> I'm planning an Elizabethan gown to wear for dancing. It must allow for > extremely hot weather, 4-hour long stretches of dancing and yet look > grand for costume displays. I ned the bodice to be low-cut to allow me > to cool down. > I've seen a child's dress at > http://www.marquise.de/en/1500/pics/1542_1.shtml which is similar to > http://www.marquise.de/en/1500/pics/1540_1.shtml and wondered if it > possible to make this for an adult?
Aylwen, The two dresses above are Italian, not Elizabethan. I am partial to Italians and if you can get away with it, either style would be lovely. > Last night I drafted up a bodice > from Jean Hunnisett and today I washed some green cotton-cum-polycotton > brocade (from the curtain section of our local Spotlight store). Would > it work in a brocade or should I use silk? You don't have to use silk, but do try to use all natural fibers. A fabric with even some polyester won't breathe as well. Even a thin wool will breathe better than a poly/cotton blend. I recommend all cotton for price and comfort. All linen would be slightly better because it "wicks" the sweat away from your body to keep it cool. And it is very sturdy. Silk would be lovely but if you plan to sweat a lot, silk may not be the best way to go. It can get sweat stains that may not come out. > Other images I like are: > http://www.marquise.de/en/1500/pics/153x_2.shtml > http://www.marquise.de/en/1600/pics/1610_1.shtml > And I've just found this sketch that looks ideal - > http://www.davidclaudon.com/Elizabethan/female.jpg as a gown from 1575 - The first one would get my vote! It is sexy and lovely at the same time. And it looks low cut enough to help you stay cool :~> Good luck! Diana www.RenaissanceFabrics.net "Everything for the Costumer" _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
