Red Underskirt

I recently made a red underskirt as part of my outfit for the Riverhaven Costuming Challenge.

I chose to use cotton broadcloth due to budget constraints; linen or wool (even silk) would have been more appropriate, but much more costly.

I sewed rectangular panels together, leaving a gap at the centre sides open, which I hand hemmed. I also hand felled the side seams.

I added a tiny buttonhole bar at each side seam for extra strength.

Double felled side seams.

I pleated the front and back panels into separate waistbands by hand using cartridge pleats. Once the pleats were sewn in, I released the gathering stitches to allow a more relaxed pleat. I hand hemmed the bottom of the panels, and added decorative twill tape.

I used the same twill tape as ties for the skirt. The front and back ties are tied independently (as seen on petticoats in the Tudor Tailor book) to allow for greater adjustment.

I'm happy with how the garment turned out, but it is a little bit long. When I get time, I will add a kickpleat/hemtuck all the way around to take up some of the excess. I regularly do this with my gowns as it helps to hold the hem out and give the skirt some structure. It also can be seen as on some sixteenth century portraits.

Cross and Pearl Necklace

I finished another quick project recently; a necklace to go with the outfit that I have been making for the River Haven Clothing Challenge.

I have had the silver and glass pendant for a few years. I strung it on tiger tail wire with small baroque pearls and glass beads harvested from a thrifted necklace. I have trouble with my hands/fingers, so the hook and bar closure is a lot easier for me to put on and off. Silver crimps secure the ends of the wire.

River Haven Clothing Challenge

Sorry about the delayed posting; a hard-to-kill chest infection and corresponding brain fog are making everything that much harder lately.

I have decided to enter the SCA River Haven Clothing Challenge. Here is some information about it-

"Ogres are like onions -they have layers.

And so does this clothing challenge.

THE BASICS:

From 1st October 2023 to 31 March 2024 River Haven will be running a clothing challenge.

The main focus of it is to encourage garb making within members of the group, but there will be prizes. How good will depend on Sponsors (more on that later).

Based loosely on the Calontir Clothing challenge and the IRCC, the challenge is to make an outfit of at least three layers during this time. It can be from any time/place that SCA covers.

Prior to the challenge you can research, source patterns, do mock ups, make toiles, source your fabric and other necessities, but fabric for the outfit itself is not to be cut until 1st October. This is also the date to nominate and put in your plan (late nominations/plans will be accepted, but end date for making the outfit is final.)

There will be check in points on 1 December, 1 February, and 1 April (final date). One layer is to be submitted at each of these. More on processes to come.

There will be three divisions. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Please look honestly at which category most suits your skills and nominate for that one. The three categories will be judged separately."

I am not entering for prizes, more for accountability. I need new garb, but don't enjoy the process so hopefully this will help to motivate me.

I had to start late because I had other deadlines that must take priority, so I am already quite behind.

'Is this wise?' I hear you say. Probably not. :-)

'Is it sensible to take on another project when you are drowning in unfinished projects and battling health issues/starting a new round of appointments with a new specialist?' Also No.