Embellished Life

Doesn't seem like such a great life...you are property, a bargaining chip. You have no freedom and don't get to choose how you will live. I'd much rather be a modern day girl who can choose to dress like a princess....

 I'm in a very purple mood today...

I have this brocade fabric that I've been gifted with and I have to decided, finally, what to make out of it. I have mulled over several medieval and renaissance styles and I can't decide which I want to use. I don't want anything that will be too hot in this Florida weather.

I have thought about Elizabethan of course. But that usually involves more layers than I want to wear in FLorida, even in November. I could just make a dirndl skirt that looks Elizabethan and a separate bodice, but that seems to insult the elegance of the fabric and the nature and origin of the gift (gifted to me by a member of the Trimarian royal household because she knows I lust after glorious textiles, which this is).

I've considered Italian Ren, but not sure if I want to do Venetian, Florence or what. The later period styles look better on me, but again, involve more layers. Ah me.

Then there's Burgundian. I made one out of a lightweight cotton brocade that I had left over from my wedding garb which I dyed a lovely shade of purple. I get so many compliments on that gown! However, THIS fabric is much heavier, almost a tapestry, and it will lay very differently. The bust pleats will look much bulkier in this fabric than the other one and I'm not sure it will be flattering.

The other factor is deciding what style will look good on my husband that I can use the fabric that's left after making my own.

I'm hoping that journaling this dilemma will help me solve this dilemma soon...I have to finish in time for Fall Crown Tourney!

I have this brocade fabric that I've been gifted with and I have to decided, finally, what to make out of it. I have mulled over several medieval and renaissance styles and I can't decide which I want to use. I don't want anything that will be too hot in this Florida weather.

I have thought about Elizabethan of course. But that usually involves more layers than I want to wear in FLorida, even in November. I could just make a dirndl skirt that looks Elizabethan and a separate bodice, but that seems to insult the elegance of the fabric and the nature and origin of the gift (gifted to me by a member of the Trimarian royal household because she knows I lust after glorious textiles, which this is).

I've considered Italian Ren, but not sure if I want to do Venetian, Florence or what. The later period styles look better on me, but again, involve more layers. Ah me.

Then there's Burgundian. I made one out of a lightweight cotton brocade that I had left over from my wedding garb which I dyed a lovely shade of purple. I get so many compliments on that gown! However, THIS fabric is much heavier, almost a tapestry, and it will lay very differently. The bust pleats will look much bulkier in this fabric than the other one and I'm not sure it will be flattering.

The other factor is deciding what style will look good on my husband that I can use the fabric that's left after making my own.

I'm hoping that journaling this dilemma will help me come to a resolution...

We are doing our part over at Etsy

Halloween's here and I just added a shipload of booty into Athena's Grove for Halloween! See examples below...

I am working on an  underbust corset commission for someone. It will be hunter/forest green satin on the outside, with a finished length of 14" in the front. I will be posting pictures as I work on it, but for now, just needed to get this out of my head.

I plan to be using spring steel boning as the customer doesn't want a lot of waist training, more comfort, and it doesn't have to support and shape the bust.

I will be using a medium weight canvas for the inner layer and a light cotton for the lining, also hunter green.  I haven't decided yet whether I will do contrasting trim over the seams on the outside, or use the hunter green bias tape I found while I was buying materials...

Fabric Garb Jacquard Ribbon Trims at http://www.athenasgrove.com/trim/catalog/

What historical outfit doesn't look better with trim on it?!?!?!

Always buy the absolute best quality you can afford. It will reward you a thousand times over.

(with thanks, from http://www.beloit.edu/~classics/main/courses/fyi2000/museum/renaissance/)

Ok, here's a question for SCAdians everywhere.

What do you consider to be essential and what do you feel is living luxuriously in the SCA?

Obviously having a pavilion and lots of fancy garb would be on the list. Also, shiny, well-fitted armor for the heavy-weapons fighters or really nice schlagers for the fencers. But what else?

I'd really like to know.

I'd like this to be as comprehensive as possible, so please spread the word. I am working on an article for my local SCA newsletter and would really like it to shine.

Thanks!
~TrimFairy