Thread: Pattern-savvy girls--know one like this Renaissance dress?

This isn't a BD costume but the ladies here are so good with finding/knowing patterns I thought I'd give it a shot.

I have a gorgeous, billowy Renn gown but want something that is simple and easy to wear. I can't keep after my kids while wearing a hoop skirt. (Actually, I've listed that costume in the non-BD swap meet thread.)

I'm looking for a dress pattern that would be something like this. I'd like to use a lighteight, jersey or stretch knit fabric. Maybe a lightweight cotton. Any suggestions?

Most of the major pattern companies will have some sort of uncomplicated dress that is packaged for creating queen/witch/fairy/angel costumes, and also some for specific historical styles. Other patterns you might consider are passion-play costumes and nightgowns. Could you use any of these?

Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Costume - Gown
Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Costume
M5733 | Misses'/Women's Costumes | View All | McCall's Patterns
M2895 | Misses', Men's and Teen Boys' Tunic Costumes | View All | McCall's Patterns

The first two are in the right neighborhood. I've considered that green one on the second Simplicity before, but my local JoAnn's doesn't have it.

I had to look up "Passion play." It sounds naughty, but it isn't. LOL

Thanks for the links!

As an active member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. ) I do a lot of Medieval & red sewing. ;) The first pattern Tourbeau posted ( Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Costume - Gown ) view B is what I'm betting exactly what you are looking for. On the photo you posted it looks like the sleeves are smocked around elastic which is pretty difficuly & time consuming; I'd suggest going with the sleeves on the pattern to get the look, easy sewing and easier to maneuver in actually.

Imagine the dress in the picture you posted with no lacings or ruched sleeves. It's a fitted knit dress. Sleeves are folkloric.. I'm trying to find the picture to link, but can't find it. Here's what's on the cover:

Simplicity
Style for Simplicity #8889
Bar Code # 39363 23357 2

Basically a long sheath dress with folkloric long sleeves. I got it at Walmart a few years ago. I'll check my walmart to see if they still got it,since I'm doing the grocery run today!

Thanks for the advice, Crimson and Shenudance. I am mulling it over!

Looking through Simplicity's patterns, I noticed this one that I already own:

Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Knit Tops

I think if I lengthen it with graduating fullness and possibly make darts at the waist, it could work quite nicely. What do you think?

Hmmm, I could add some loops in the back and make some laces of the same fabric to wrap 'round the middle.....

Originally Posted by SpicyThai

Looking through Simplicity's patterns, I noticed this one that I already own:

Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Knit Tops

I think if I lengthen it with graduating fullness and possibly make darts at the waist, it could work quite nicely. What do you think?

Hmmm, I could add some loops in the back and make some laces of the same fabric to wrap 'round the middle.....

I think I would add some darts, too. I had a shirt off a similar pattern to the square-yoke variation when I was a kid, and I always felt that it hung like a maternity top (and I was 12 at the time). If you don't want to use wrapped cording, a short, laced, corset belt would also give shape to the dress.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I think I would add some darts, too. I had a shirt off a similar pattern to the square-yoke variation when I was a kid, and I always felt that it hung like a maternity top (and I was 12 at the time). If you don't want to use wrapped cording, a short, laced, corset belt would also give shape to the dress.

That's a good idea too. :) Thanks!

Ha! I actually bought that dress for a friend's wedding many years ago. It's actually just a non-fitted chemise dress with long sleeves that they gather up with elastic. Then you belted it with a wide fabric belt to get the fitted waist. Here's a couple of pictures (I added some trim since I thought it was a little plain) just click on them to see a bigger picture:
dress.jpg

sleeve.jpg

The sleeves were way too long for me so I pulled them up into the shoulders which is why the gathers are up so high on my arms.

If you do a fitted A-line dress with a wide belt, make wide sleeves and then gather them in with thin elastic bands and add a wide fabric belt, you'll have this one down.

Thanks Coffeegoddess! How funny that you got the same dress. :)

Or if you just want to buy one:
Moresca Clothing & Costume

I have a couple of Moresca pieces and they are rather sturdy.

Thanks, roguepen, I've never seen Moresca. Looking through the site! It's good to know that they're sturdy--so many things look good on the screen but turn out to be flimsy and ill-wrought.

I can also vouch for Moresca! I've purchased various bodices, skirts, fripperies, and dresses from them over the years. Their costume pieces are well-made and gorgeous. I'm actually on one of their webpages (bottom right, Moresca Clothing & Costume).