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1360's Medieval Fair Dress (Court of King Edward III)

In 2010, our King of Medieval Fair informed the cast he was no longer able to participate as he was moving to New Mexico. So, the next fall when auditions came up and rehearsals started, I met our new King. And with this new King came a new time period which was roughly 250 years later. We were now the court of King Edward III. I was now Princess Mary Plantagenet. A princess can NOT be so out of fashion, so clearly a new dress had to be made.

A home décor fabric, oddly enough, was my fabric of choice. No Sound of Music or Gone With The Wind curtain dress jokes please.  But yes, more then likely, someone somewhere has a couch covered in my fabric. It was the color I wanted, with some embroidery on it. The fabric softened after many cycles in both the washer and the dryer.


The top-most layer was planned and the pattern pieces cut out. However, I couldn't decide what color to make the underdress or the kirtle. Our fair's esteemed leader, Ann Marie, graciously gave me a length of tan linen out of the Court fabric stash that coordinated beautifully.


The first version of the train on the over dress, called a sideless surcoat, was ridiculous. Just laughable. I clearly had NO idea what I was doing. So, I had to cut it way down to a more reasonable length. It was still too big, but I could manage.


One of my favorite accessories in the veil. I think it really makes the costume complete. Unfortunately, it was too windy most of the shoot for the veil to cooperate. We did get a few good pictures.


Roll the credits! Dress and accessories (except circlet and belt) made and modeled by me, Photos by Jessica Karin Photography, Wig is dark brown (don't remember the exact shade) Arwen by Arda Wigs (borrowed from my roommate). I LOVE the length of this wig. So pretty.


This picture shows how the costume should be worn fashionably in 1360. Hair in braids and coiled in buns on the side of the head, and the veil pinned to a "headband" ribbon underneath. I had a few random accessories laying about, so I mixed and matched throughout the shoot. I didn't get a good shot of my hand beaded pouch that I made, so that will have to wait for another day.

This gown has been well worn for 5 years now. Medieval Fair is hard on clothes, I must say. Time for an update? We shall see!




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