It has been a while since I had anything to share for this project, but I am excited that I have an update today. I got so invested in this project that I started doing a lot of research into historical clothing from the era and region the book is set, and I even ordered some fabric which is a replica of an original design from the 14th Century.
After months of waiting for it to arrive (and being sent a different one in the end, which I am actually not mad about because it turned out to be a good thing) I finally received the fabric for the main part of Morrigan's outfit this week:
The colours are very different to the ones I had chosen, and the design is also different but I think it's beautiful and it is still one from the right era and region. I don't picture Morrigan in green in any of the outfits I have imagined for her, but I had already drafted the Houppelande (outer gown) and so I decided to throw caution to the wind and...
Even when I had only draped the front panels and one sleeve on the mannequin and tied a piece of trim around the waist, I was IN LOVE.
I spent a couple of hours sewing the gown together yesterday, and by the end of the day it looked like this:
It it very low cut because it is a style of gown that has no fastenings or closures and was worn over other layers. Today the fabric for the inner dress (called a kirtle) arrived, along with the fur to trim the sleeves and collar. The fur I have chosen is from a supplier who provide exquisite quality faux fur to designers, and their fabric styles are all based on real animals.
I fell in love with their stuff, and I know that fake fur is a material you shouldn't try to cut corners with, but I was able to justify getting a fabric inspired by wolf fur because it had a slight fault that meant it was discounted, but which does not affect the way it looks (it's just a mark on the inside of the fabric).
So now I have a ridiculous blue, green, and gold brocade Houppelande with grey faux fur sleeves/stand-up collar and a belt made from gold and royal blue ecclesiastical trim.
I will be making the kirtle from a blue/green shot taffeta tomorrow (hopefully) and doing a couple of other things such as hemming the gown.
I also want to get a different wig, because the one I realllllly wanted is available outside of the US now and I think it is worth buying that when I have put so much effort into everything else.
I guess it's kind of weird of me to do a big post like this about a dress on my writing blog, but I wanted to share this project because it has been so rewarding and I feel like when I craft an item for one of my characters it is a sign that I have connected with them.
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