August 12, 2007

Did a quick mock up of the corset underlining. Everything looks good. Went ahead and cut pattern pieces from shell and lining fabrics.

Will start with assembly after Tim's trunks are finished. But this is a good start!

August 9, 2007

Tonight afterwork, I went to the fabric store. I purchased several yards of "true grid," which I use to draft patterns. This product is great! It is basically really light sew in interfacing with a 1"x1" grid. I think it is meant for people who piece quilts, but it serves my purposes, and I can cut it with my shears without dulling them. In addition to the "true grid", I purchased several skeins of perl cotton for eyelets on these bodies and for the kitle project. I also bought some heavy weight thread to sew the channels for the reeds. When at home again, I drafted the prelimary patterns for my effigy bodies, as well as for the kirtle bodice, and french gown bodices. I plan to mock up the bodies sometime this week. I must really get to business as I am running out of time. Only about 2 months before TRF.

July 30, 2007

Began researching bodies in general. Have decided on the effigy bodies as it is very similar to my exhisting pink "Margo Anderson" bodies. I'm drafting my pattern based on page 118 in tThe Tudor Tailor. I plan on shortening the front at least 4 inches, as recommended by Drea Leed, since I tend to costume 1560's and the long front is only really needed for 1580-1590.

For the outer shell I have purchased a terracotta silk/linen blend. This will be interlined with two layers of cotton twill and lined with a unbleached cotton/linen blend. For the stiffening agent I have chosen 00 basket reeds. I'm still looking for information about this, as I've only ever used, steel, zip ties, crappy plastic boning, and hemp. The whole thing will be bound with olive coloured kidskin.

This pair of bodies will be spiral laced up the front and back with handmade eylets.

In addition to the bodies, I have decided I need another low necked smock (I have one already cut out and partly assembled from a flemish peasant ensemble that never happened) and a high necked smock (because everyone needs a high necked smock). I also plan to dye my farthingale a nice taupe color as the stark white shows too much dirt, and replace the poly-tubing with plastic coated wire rope.