IRCC3 - August Update

Well, this final month of the Challenge flew past! I didn't manage to complete much, but I am pleased with what I have achieved.

I have a new adapted gown pattern, and a gown cut out ready to sew.

I have a new adapted coat pattern, and a coat partially sewn.

I have a set of large pockets mostly finished.

I have a terracotta red silk underskirt completed and awaiting some embroidery.

I have a partially sewn chemise.

I have a lovely new feather fan.

Plus all the semi-completed and finished products from the earlier months of the Challenge.

This is much more than I would normally achieve in a year, and more than I thought I could achieve, so I am very happy with my progress. (I will post pictures and details of items as they are finished.)

Best of all, I have really enjoyed learning from and being inspired by the other participants in the Challenge. My confidence has improved and I feel very motivated.

Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge III - Update

The third Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge: http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/challenges/IRCC2013/IRCC3-2013.htm


This has been a difficult month for me, with recurrent illness and the death of a close family member. I certainly didn't get anywhere near what I expected done, let alone what I would have liked to get done.

My first project this month was to attempt an 'easy' version of a lace partlet similar to the ones that are so common in portraits of Bianca Cappello, one of my sixteenth century style icons.


Bianca Cappello by Allori - from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Alessandro_Allori_-_Portrait_of_Bianca_Cappello.jpg




Bianca Cappello by Scipione - from http://www.gogmsite.net/the_middle_1500s_-_1550_to_/minialbum_bianca_capello_de/bianca_capello_by_scipione__2.html



 I purchased commercially produced cotton lace of an appropriate size to fit my partlet collar piece. The partlet is cut from cotton fabric. In period, it would probably be made of linen, but financial restraints meant that cotton was the only option available to me.

The body of the partlet has been made up, but it has not yet been entirely hemmed. The lace was tacked to the partlet collar and sewn down around the edges. The lace did not sit neatly on the collar piece, so I have ended up having to sew around all the little holes and bars with tiny stitches. My plan of a 'fast and easy' alternative to needle lace really hasn't worked out to be very fast and easy! I continue to work at securing the collar lace.

My respiratory problems continue, and I quickly realised during my last event that I need a dress that can be worn comfortably with no corset. So, off on a tangent again! I have been working on an early sixteenth century, short-waisted tourney dress prototype that has a lightly boned bodice and can be worn with a bra. I am not confident about how that will look when complete.

The bodice partly tacked up for sewing

A similar style shown in Carpaccio's 'The Betrothal'
image from http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/wardrobe/CarpaccioBetrothed2.jpg

My 'main' dress for the challenge; a pointed bodice Italian that can be worn with a corset has been drafted and cut out. I'll admit that I have hit a bump with the boning. The necessary bones had to be ordered, and with everything else that has been going on, my motivation has flagged a little this month.

New IRC Challenge Announced

Lovely Lady Bella from Realm of Venus has announced a new Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge. Head to
http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/challenges/IRCC2013/IRCC3-2013.htm
for more information.

I am planning on entering; I am getting organised and working out what I have in my stash - and what I need!