As the season changes and it finally gets cooler here in Northern California, my thoughts run to 12th Night. For those who are not part of the SCA, this is a Coronation to strut and shout. Since we are in doors, it means we can wear the more costly fabrics, you satins and velvets of silk and wool. With all of the Vigil Ceremonies going it is nice to look good so this is 1 set of Garb, during the day on Saturday I will typially wear a set and then at night a different set of clothing. Sunday is optional since most people are just leaving.
This is a huge thing, I plan at least 2 weeks prior to have everything done and ironed and put into packing.
This year we have a Rowenta Professional Steamer, so I can make sure all of our garb is wrinkle free. So for my Garb, Let me break it down:
Friday Evening Garb- Purple/Silver/Gold Venetian, I don't know if I will get the standing ruff done but if not that is okay I have girdle and fan and hat to complete.
Saturday Day Garb- Elizabethan Fitted Gown- Black Damask in Fleur de Lys gown and Lilac Damask Kirtle. Ruffs and French Hood to complete the whole look.
Saturday Evening Garb- Blue/Gold French Round Gown, with escoffion and Italian hat. Ruffs to complete the ensemble.
Sunday Morning Garb- Loose gown with coif.
However my things are mostly done, I have been working on them for the past months.
Friday Night Garb- Florentine 1545, Eleanor of Toledo, a Lady of taste and fashion!
Design on this Gown:
Camisa
Linen for the body of Camisa Stash
Lace for insertion Stash
1/2 Pearls Purchase
Partlet
Linen Stash
Trim in White Stash
Polished Cotton Stash
Couched Silver rope Stash
Saturday Day Garb- Venetian in Aubergine, Gold and Silver with Murrey Sleeves.
Saturday Night Garb-
I have been working on several outfits for the Hubs so he can look spiffy as well, but I have one that I hope is over the top!
Husband's Garb
He has nothing, because he keeps losing weight (Creep, I know right?)
In Progress
Grey Velvet with embroidery
Black Linen with Green Jacquard
Black Velvet with welts with silver couched.
More Design and Study Needed for these.
Blue Linen with embroidery and pink'd sleeves
Grey Wool with Black Velvet Gards, welts and Laid on Lace.
You Know what? French Hoods have been about for a long time, I have been attempting the Hood thing, but have been failing as I did not know how to attach and how to place. I go to an intensive convention created by and run by people just like us or at least me! People who love costuming, or creating clothing from different periods of time and space. We call this lovely place Costume College every year we gather on the first weekend in August, in Southern California, to learn, teach, get inspired and party and have fun.
This year I was happy to get into 2 closed classes on Hats of the 16th Century,
"The Unshakable 16th Century Hat" and "French Hood". This year I also made a pact that I would finish every class project and increase my hat collection of course, I truly believe that if you don't do the knowledge by putting it into practice you will then move it into wisdom.
The Bongrace Workshop ~ Hand sewing! I have issues and I wish I had brought more of my 'helpers' like the locking scissors that will hold a needle going through 2 layer buckram. I am going to try this with plastic canvas which will be easier to get the wire on at least for me!
The French Hood Workshop~ I think it should have been 4 hours, mostly because the first part is hand sewing and I am horrid at it, and since I had done a lot of hand sewing Saturday for the Bongrace Workshop. As soon as I got home it was back to work and then setting up for my youngest Son's back to school and birthday ( he is 15 now!! Yikes)
Here I am with my BFF, in our Gala Garb at Costume College!
