Skip to main content

A Fairy in Nature


Over Memorial Day 2018, I locked myself in my room and had a sewing weekend. It was glorious. Several pieces of costumes were finished that 3-day weekend. One of these, I planned to wear this year at the Norman, Oklahoma Medieval Fair. We all know the state of the world right now. So that didn't happen sadly. I have been to the Medieval Fair many, many times. As a guest, and also many times as a performer. I have had to step down from performing, but I still love attending.


Allow me to introduce Rosalind Nia Blomme, or Rose N. Blomme, as her friends call her. In the tradition of Tinker Bell and her friends, Rosalind is a Flower Talent Fairy from the South of England. She, like all fairies, loves nothing more to dance and sing and play with her friends. Also, she loves exploring and discovering new flowers and trees.


Basically, my goal for this costume was to use up some miscellaneous pieces from my stash. I had a small stack of fabrics that looked so stunning together, I just HAD to use them all in the same project, and this is the outcome. The colors of the fabrics range from medium dusty pink to rich burgundy. And in case it isn't clear, this is pure fantasy. No hint at a historical era or a specific location was attempted. I just wanted a pretty dress!


The base skirt is a full circle of a smooth, thick burgundy satin, with 2 squares of fabric laid over top. The squares were scraps from my stash. I wanted many layers and textures, like the petals of a rose. One was a burgundy beautifully-textured crinkled polyester. And the other is a mauve shimmering sheer organza. Then, I cut a circle right in the middle for the waist. I added a waistband and zipper. (Look up circle skirt tutorials, if you are interested.) I hand beaded tiny seed beads randomly all over the top layer to represent dew drops.


For the blouse, I used Simplicity 2777. I found this beautiful mauve pink sheer polyester mirror organza in the stash. It has nice, full sleeves, for a romantic look. The neckline is drawstring. This allows me to wear it higher or off the shoulder, as mood dictates.


The bodice is of a burgundy home décor fabric with tan designs. The pattern is Butterick 4669, view B. I lined it with burgundy flannel from my stash. I set eyelets up the front and then covered them with thread, as is my custom. My eyelet setting skills are not up to par, and they always look terrible. Sew over them, however, and no one can see them. Done.

I may buy a pair of wings, but for now, this costume is complete!


I had so much fun running around Will Rogers Botanical Gardens. Thanks to my mom for taking these pictures.

Thanks for reading!

Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of pixie dust,
Sarah



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bow-Tie Necklet

Are you, dear reader, in the mood for some winter accessories? Or, like me, are you already anxious for spring to arrive? The only good thing about winter is the cute accessories, I always say. I have a big canvas basket full of scarves, gloves, mittens, and hats. I have a black and also a purple peacoat. Plus my dramatic leopard print fleece cape, which I have previously discussed. Simply put, I don't like to be boring with my accessorizing. It is my only source of cheer and happiness when preparing for a cold winter's day. Ok, enough with the dramatics. On with the subject of today's blog. I knit this up several years ago. This is what the pattern calls a “Bow-Tie Necklet”. It is a scarf, but not in a traditional long rectangle shape. One end is pulled through a loop on the opposite side, forming a sort of bow tie. I have seen several examples in mid century photos of similar knit scarves that seem to have been made the same way. Of course, I forgot to save them/
Post a Comment
Read more

Disney's The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Blue Dress

    Anyone who has spent more than 3 minutes with me knows I'm obsessed with Disney. My three favorite movies are Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. So for Halloween 2011, I made a version of Ariel's blue dress. She wears during "Kiss the Girl" scene and when they are riding in the carriage around Eric's kingdom. . It was fairly easy to make. I used McCall's 4090 (View A), a simple skirt with a waistband. For the bodice/over corset, I used another McCall's, 4861 (view A). I didn't want side lacing, so I just traced each of the four pieces separately, then taped them together at the sides, overlapping the seam allowance. This left me with the back lacing only. When it was assembled, I roughly "eye-balled" the sweetheart-shaped neckline and cut it out. The shirt was made with Simplicity 3677. I just added cuffs to the sleeves instead of elastic. A couple things I lea
3 comments
Read more

Reconstructing History RH017

This is review of RH017, 14th Century Kirtle or  Cotehardie. (Link to buy this patten at the end) I ordered it to make a new dress for the 2015 Medieval Fair of Norman. I had been playing a princess for many years, but decided on changing it up this year. I wanted to be a Bard, a poet/singer/general performer. Naturally, I could not wear the Princess gowns of years past.  It came in a timely fashion. I knew it had a booklet of historical notes, I didn't know it was going to come with a textbook! Seriously, this booklet is 15 pages long (including historical notes, bibliography, actual construction, and a section on period stiches) and is in an easy to digest format. The pattern is on regular paper, not the usual tissue paper, which I appreciated. I had trouble with setting the sleeves, but it was my own fault. I made it oversized purposefully to adjust down to my exact size, and didn't quite adjust the sleeves to match correctly the first time. My own fault. I will post
Post a Comment
Read more