Beginning

Let me begin by saying that I am a huge Tudor enthusiast, and have a deep love of anything to do with Renaissance. I had the distinct pleasure of exploring it deeper with an honors project this past semester by building a website for it, but now I want something more. I have long admired the fashions of the Tudor times, especially of the noblewomen whom I am so interested in. So... after years of admiration, I have finally decided that it's time for me to make one of these costumes that I've so long admired.

So- yes. I've got my eye on a pattern (Simplicity 4488), which, while I am a bit scared by the mention of grommets (eek!) and the complexity of the tucks, folds, and boning that are so much a part of the time period (for remember, this is the time of corsets), I do too greatly admire to pass up. It'll be a huge undertaking to be certain, but I'm anxious to begin!

Anyway, I'll be off soon to go and do a bit of investigation at my local Hobby Lobby, just to see if I can find the pattern (which was discontinued this year- damn!) and then take a look at the fabrics that are available. According to the envelope back, which I found on Simplicity's website, the best sort of fabric for the overskirt would be a very heavy brocade or jacquard, likely something quilted. From what I saw and touched at the Ren fest, these sorts of fabrics do seem the most likely, and from my knowledge of the time and the climate of England, it seems to be quite accurate. Now- we shall see what that sort of fabric will cost me.

A gown of this variety will have to have no less than two fabrics- one for the primary overskirt, and then a contrasting pannel of another fabric that will form a false front for an underskirt. The rest of the underskirt, I think, will be more easily made out of a cheaper material, so I can cut cost of this slightly. Eep. Memories of a prom dress my mother and I tried to construct come to mind now: let's just say I ended up wearing quite a different dress to the event.

Anyway, I'll wrap this up for now. The movie I've been watching/listening to is almost done, and I think it's time to go out shopping!

~r