One of the GBACG‘s 2006 events I want to go to is wine tasting in 18th-century costume at a Sonoma winery in June. Currently, I have nothing at all of that era, so I’ll need a new costume. Being planny-pants me and also chronically busy, I want to start planning the costume now, but I can’t decide.
I’m debating these ideas. Links are included for reference, though I’ll modify the designs to suit my taste (especially in sleeves; I love foofy ruffles). I also want to keep this to a less expensive costume, though I only have two semi-suitable yardages in The Stash. And, as always, historical accuracy is sacrificed on the altar of making me look cute while not taking forever-and-a-day to make.
Some possibilities, in a not-very-particular order…
A. Riding jacket to go with a skirt I already have — I have small amounts of the purple left, but would need a solid purple or black material (wool? twill?) and do some creative piecing/contrasty bits. Could sew this one myself as it’s not a major time outlay. Although I have no idea what pattern to use. The outfit would be dark, but it’s outdoorsy/sporting clothes, so appropriate for the event.
B. Laced-front jacket or similar jacket and skirt, probably from the JP Ryan patterns — Make the jacket out of black brocade I already have a bolt of, get some white eyelet for the skirt and sleeve ruffles and a fichu. This ensemble would only be half-black, thus more suitable for the event. I’m torn about wearing all-black to outdoor daytime things, both for practicality (it’s hot) and appropriateness.
C. Caraco jacket and skirt — Again, make the jacket out of black brocade I have, get white eyelet for skirt and sleeve ruffles and a fichu. This is a little more black, but still keeping everything light and frothy.
D. Robe a l’anglaise, perhaps using the JP Ryan pattern, view A — No idea what fabric, don’t want to use the black brocade because then it would be all too black. Maybe find some foofy floral print cotton, something pretty and summery.
E. Polonaise gown, probably Period Impressions‘ 1770 one that half the GBACG has made — This would also need new fabric, floral cotton or a toile (yes, I know that’s only for furniture in this period, but I don’t care, nyah!).
F. Sleepy Hollow stripey gown in black and red stripes — Ok, not very summery or outdoorsy at all! This costume should go to a goth club or a ball or at least a con, but… it’d be so very cool! I’d even want to make this one myself because it’d be fun. Also, I have buttloads of the fabric just sitting there staring at me.