Well, after reading on line various other gown diaries, I thought I would try my hand at it.  The other diaries claim it's a good way to check what you're doing, keeps you on your toes and gives you a history of what you have done.  Keeping track is suppose to be a good thing, so I'm going to try it.  This will be an on going blog, so be sure to check back.  I'll be posting pictures to go with them and will let you all know which is what and so forth.

So, on to starting this blog. 

I'm in the processes of designing and creating a tudor style gown.  Why?  Well, the time period facinates me and it's a little more intense then the last gown, which is an Italian style gown from the 14th century.  This gown is also more of a challenge.  It entails a chemise, farthinggale (hoop skirt for those who are renaissance challenged), bum roll,  corset, bodice, underskirt, overskirt, parlet, and french hood.  I'm going to use a greenish diamond pattern light weight upolstery fabric for the overgown and bodice, a copper colored satin fabric for the underskirt.  Trim is still being decided, along with whether or not I'll be beading any of it.  My thought is that I will use beading on the bodice to give it a richer look.  This will be classified as a court gown if that gives you an idea.

I already have a chemise and a corset, but will be making new ones (Check the next blog on the corset, as that has been made). The chemise is designed for an Italian gown meaning the sleeves are HUGE!  I'll use the same pattern, (found here: http://www.festiveattyre.com/research/chemise.html  but will change a bit of it.  This is an easy pattern, and I found it turned out beautifully!  The sleeves will need to be shortened and sized smaller and the neckline will be changed to more of a lower square.  The corset was made using the online corset pattern generator (found here: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/  .  I adjusted the pattern when I made the first one.  I eliminated the bottom point and used very little boning.  It was my first one and I really didn't know what the hel I was doing, so it was redone.  I will also be making the farthinggale using the directions found here: http://www2.kumc.edu/itc/staff/rknight/farth1.htm .  Looks simple enough.  I will be using tubing instead of hoop wire.  This idea comes from various sources starting here:  http://www.vertetsable.com/demos_farthingale.htm.  This will also be a separate blog, so be sure to check back. 

So, on to the construction!  This will be both exciting to see it all come together, as well as frustrating, as I haven't done something this intense in a LONG time!  But I have faith in myself and know I can accomplish it.  I don't have a time set as to when this will be complete, as I also work a 'real' job.  Would love just to make costumes, but that doesn't seem to pay the bills as well as the weekly check.