Gearing Up

I have been reminded that I have but 7 weeks to finish the costume for my next definite faire date. And since I want to finish hubby's before I start mine, that means I have only 7 weeks to finish TWO costumes. That was an inspiring thought...

I didn't get as much done this weekend as I might've liked, but at least I did something! First, I worked on getting Adam's shirt wearable so that I could fit a doublet over it:

shirt collar

The shirt isn't actually finished--there are still buttons and button loops to be added to the sleeve cuffs, and I'm considering doing a black border on the cuffs to make it go better with the top of the shirt. I figure the 6 hour drive to NC we have next weekend will give me plenty of time for such handwork:

trogdorcuff
Having the shirt in hand, I wanted to work on the doublet pattern while the model was available and willing. The flemish doublet, while appropriate for peasant gear, is not structured enough for higher class elizabethan wear. I started with that pattern and altered it until it was snug but comfy, and fiddled for a seemingly interminable amount of time trying to figure out the blasted collar. Collars are a PITA!

doublet fitting

I also wanted one of the v like collar backs, so I'm working on getting this to lie flat. I think its just a matter of carefully handworking it, and I didn't want to waste my time doing that on a mockup:

I think I'm gonna really like this detail (unless it all goes horribly wrong!!!).

That's all for now. Tomorrow I hope to cut out the lining and fashion fabric for the real doublet. And maybe cut out some of the slops so I can have them all ready to couch with cord for my long car-ride. Wish me luck!