Renaissance Festival Dress

I decided last Wednesday  that I wanted to go to the Renaissance Festival. So with that in mind I set about getting time off and working on my costume for said event. I decided I didn't want to be royal or nobility this year but decided a peasant sounded like lots of fun! So began the research on what style of clothing and the colors that were available to them then came the real work. I wanted to try my hand at cartridge pleating as it is historically accurate and gives the shape required for the poofout of the dresses without wearing layers of underskirts or a bum roll.

Not the best job ever but it works! I hand sewed everything at the waistband which includes an underskirt and the over skirt. I then moved on to the bodice. When I was ready to try in on for size and make sure the shoulder straps were tight enough I noticed something about my dress that set me off. I kept staring at it thinking how familiar it looked. It took me a few seconds then it hit me. I cannot find the words to describe the look of horror, shock, and denial on my face.

Do you see it? Do you know what that looks like!?!?!?!?
Let me show you.

My least favorite princess EVER!!!!!! I have never liked Snow White so isn't it poetic that she is the favorite of my nieces? I looked like the plain version of Snow White and that was not acceptable. Back to the drawing board! So after scraping my (very nicely done for once) bodice I had to find fabric for a new one. I found fabric I was saving for a different project but thought this was more important and started work on the top again. I'm rather glad I changed the top since the new top is much more me. And this bodice was even better than the first haha.

But something was missing...I needed a purse! One that blended in and wasn't a pain to carry. Something that was more historical looking that my big over the shoulder purse....something I didn't have but have been looking for an excuse to make! Not that I need excuses but it makes it more fun. So I went through my fabric closet and found some vinyl leather looking stuff that had the perfect weight and began on the construction. I'm so happy it wasn't complicated.

 Four pieces is all that was required. How wonderful!!

 I added an inside pocket for my money and the deeper pocket it big enough for my camera, brush, and phone with room to spare.

 You never know what you have till it's gone. That applies to the tools needed to put the grommets in place. I had to use a seam ripper, paint brush, knitting needle, and a hammer. The seam ripper to start the hole and the paint brush/ knitting needle to enlarge the hole enough for the grommet to enter. I then used the knitting needle to bend the ends down before hammering it open. Same process I had to use for the bodice lacing.

 I then added the clasp on the outside and it was done!! I put the clasp at an angle because if there was any give on the fabric it wouldn't stay shut so by putting at the angle it kept it shut even when given a bit of slack.

 The shirt I have had for years and really should make a new one but don't feel like it right now and the belt is from my medieval peasant costume I did last year. I just have to fix my shoes so they have straps and I'm ready to go to the Festival!!!!! Just wish  I wasn't going alone. :(