Even more challenges

While reading the blogs from some other costumers who are participating in the Historical Sew Fortnightly/Monthly, I was directed to a few other challenges which are certainly tempting…

• 17th Century sewing challenge – over the course of a year create a full outfit from a painting and share progress through a Facebook group.
• The Manuscript Challenge – over the course of a year create a full outfit directly from a manuscript dated 400-1500.
• There was also The Fourth Annual Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge – which went from June – September 2014 along with it’s predecessors – for 2015 they’ve adjusted the dates a little bit and The Fifth Annual Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge will run April 1 to July 31, 2015.
• There’s also a Italian Renaissance Costuming Mini-Challenge – this one is for February 2015, but more will come with time perhaps?  This one for February I’m too late for, but I might keep an eye out for others! I’d love to re-make my Reta for this one, and new brooches (occasionally worn on the head) but I just really won’t have time in the next while, I know it… (between all the other things I want to do in time for other deadlines, plus a pretty stressful personal life right now…)
• Shear Madness does a variety of different costume themes, four times a year. I’m very curious about this for sure… and can even see how one of the upcoming challenges might align with some of the costumes I still want to make.  They also have a Facebook group.

(there’s also the Artemisian Costuming Challenge for a particular SCA Shire if you want to see how they set it up..)

 

Does anyone know of any other fun challenges? Let me know in the comments below!

Online shopping: Cheeptrims review

My first order from Cheeptrims.com

I’ve shared a few posts about online shopping, and I thought I’d share this one too. Unlike some of the others, I actually found it somewhat frustrating, and was disappointed with it – but that wouldn’t stop me from ordering from them again…

Order date: December 26
Change of order date: January 5
Date of receipt of partial order: January 15

 

Throwback Thursday : hand-painted ornaments

Hand painted glass ornaments

I’m calling this a Throwback Thursday because I made them quite some time ago, but as they were given out this year as gifts, I couldn’t share photos until now!

1480s Florence – my Giornea

My finished Italian costume… done with the Fresco filter 🙂

In my previous post I shared some of my research/inspiration, and here’s what I finally came up with.

The mock-up

In addition to reading a few dress diaries, I was lent notes from a woman in the SCA who has also studied and created a late 1400s Italian costume along with the help of her mentor. Her notes include recommendations for adding the needed fullness throughout the garment, rather than just adding fullness to the sides of the garment.

1480s Florence – Giornea (surcoat/over garment)

My finished Italian costume… done with the Fresco filter 🙂

The Giornea is a tabard-like overgown. In The Birth of Mary portrait (detail) this  garment isn’t worn, but I really LIKE this garment, so I might make one anyways.

I’m repeating some of the research here from my original inventory post – with some additions.

Research

Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni

Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni – Domenico Ghirlandaio. (1489) Florence

In the Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni the Giornea appears to have  a very low V-neck.  The garment is completely open at the sides, and is worn un-belted. The garment is sleeveless. The same outfit seems to have been recreated in the Visitation painting. This version doesn’t appear to have any trim at the neckline or along the sides, and the hem is unseen. The fabric seems to be a white and yellow brocade/damask.