I promised pictures...
It's still not *quite* finished, but you'd never really know the difference (other than the fact that it needs to be hemmed).
Kirtle front:
The waistline looks a little ragged, but I was kind of in a rush to take the picture due to dying batteries rather than waste time on straightening out the skirt at the waist first. The forepart material isn't exactly period, but it's pretty. It's burgundy on a gold background. In certain light/angles the burgundy looks more black. I searched for months for a tan/pewter with black scroll damask to better match the portrait, and this was as close as I could find. Well, actually I did find one that was closer, but it was also printed on the material. =P I'm pleased with it anyway, and had JUST enough to squeek out what I needed when I was also concerned with lining up the patterns. The kirtle is boned in the front, back, and lacing edges with spring steel stays. Right now I just have it laced with white ribbon...I will probably change to sturdier laces when the time comes.
Kirtle back:
The big white "gashes" are the slits in the skirt. It's side-back laced, so this is the method to get into and out of it. I like the mirroring I was able to accomplish with the decorative fabric. If I pin up the train of the gown, this will show...I did a much spiffier job on the back than I did where it meets the forepart.
I can't believe that according to my costume planner, I start drafting the gown pattern this week. I'd love to take a break at this point!
Kirtle front:
The waistline looks a little ragged, but I was kind of in a rush to take the picture due to dying batteries rather than waste time on straightening out the skirt at the waist first. The forepart material isn't exactly period, but it's pretty. It's burgundy on a gold background. In certain light/angles the burgundy looks more black. I searched for months for a tan/pewter with black scroll damask to better match the portrait, and this was as close as I could find. Well, actually I did find one that was closer, but it was also printed on the material. =P I'm pleased with it anyway, and had JUST enough to squeek out what I needed when I was also concerned with lining up the patterns. The kirtle is boned in the front, back, and lacing edges with spring steel stays. Right now I just have it laced with white ribbon...I will probably change to sturdier laces when the time comes.
Kirtle back:
The big white "gashes" are the slits in the skirt. It's side-back laced, so this is the method to get into and out of it. I like the mirroring I was able to accomplish with the decorative fabric. If I pin up the train of the gown, this will show...I did a much spiffier job on the back than I did where it meets the forepart.
I can't believe that according to my costume planner, I start drafting the gown pattern this week. I'd love to take a break at this point!