Stimpzilla's Renaissance Dress Blog

Well it's seems I finally figured out what was wrong with my posts. I was looking using the wrong url. Felt slightly stupid as it then caused me to have to go back over my entire web site and change the url links on every page. There are many things I would rather be doing other than that *S*

I did get some work done on the black silk doublet last night. Most of what is left to do are the buttons and just a minor fix for the shoulder wings as they are off about a quarter of an inch on one side in the back and that really bothers me. (I have retentive issues, though it does not extend to house cleaning)

I've also drafted Sherie's bodice pattern at last! It's ready now to cut out a mock up and check for size. And I'm planning on fabric shopping for some velvets to make some hats this afternoon. Maybe I will change my mind about hat making. In the past it's been very irritating as I seem to have limited patience for it. But both my husband and I need new ones this year so I'm going to give it one more go.

I'm having posting troubles ...but I may have figured it out...

After a lovely morning driving with what turned out to be a major gas leak, which spewed gasoline all over the front of my engine, I went to Joann Fabric and found some great fabric for 2 bucks a yard. (And thank you to my darling husband who replaced the hose!) I never find fabric at Joann's that I want but today I got some black linen rayon mix with beautiful embroidery on it, for 2 dollars a yard. (Just had to say it again) My mission there was to buy more of those circular cutting blades I use for slicing up fabric. I think I will use my new found linen for an undergown for an Italian outfit as I have just under 9 yards. But I could change my mind. I'm also tempted to make a farthingale out of it, as I am sorely in need of a new one but we will see.

What did amaze me was the rather insane labeling of fabric at the store...There was some truly putrid fabric that was labled "Renaissance Fabric". No one would make a gown, doublet or any other item out of what they were calling renaissance fabric. Ever. Maybe it was mislabeled but, I was horrified that they would be encouraging people to spend the time to make a gown out of such nasty fabric. And it's not like I'm being a mjor snot here either. Searsucker would be just fine compared to what they were showing. In fact, while not many people think searsucker is a period fabric I have documentation for it....

Stimpzillas Renaissance Gown and Renaissance Wedding Gown

This is the first post for Stimpilla's blog. The blog is intended to be something of a renaissance gown dress diary and general musings about my days. Currently I am working on a gown for Sherie. This afternoon I am expecting to finish drafting her bodice pattern, as long as I can figure out how to properly publish this blog. So far Sherie's gown is coming along very smoothly.

The overskirt is mostly completed. It is made of a rather huge pattern that has griffins on at among other designs. I am in love with it. The trim is two colours of gross grain that is beaded in pearls, jade and some sort of blue stone who's name escapes me at the moment. Similar bead work will appear along the neckline of the bodice. However I will not start that until the promised chocolates arrive. *S*

The sleeves are already complete and have blue stones couched with gold on the cuffs. They are made of the same fabric as the underskirt which is done except for the waist and hem. The fabric is a large patterned blue on blue pattern that compliments the overskirt and bodice well. So I will try to publish this and see if it works now and maybe add more later.

OK so I'm back again some hours later and this seems to work! Not much got done with the bodice today, but I have some hand work on a doublet to get done, so that will give me something else to do besides working on the computer.