costume and pattern geekery
Reverse applique is the process of sewing two layers of material together with the stitches forming some sort of design, then cutting away the positive areas of the top piece of the material. This creates a nice, strong design. Reverse applique using leather is seen in at least one surviving suit of men’s clothes from 1615-20 (Arnold, Patterns of Fashion, pgs 30, 90-2).
Leave a CommentThis is a very popular style of bodice amongst the english during the Elizabethan period. It shows a distinctive inverted arch to the neckline.
2 CommentsI had meant this to be a peasant gown, but I’m told that it
is not because it does not look “peasanty” enough. I’m not entirely positive
of what that means, but I’ve been trying not to quibble details lately. ;) It’s
suitable as the …
It’s Irish… sorta. Actually, it’s what happens when your friendly
neighborhood sempstress gets a weird bug up her butt, and tries to overcome
the stress of having too many projects to sew by … well, by deciding to sew
something el…
With the help of my lovely assistant, Janey (currently seen
modeling my absolutely excellent “Henchwoman” shirt (thanks, lynn!)), this article
will fulfill a need that does not exist (because drea already wrote the article
on it, b…
Finally, pictures of the finished dress from the most recent
diary of a work in progress. The gold
part is the underdress. The cherry part is a safeguard and jerkin. (There was
not a safeguard and jerkin in the original plan…
Ivanovich is a magician
who has worked the Bristol Faire on and off (and, hopefully, will be back on
again next year — he does a fantastic show). He’s also a good friend, and was
significantly more of a joy to work with than I was th…
I had the rather great privilege of getting involved in a costume-for-portrait
trade with the fellow who plays Nicolas Hilliard, who happens to be a fantastic
artist in real life. This is …
This was a commissioned costume for a very nice fellow who
is playing Robert Cecil, the incredibly cranky hunchback. The costume was a
challenge on a couple of levels. The most obvious is that the actor wanted t…
This is a strongly germanic dress that would date to about
1535 or so. German costume history isn’t my strongest suit (I’m working on it),
so I’m not sure about the date. I’m absolutely positive that the construction
is not authentic (eve…
