Historic Costuming Sewing

New Gown – Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle

Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle - Portrait by Sidney Eileen
Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle – Portrait

Well, not quite a new gown.  I made the gown back in October and November of 2013, but only a week ago finally hand-sewed the eyelets.  Previously I had been lacing myself into it with a tapestry needle whenever I wore it, and maybe completely finishing it was the boost of good luck I needed to be able to get post-worthy photos of the gown.

Style:  14th Century Front-Lace Kirtle
Fabric:  100% linen, light weight
Construction:  French seams where assembled on a sewing machine
Hand-worked seams along neck, front opening, inside sleeve, and hem
Hand-worked eyelets

The dress has deep medieval armholes, to provide a fitted armhole look while still allowing full freedom of movement. I hand-stitched the hem to ankle height, taking up a lot of fabric, so it wouldn’t get caught in the wheels of my walker or under my cane. I am planning to let the hem out when I no longer need walking assist at events.

I also hand-edged the veil, and am wearing a hairpiece and jewelry made by a friend. The bow fibula pinned to the dress on my left breast is a piece I created, hand-hammering copper wire into the fibula and several dress pins.

Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle - Front by Sidney Eileen
Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle – Front
Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle - Quarterback by Sidney Eileen
Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle – Quarterback

Peach Linen Front-Lace Kirtle by Sidney Eileen