Pineapple Fruit Reticule project

[jehanni]

It's not really a proto-pineapple, it's a very large bag I made to go with my Earth/Autumn Artistic Reform ensemble. I find I frequently  want a place to put dealer's room purchases at Cons, and I had extra scrumptious changeable brown/green velvet left, and I also wanted a relatively portable example of the 3-D "lattice" smocking I've been

Comments

[sidhe_etain]

You don't know me, but I run a blog on the Pre-Raphaelites (thebeautifulnecessity.blogspot.com ) and I came across your Artistic gown in padawansguide's photo post from Salon Con. Your gown is absolutely gorgeous!!! I wondered...did you create the pattern, or did you use the La Mode Bagatelle pattern? The smocking is just gorgeous on it!!

I'd love to feature it on my site if you don't mind.

[jehanni]

Hi, Grace. I modified the undergown from the La Mode Bagatelle Artistic Tea Gown--their illustrations are divine, and their patterns very inspiring.

I made fit changes for my bustline, and style changes for the sleeves, back lacing and modesty panel; finally I incorporated an under-bust drawstring to add support, and lacing loops in the side seams to attempt to control the velvet cording (on larger figures, I find even with lacing loops, the cording needs to be adjusted before poses!).

The overgown is only shaped by Lattice Smocking (or North American Smocking), so it's after the idea of the pattern, but not drafted from it. I added waist tabs to hold the overgown open on the sides.

I'd be flattered if you want to feature it on your site.

[sidhe_etain]

Apologies for the belated reply!

The smocking was really beautiful on it. I think lack of experience in smocking is what has prevented me from trying this pattern in the past. I do so love the Aesthetic Dress Movement though...not many people realize that there was a whole subculture in Victorian fashion that looks quite overtly medieval!

[jehanni]

I've been proselytizing Lattice Smocking this year...it's actually quite simple to do, once you get the hang of it, and the 3-D results are really spectacular. The Art of Manipulating Fabric has instructions, and if you google it, you'll find some good web-posted how-to's.

[sidhe_etain]

If I ever get up the courage to do an Aesthetic gown (next project is the blue Ophelia gown from the Waterhouse painting) I'll have to ask you all sorts of smocking questions :)

[sidhe_etain]

I stuck you up on my blog! :)