The blue dress is done. The construction is simple so I’ll mention it briefly. I use Maggie Forest’s rectangular method of cutting, which is by far and away the most common of period cuts. And what was economical for them in terms of using fabric is economical to us. I used 3-1/2″ yards to make a tunic with full skirt gores — sides, back and front. The only thing I would watch about these instructions is that the gussets will be HUGE. According to the pattern dimensions I would have cut 8″ gussets when I only need 4″. Otherwise it all makes perfect sense.

I decorated it with inkle trim I’ve done. I can tablet weave but I have to concentrate so hard that I really prefer to inkle. I’m going to make enough bands of the same pattern to encircle the bottom of the skirt twice. This weaving will keep me busy and off the streets, that’s for sure. I’ll wear the tunic with a chemise of course, although I cheat with sleeveless chemises. (The sleeveless version popped up in the 14th century, see Bohemian Bathhouse Babes.)

I also made a belt to go with it and other tunics. This is loosely modeled after some extant Viking belts that had metal plates mounted on leather. (My persona lives just north of the Danelaw so I borrow Norse influences in stories and clothing.) I didn’t want to try to sew through leather so I used an inkle band for the backing, sewed on metal plates I cut off from an elastic back, and jeweled the thread holes and intersections. It’s sparkly.