A light at the end, which is not a train for once

The Gold Gown is complete. The lace at the cuffs is sewn on, the hems are sewn and its ready to go!

I'm scouting ebay for some edwardian peices that I can use. And I get to keep them afterwards, because I don't think I can pull off an edwardian blouse myself. I did go op shopping yesterday and found a blouse that I can pull apart and possibly make something out of. I'll see. At the moment I have my eye on this whit tuck and lace bastiste blouse and a black bodice and skirt.

I sewed the majority of the gold vest together last night. Again I wont make button holes functional as I probably won't have time. I'll see. Filming has been pushed to the 6th, naturally I won't be there as I'll be at Twicon. But I hope to get out to our directors during the week to make sure the actors can get in and out of their costumes without me. Or he might change his mind and film on the sunday. I don't know and it doesn't matter to me. As long as they can dress themselves properly. Its one thing to dress yourself in modern clothes its simple. But historical fasion dictates some things go on first and how and where they are pinned matters!

We'll see how we go!

Photo update

I have decidedly finished the gold gown. I will simply pin the bodice into place on the actress, as most of the girls on the time did anyway.

The coat just needs to be sewn, well the darts need to be sewn, add some silver thread and bobs your uncle. That is if your uncle is called bob. But anyway, I have decided to add the collar, that is just sitting there on Gertrude. Yes. My dummy's name is Gertrude. After a great-great aunt.

So here follow pictures of the coat as it stands as of last night. I have just to sew it up and add some silver thread for looks, and it will have to do.

Filming has just been cancelled, due to weather. Shame. But its not me calling the shots. Personally I would still go. But we may go out on Sunday.

An unworthy update

So far the gold robe a la anglaise has not been worked on. But its a matter of finishing it tonight or be damned.

I have cut, sewn and pretty much tailored the burghandy gentlemans coat for Andrew. I have just to add buttons, which are simply going to be sewn on and will not be functional. I am in a quandry if I should or should not add a collar. I've seen examples with and without. I may add one. It may not be entirely correct, but its for show. And I don't have the funds to be entirely correct.

I will make tonight the gold vest to go with the burghandy coat. A simple affair, again, it will have buttons with no function. Time is of the essence here. Filming begins on saturday at 12pm.

I have yet to add a slit in each side of the damask underskirt to allow for proper walking. With the petticoats underneath there is not much room for the normalities. And since walking is an essential in this life, well I ought to make it happen.

And so here I sign off to sew yet again.

The seam so far

I gave in and decided to make the robe a la anglaise to my size. It is very very good luck that the girl is somewhat my size.

So I provide picture proof of things so far. I am to make a burghandy coat for our leading man.

It has taken me roughly 4 days to put together this dress. And I have yet to hem and finish it properly.

Periods to be used in Film

Periods to be used stands thus far, after another mind change from the producer. I'm trying to remain calm. Honestly. I am. He is letting me have a pretty free reign on design and so forth.

1700's
1800's
1900's
2000

Each of these corresponds to a season and a mood. And also colour plays a big part in this.

The 18th Century represents Summer. For this I aim to use a material I bought from the Smith Family. A yellow cotton unknown material with a sheen to one side and course on the other side. This will more than likely be a Robe a la anglaise.

The 19th Century represents autumn. For this I will more than likely use my spencer coat. A teddy bear brown chamois and dark chocolate brown velvet collar. This is obviously the regency era.

The 20th Century represents Winter. For this I will use a basic A line skirt in a brown twill and a high collared white blouse. Some thrift shopping may be needed.

The 21st Century represents Spring. For this I will use the actors clothes. What ever bright colours they posses will be used.

I am a little anxious as I have yet to receive any measurements for my actors. As they live far away from me I am relying on them to be somewhat accurate.

Proposed 10 step plan for making costumes

How to make six historical costumes in two weeks and ten easy steps.

Step One
Talk to your director. Always a good first step. Find out what he wants. Where he is coming from. What he see’s in these characters. What they should be feeling. What season we are in, what country is never a bad question to ask, their station, age etc.

Step Two
Gather/purchase material.

Step Three
Get measurements for your actors

Step Four
Get your patterns, cut, trace and alter like your life depends on it!

Step Five
Sew. HA! I wish it were that easy.

Step 5.5
Try to avoid panic attacks and remind self to breathe.

Step Six
Fit your costumes on your actors and adjust as necessary.

Step Seven
Fit your actors again and with any luck they are right for acting!

Step Eight
Stress clothes a little bit. Don’t be afraid to get them dirty, after all none of our clothes are pristine, and why should theirs be?

Step Nine
Stand back and watch your clothes work miracles.

Step Ten
Laugh and cry as necessary.