The Negotiation Limerick File

, I am about done with my bustle petticoat - thanks, Truly Victorian! I have to attach the rows of ruffles, I got the first one pinned on Tuesday night. I borrowed idea from "Diary of a Renaissance Seamstress" of edging the ruffles with black bias tape. Looks pretty sharp, and since my corset is black that will be a little less jarring. Not that many people will see. But still.

We interrupt your LiveJournal Friends List reading to bring you this important news bulletin:

Amazon.com is selling The Clothing of the Renaissance World: Europe, Asia, Africa, The Americas; Cesare Vecellio's Habiti Antichi et Moderni by Rosenthal and Jones for $39.99!! This is that great big hardcover that was like $90 a few months ago! (LINK)

I'm wondering if that means they are at the end of the print run. Or if it's a typo. If it is a typo, too late, suckers! You have to sell it at that price. Time to scoop this one up.

I've found a costuming buddy in my program, which is nice; usually most people look at you funny when you tell them you sew costumes for fun, so it's a treat to have someone in closer proximity to work on projects with. She has located a Civil War era dance, and since I like period dance in its many forms I agreed that should be our next project. Of course, it's a month away. Wheee.


It's a mulberry purple with a lighter purple and blue. The bolt was marked $4 / yard, but it rang up at $1 / yard. So I scored 11 yards of 54" wide fabric, which should be more than enough for the Truly Victorian 1854 gathered dress. I guess I'll have to cut it in half when I go to launder it or otherwise the washing machine will choke. If that fabric is way off base for the time period, one of you will have to let me know. It's the costuming world's equivalent of telling your friend she has spinach in her teeth.

I just maxed out my monthly allotment of Flickr uploads, got some of the Italian Ren portraits up there - they are pretty huge, be sure to click on "all sizes" when you view them and you'll see what I mean (I'm probably the only person who didn't know about that until a few weeks ago). Of the ones I just posted, I thought the ones of the Eleanora di Toledo portrait were especially fascinating - so much goldwork and trim! I spent several minutes in front of that painting trying to take it all in. Anyhow, I think I will check out Photobucket as yummyone suggested. But later, I have goofed around enough already!!!

Ye godz, but sapphorama's couture wedding gowns are absolutely gorgeous!

jenthompson took top honors in realm_of_venus' 2004 Rose Awards! Jen, you're an inspiration! Costumers like you make me want to push my work up to the next level. (Wonder if I can run by the fabric shop on my way to class...think I hear a brocade demanding to be made into a Venetian gown...)

ETA: And check out sarahbellem, over on this month's Italian Showcase!