Here I go, another dress diary!
Whee... cutting patterns is such fun!! NOT!
Well, today, having found the patterns, and what fabrics I will be using... as of 5:00pm or so (give or take a few minutes) I have embarked on the Iron Hand Sewing challenge on Margo's list. I will be sewing this kirtle by hand, pieced patches and all, by hand (oh, what am I getting myself into).
I've read my new medieval sewing book that discussed the hand sewing techniques used then, with its few comments on what was done in the 16th century. I think I understand what techniques was mostly used then, which was running stitch, or backstitch for stressed areas, and hem stitch. Ok, that's easy. I have hand sewing down pretty well from all these years of hand sewing my finishing. Let's see if I can do this for a whole garment.
And most likely, it will not be entered into an A&S competition, since I haven't done the research into the whole background. I just want the experience of hand sewing a garment, and the challenge of doing this in time for Costume College (one month), if I am really industrious. And something late-period related that I can wear as I continue to lose weight. Cool thing right now... I am between sizes 14/16 and 18/20, depending on area, with my waist coming in at size 22/24. Thank goodness it is fitted only at the shoulders and bust, and flares from that point down.
I had hoped to do the gown as well, but I am not going to push it. The kirtle with its matching sleeves will be enough. If I have time, I may machine sew the gown. But one item at a time... I may be still hand sewing this at CC, trying to get the eyelets down the back done so I can wear it (I sure hope not)
Well, back to pressing pattern pieces. (Hmmm... need to find a hand sewing icon image sometime later)
Well, today, having found the patterns, and what fabrics I will be using... as of 5:00pm or so (give or take a few minutes) I have embarked on the Iron Hand Sewing challenge on Margo's list. I will be sewing this kirtle by hand, pieced patches and all, by hand (oh, what am I getting myself into).
I've read my new medieval sewing book that discussed the hand sewing techniques used then, with its few comments on what was done in the 16th century. I think I understand what techniques was mostly used then, which was running stitch, or backstitch for stressed areas, and hem stitch. Ok, that's easy. I have hand sewing down pretty well from all these years of hand sewing my finishing. Let's see if I can do this for a whole garment.
And most likely, it will not be entered into an A&S competition, since I haven't done the research into the whole background. I just want the experience of hand sewing a garment, and the challenge of doing this in time for Costume College (one month), if I am really industrious. And something late-period related that I can wear as I continue to lose weight. Cool thing right now... I am between sizes 14/16 and 18/20, depending on area, with my waist coming in at size 22/24. Thank goodness it is fitted only at the shoulders and bust, and flares from that point down.
I had hoped to do the gown as well, but I am not going to push it. The kirtle with its matching sleeves will be enough. If I have time, I may machine sew the gown. But one item at a time... I may be still hand sewing this at CC, trying to get the eyelets down the back done so I can wear it (I sure hope not)
Well, back to pressing pattern pieces. (Hmmm... need to find a hand sewing icon image sometime later)