Grab your pointy shoes, we're going to the 14th century!

After the verbal prodding I received from one of my A&S judges yesterday, I've decided to begin perusing 14th century artwork for inspiration for my next formal project.  Depending on my level of costumer's ADD (and whatever real-life ridiculousness comes my way), it may be a single garment, a set of clothing accessories, or a full on-the-body clothing review.  Along the way I have a list of books and online resources that want reading.  This time I've got a bit of experience under my belt and I have a better understanding about the importance of thorough documentation as well as producing a high-quality item.

KAS Judges' Comments

Safely back from Kingdom A&S!   Of course I totally ignored the alarm I set to make sure I had plenty of time to wake up, get washed and dressed, then rendezvous with my ride, so I was pretty rushed getting out of the house.  Despite being slightly late getting on the road, we arrived at the event with enough time to get our submissions registered and set up.

'Twas the night before Kingdom A&S

I'm leaving for Kingdom Arts & Sciences very early in the morning.  I'll be entering my recently-finished Maciejowski cotte as a novice clothing submission.  I'll follow up on Sunday or Monday with the judges' notes and some of my own thoughts at the end of my first formal competitive experience in the SCA.

Leave little to the imagination

This is what I'm aiming for with my new brown-and-green front-lacing kirtle.  I'm done piecing together the stripes below knee level on the skirt - over 7 yards of flat-felled seams right there.  Once that's attached to the upper part of the skirt, I'll set that big rectangular piece of fabric aside until the bodice is completely finished.

I'm still fiddling with the smock design.  I'll try to knock out a muslin prototype before leaving for Kingdom A&S this weekend.

Double-teamed

One of my friends had her twins Friday afternoon, and so far everyone is doing well.  Since she doesn't have family living nearby, I've offered to lend a hand whenever I'm not at work.

Progress on the gigantic skirt panel is inching along, and I'd like to pick up some muslin next time I drive into town so I can take a whack at an Elizabethan smock with a higher neckline and maybe a ruffled collar.  The temperature is trying to drop, so it's best that I hit the project pile pretty hard and lay off the MMO for most of the week.

The boring part

Putting together the skirt portion of my brown-and-green kirtle involves sewing a little under 9 1/2 yards of flat felled seams before I can even begin to think about tackling the double box pleats or sewing the front seam closed.  As of right now, I have a tad over 7 yards left to sew.

Brown and green kirtle, part 1

Now that Macie is well and truly finished, and I've had some time to relax and recover ...
It's not like I took my sweet-*ss time finishing that gown or anything ...
It's time to get rolling on the next big thing.

Tor an Riogh is hosting Crown List in November and I could use one more utilitarian outfit by then.  I've tested my bodice pattern in muslin and drafted it onto butcher paper, complete with notes.

Bodice muslin

As promised ...

Front-opening bodice, laid out flat

Bodice folded in half - right side

Bodice muslin pinned shut, hanging up

I'll be adding a clearer patterning diagram in the very near future.

Maths for the fabric addict

Popping on for a quick check-in.  Macie is officially on tap to be showcased at an SCA demo back in my hometown next month.  I'm really excited that there's an active group up there, so I have someone to play with wherever we land in a couple more years.

Full circle

In late June 2010 I ordered a fantastic piece of "Kermit-the-Frog green" bargain linen.  By August I had decided on a project, and now I am pleased to announce it is finally DONE.  And the peasants rejoiced.