The New York Renaissance Faire gets very very hot. Every year it get so hot at least for one or two weekends we don't go. I have no argument with heat, and a great deal of respect for those who can endure in their massive gowns complete with several layers and heavy fabric. Unfortunately, heat has massive issues with me. After nearly passing out last year (I may have gone a little crazy with a newly boned corset), I promised Lover I would not wear a tight corset this year. This lead to the Warm Weather Celts.
Some preview shots. And me messing around. I made the pieces spread out over a long time. Lover's shirt was by far the easiest. I foolishly hand hemmed the 4 yard band of my plaid, as well as Lover's but that was just the two 1 yard end pieces. My gown started as sleeveless, and laces down the back with goldish embroidery on the neck.
My gown was roughly 3-4 yards of green cotton I found in the stash lined in about a yard of muslin, which I used to drape the pattern a la a medieval gown. Which is also how the gown is patterned. I sewed by machine for the gown save the hem and biding at neck and arms.
Lover's was really easy, all I had to do was hem his plaid and make the shirt. The shirt I did completely on machine. The pants were from his original garb.
Lover added in his armor and sword himself, then had a little fun with the woad designs. We wore our garb twice. And I too had fun with the woad, at least the first time.
As you notice from my picture, I look rather liquidy and very red. I was so badly sunburned after the day I had to be super careful what I wore on my shoulders. Luckily the woad lines on my face faded rather quickly. But they were present enough for people to comment. So I went back to the drawing board and did this:
I added long sleeves with a bit of white fabric I found in my stash, Totally behaved like a cotton or cotton blend, but very light and airy. And no woad for me. I decided I was the princess. :)
Finally our gallant warrior and his princess.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
Merlina
