I have made fabric pleater tools out of cardboard in the past but never 22″ wide and with a small return. I knew the total circumference I wanted at the hemline and a full return knife pleat was going to be too generous. Since these were to be fully pressed pleats I knew a tool was going to be invaluable. So I promptly started cutting up manila folders and doing the math. Until my roommate pointed out that Clotilde carried the “Perfect pleater”. It happened to be 22″ wide and was on sale for half price with a 3/8″ return. I was sold almost… (more…)

I met a lovely lady at the Renaissance symposium this year who promptly contacted me for a peasants outfit. We worked long distance from measurements and had one fitting in person. She had the fabric in mind already and try as I did I wasn’t able to convince her to go with an all linen outfit. But the coif, apron, and flatcap are 100% linen. The coif and apron are decorated with red machine embroidery. I had to test the red thread in cold and hot water to make sure it won’t bleed on the lovely white linen. We sure don’t want pink linens!

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Here is just mocking up the fabrics for the waistcoat and zuave jacket:

The edges of the zouave jacket will actually be cording covered in bias cut plaid matching the skirt but I just threw on a scrap of straight grain here.
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I’ve jumped right back into sewing but will come back to updating about the trip to Florence soon.

Pleating of the linen/cotton blend lining:

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Fabric up-close:
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This started life as a mock-up for the Deep ocean blue corset. But as you can see it finished up nicely:

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Here is a preview of my recent ocean blue corset and skirt I already had in a matching silk. A deeper ocean green-blue corset from the same pattern is in the works (fabric prepped today for cutting). I hope to share some images as the project progresses.

Life has been busy. Another corset out the door, a chemise inprogress, & a skirt with medici belt. A ready made zouave jacket (not made by me) will be getting some upgraded trimmings and alterations on fit if time allows.

Wedding stuff is sitting waiting for my attention.

I’ll be at the Dickens Christmas Fair for all but one weekend this holiday season. Check it out. $3 off coupons will be easily picked up at your local Longs drugs store.

Here is a preview of the skirt fabric and the original jacket:

Our guildmistress picked out some fabric she decided had to be used for the guild. I dutifully purchased it and accepted the challenge to get a gown done by Folsom Renaissance faire. I wonder if I’ll get it done in time! I’ve been sick for the past week attempting to rest enough to get well. Still sick but making progress on work. Corset mock-up done, another corset drafting in progress. Just got the measurements for another shirt….

Here is the skirt back:

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The project is majorly on the back burner but I wanted to show the progress. It was started because I needed a project I could pick up and put down whenever I wanted. I have very little of the two fabrics so it will be a welcome challenge to bring the project to completion with what I have available. A second black velvet row may be added to the skirt but I want to make sure I can pattern in all the accessories before dedicating the material to that purpose.