Cheap Dresses and Fabric! Take a Look!

Hello my dearest and beloved followers!

Sorry for the shameless plug again, but I am selling two Regency dresses and two lengths of wool for dirt cheap. Please take a look!

www.etsy.com/shop/reinedecoudre

An 18th c Pinball

This simple pinball is based off of an original in the Manchester City Galleries. I did choose it for its simplicity (I don't knit! And with a whole Berlin work cushion to do, I didn't feel like adding an entirely queen stitched pinball to my to-do list...). The flower, initials, and garland are worked on silk taffeta. The pinball is stuffed with wool and the seam is covered with silk ribbon which also creates the loop from which I may suspend the pinball from my apron.

The original pinball:

And onto the next... 1860s Sheer for a Young Lady

I am taking a week's break from sewing Big Things after the rush of the court gown. Last night I embroidered and assembled my 18th c pin ball. It is awaiting its silk ribbon and then I can take pictures! However, my mind is abuzz with my next project: a sheer dress for the event at Greenfield Village in May. In the heat of summer, one can never have too many sheer dresses! Last year I very much appreciated wearing mine, particularly in that humid Michigan weather.

This year marks my 20th birthday. I am fast leaving young-ladyhood, and must think about leaving young lady styles behind me as far as the 19th c goes. I have had a brief but passionate affair with teen styles of the 1860s. There is little jauntier than the boat necks, short sleeves, and short skirts of children's clothing during this era. Although I started reenacting at 15, I had been focusing on "adult" styles and didn't get to take advantage of my youth to make myself lots of teen style dresses! So now I'm trying to make up for it.

The style for this dress is based off of a handful of extants. It will feature a yoked bodice with a boat neckline, short cap sleeves with a ruffle, and a matching pelerine or fichu (I haven't decided yet). The fabric is a lovely and soft semi-sheer cotton that I snagged for $1.89/yard.

  

A Gown of the 1560s

RPFS moved the timeline back to Queen E's early reign, because our beautiful and talented actress playing E is so young! That meant a change of character for many people in court, since their previous characters weren't even alive in the 1560s. I also wanted a new gown to reflect the change in time. The fabric is really what inspired me. I knew I wanted to let the fabric speak for itself: a round (closed) skirt, solid sleeves.

The bodice and sleeves I based off of this engraving, primarily, although the sleeve shape appears in many other portraits as well.

And of course, I had to have a French hood! I combined the construction techniques of Sarah Lorraine from Mode Historique and previously held assumptions about French hood construction. Mine consists of a linen coif, velvet and buckram paste or coronet, and velvet hood with shiny metal billaments. It is supposed to be flat on top, but apparently in all the pictures it was off center and got smushed a bit too much. *sigh*

There is still a bit more to do to the gown, like more pearls and crystals on the front of the skirt. I'm also contemplating putting a strip of black velvet down the center of the skirt instead. Not sure yet... Oh yes, and covering the eyelets with thread. But I made this gown and hood in one week and am pretty proud of that!

Dresses for Sale!

I am selling some of my Regency dresses to make room for an entirely new (and more accurate) 1812 wardrobe.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72574557/tambour-embroidered-regency-gown?ref=v1_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72574300/regency-jumper-dress-and-blouse

  

The Daughter of the Regiment

Last weekend was a BLAST! I had so much fun as a vivandiere! It was awesome being out on the field with the soldiers, tending to their wounds, and informing them that I am too young to legally be carrying brandy in my cask. I was quite happy to talk to people about vivandieres and explain my role to the public. Any impression that gives me a purpose at reenactments is a fun one, and makes events all the more enjoyable. Sitting pretty is fine and all, but doing something--actually interpreting, educating the public-- that's the whole point, right?


I'm very pleased with how the outfit looked with the kepi, haversack, and keg. I felt very "complete"! I actually had enough fabric to make my own trousers (with piecing) and I'm glad I went the extra mile to have matching trousers, as opposed to borrowing male trousers like I'd planned.

  

Missing Faire...

Last year, I was a maid of honour (Lady Bridget Manners) to Her Majesty at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire. It was an amazing, wonderful time, but also a huge commitment. This year, because of school and other obligations, I couldn't do court again. Last weekend was opening weekend of the 2011 season, and I am so "home sick" for faire! I am planning to go this year with friends, and hopefully gatelist at least once, but it won't quite be the same.

Here are some favorite moments from last year...