A performing group I belong to just got a last minute booking at a Renfaire. I have to come up with a costume with about two weeks of actual time to work on it. It has to be something I can dance in, and suitable for August heat. I’m going for the peasant look, because I can make it up out of some brown sheets I have. Here’s the pattern I’m going to use for the kirtle (to be worn over a smock) - its Seamwork’s Emma dress.
I’ll have to lengthen it, and maybe add some fullness to the skirt and square off the neckline.
My question is - proper Renaissance dresses called for boning and buckram in the bodice. This one doesn’t, but I’m thinking of stiffening the front centre panel, to approximate the sort of flat front they went for(this pattern does not include boning). Also, I’m leaving out the anachronistic invisible zip. I’m 2 sizes smaller on top, and I’m assuming the lacing will allow me enough room to get it off and on.
Does this make sense? I know, people wear all sorts of bizarre stuff to these events, but I’m a huge fan of Bernadette Banner, and want to try to at least get close to the correct look. If it works, and we get invited back next year, I’ll probably make one out of linen.
Right, stop dithering, time to get the pattern out!
with your costume!