Reality check, while still making the outfit

[kimikosews]

Earlier this week, we had to pay the car repair bill, and ouch, that really hurt. But we needed the car fixed especially if I plan to go anywhere outside of walking distance. Thankfully, our IRS refund, which had been delayed, also came in, so we aren't hurting, but we are also not flush with cash either. My original plans sorta hinged on having some of that money to buy fabrics, period appropriate interlinings, and whatever else I needed. I wanted the outfit to be as period authentic as I could, and am now finding that I will just have to make do with what I have in my stash, which thankfully is pretty decent with only a few minor things missing, like muslin. But the stash is not flush with period fabrics and interlinings, sadly.

So, I wandered through my stash inventory cards, and found that for the most part I can make do just fine, and will only need to pick up a few things.

• Instead of linen canvas for the bodies structure, I've got cheap cotton coutil. Not period to use coutil, but it will definitely hold the body.
• For baleen, plastic zip-ties or reeds. Leaning towards zipties for the washability & movement factors, since reeds are rather stiff.
• For 100% linen buckram (which I so want from Wm Booth Draper), I have modern tailor's goathair interfacing. I'm pondering making up some gum arabic solution to stiffen it with - yes I do have gum arabic in my scribal supplies, in crystal form. I've no idea if it will work, but am willing to experiment.
• For linen damask, I've got the cotton damask. Not a period ivy design, but the costume head has approved it since the design is small enough to be not so noticeable, and it is an appropriate color. It will also be the kirtle, worn under the gown.
• I actually do have black broadcloth wool which is nicely thick... but will sub with tropical weight wool that is smooth and much lighter in weight. I don't want to roast in the summer, so will hold the broadcloth for a period winter coat or gown.
• Cotton twill in black will work for lining the gown skirts. The bodies of both kirtle and gown will be lined in a lightweight linen/cotton blend in a natural color. I may do the same for the kirtle skirt, but not sure if I want to line it or not.
• The farthingale will be made in a dark raisin colored cotton twill fabric. I've got the steels & connectors, and cotton twill tape for the channels. It will be washable and packable.
• I do have linens for the partlet and ruff. I'm going to hold off on using the really fine linen since it is more of a cream color, and I want to go for white.

I do need to purchase suitable silk & linen threads for eyelets and such, but that can come later. Or I may just work with the modern threads I have, although the red buttonhole twist is the wrong color red.

So all of this means it won't be a period outfit. It will be a theatrical approximation suitable for the historical educational faire. It won't be submitted as an historical outfit. Hopefully, in the tailoring and the restrained trims & facings of silks, it will end up visually looking suitable. This reminds me I need to look in my box of black fabric to see if I have black silk taffeta or not.

I think after this project is done, I would like to save up funds and get appropriate fabrics to make an authentic outfit, and then do the crazy thing and sew it all up by hand.