anotheranon: (costume)
anotheranon ([personal profile] anotheranon) wrote2009-10-04 10:12 pm
Entry tags:

FLK

FLK = front laced kirtle, which I FINALLY finished Thursday night. I finally have basic girl-garb that I can get into and out of on my own! Who da man, WHO DA MAN??


front, showing offset lacing holes and inward tilted straps
Points of interest: I used the 6 measurement doublet instructions I got last year at an SCA event to create the bodice pattern. Due to my odd shoulder/bust configuration, it took several refittings and tweakings to get something that fit, and the final result has oddly (to me) inward-tilted straps. Which, in the end, works because they stay put very well :)

The lacing is a single length of linen tape with a long copper aiglet at the end made from hobby store copper tubing and flattened using pliers - easy to get through the lacing holes, rather like a needle and thread. No need for a mile long lace either, as I don't need to reach over my shoulder to yank it closed.

And on me it DOES meet in the middle, and pushes me (correctly) up and in.

cartridge pleating closeup
The pleating was pulled into accordion-like folds and sewn to the bodice by hand - if you look carefully you can see some of the stitches even in this low-rez iPhone shot. Incredibly, this only took an afternoon.

closeup of lacing
Part of the reason this took as long as it did was the amount of hand stitching - lacing holes, pleating, and hems on both skirt and lining. The lacing holes are not beautiful but they are serviceable, and this is the first time I've used the correct buttonhole twist thread for same.


It's red linen, started vivid but pre-washing brought it down to a softer (and more status-probable) shade. The bodice is interlined with cotton canvas and lined with cotton broadcloth, same as the skirt.

Looking forward to its maiden voyage next weekend :)

[identity profile] jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com 2009-10-05 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
It looks lovely ... well done! :-)

[identity profile] hadesgirl.livejournal.com 2009-10-05 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
WOW those pleats!!! O.O I can't even IMAGINE having the patience to attempt such a thing.

YOU DA BOMB!

[identity profile] anotheranon.livejournal.com 2009-10-06 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

The patience is easy - turn on DVD, do repetitive work - but it's awfully hard on my hands and wrists.

[identity profile] stanci.livejournal.com 2009-10-05 09:57 am (UTC)(link)
Looks fabulous! I am looking forward to seeing it in person :)

[identity profile] anotheranon.livejournal.com 2009-10-06 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] ellid.livejournal.com 2009-10-05 11:03 am (UTC)(link)
Nice job, and yes, the color is good - looks like a nice madder red, not the more expensive bug dyes.

[identity profile] anotheranon.livejournal.com 2009-10-06 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks!