I’ve sewn a new dress for this most magical time of year.
Nine-or-so yards of buttery polyester had appeared in my fabric stash. I don’t remember where I got so much of this sage green delight, but many a historical fantasy garment call for such great lengths of fabric. Lengths which rarely turn up out of nowhere. I would not waste this opportunity.
The vision? Sleeves. Sleeves for days. Many dresses of drama feature sleeves that kiss the ground along with a train. Because I prefer to wear my garb outdoors, I nearly always opt-out of a train, and in this instance, choose to crop the sleeves mid-shin as well.
The garment was a bit of a rush. I decided I wanted something new to wear two weeks before a faire while I was in the midst of constructing two other garments with the same deadline. But the other two garments were learning experiences while a dress like this one is well-known to me. Its construction went rather quickly.
There is no lining, all seams are surged. There is a facing around the collar only. The sleeves are embellished with lip cord and treasure atop a rolled hem. I added this intricate chain and a single bead to the neckline for more texture. I considered a ribbon near the hem of the skirt, but ran out of time more than anything. Perhaps I’ll add someday, not that it needs it.
My invisible zipper skills are mediocre at best because I almost always prefer laces. The zipper was put in for time’s sake, and because I have all intentions of wearing a bodice, jerkin, or surcoat with this dress to formal and historical events. The zipper makes it so that I can get into the dress myself.
The skirt is very voluminous, but I haven’t tried it with a petticoat yet. Maybe for a Samhain appearance in my wool witch’s hat. The sleeves are extremely functional despite their length and act more as a cape than they do to keep my arms warm; I wore a base layer under it for our last trip to the faire. I see this dress as appropriate fairy, fay, and elf attire, or for guardian angels and forest sprites.
