side of the front is too deep, which gives the skirt a poofy appearance. Remember, I make these mistakes so you don't have to. ;)
Photo Credits: Yvonne Curley -- Thanks, Yvonne!
