Musings on Extreem Costuming

[femkes_follies]

I preface this by pointing out that it is extremely cold and very windy today. 4 inches of powder so far, and probably another 4 to come - all blowing around and occasionally obscuring the house across the street. It MIGHT be affecting my brain.



SO whilst I was in the odd twilight between napping and being fully awake, a few of my focus areas from recent days sort of started to meld. I was contemplating the incipient web site, and what I would like it to be. Thinking about those of attack_laurel, realm_of_venus, and pinkdiamond, I was trying to decide what goals I had for my own. Sort of back to that whole "mission statement" theory. Too much "Project Runway" and investigation into the availability of couture sewing classes also started to invade. As well as musing on this new event we're attempting to develop and what we want THAT to be.

Hey, I said I was drifty.

In some ways, I was trying to decide what I want to aim for in my sewing goals. I don't really have the time and patience to spend all my time sewing mundane clothes. Though I do it on occasion. Nor do I have the need or desire to wear higher end clothes - or the evening wear type stuff I gravitate toward if allowed free rein. But garb is another story. Which got me thinking about who's stuff I really respect, whose I don't, and why. I noticed, for instance, at Twelfth Night, that the "Mean Laurel" of previous reference was there in what looked to be a new gown. It was nice, but (unsurprising, given all the factors) looked much more like a "costume" to me, than a gown. And I heard Simone's voice in my head from early on in me SCA career - "There is a definite difference created in the garment by the techniques you use. Modern dressmaker techniques may get you a beautiful costume. Period techniques will build you clothes."

She's right. But what's the difference, really? Back to musing through the various sites, and other folks who's stuff I like. And I've come to the conclusion that what I really want to sink my time into (had I any) amounts to "period couture."

And what, precisely, do I mean by that? Clothes. Fitted, and constructed, with an emphasis on handwork, that lay in a way correct for the garment. Translating fine sewing techniques into period work. Understanding what makes fabric do the things you want it to do. And knowing which more modern techniques can be added to make the garment more attractive and better fitting without creating a "costume-y" effect.

A lofty goal, and one I'm a long, long way from But at least I've gotten straight in my own head what I want. But one thing that may help me is that handwork is extremely hampered by synthetic fabrics. The types of sewing and finishing I want to do almost require natural fibers. I certainly wouldn't try Mistress Isobel's handsewing technique on rayon brocade. I think it would be extremely frustrating.

And all this thinking might be getting me closer to recovering my sewing mojo. Though I'd still like it if I could find some higher end sewing classes locally. I have signed up for E-mail notification when Pattern Review runs their two couture classes online again.

Comments

[estela-dufrayse.livejournal.com]

If you can get a copy of "Classic Tailoring Techniques" it's a green book...can't think of the author right now and my copy is at work...There's an excellent lesson on shrinking in a sleeve head to an armhole.

If I can remember, tomorrow I'll write out the lesson and send it to you, if you'd like.

[femkederoas.livejournal.com]

That might be worthwhile. I'd noted the book, but hadn't picked it up yet. I have a copy of "Couture Sewing Techniques" that has a step by step guide, as well. I think it may help setting in sleeves on my new wool gown.