FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
A Court of Stripes and Trying
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Bryan Balog--photographer (@pieguard on Instagram)
Outline the story …
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas focuses on Feyre Acheron, whose once wealthy family had become destitute due to some poor investments by her father while she was young. Feyre obtained food and money for the family through hunting, but one day killed what ended up being a faerie. In doing so, Feyre is whisked away to the land of the faeries by the ruler of the court from which the wolf-fae came and the family's memory erased.
Soon after Feyre is taken, the Acheron clan receives an infusion of money from a great aunt--whom the family believes Feyre to be living with--restoring them to their previous wealth. Nesta, the eldest sister and the inspiration for my piece, still remembers what happened the night her sister left. Knowing that her sister was taken by fae, she begins wearing iron accessories, what inspired the buttons on the blouse. Nesta is often described as being very uptight, as well as looking like "a queen in her own right." Due to this, I often saw her in a late Victorian-style silhouette, particularly a high buttoned blouse. Additionally, she had the steel-blue eyes of her mother, which would have been nicely complimented by the blue of the blouse.
Outline the construction…
The pattern comes from Truly Victorian (TV461). The blouse is largely made of a blue, white, and black striped cotton. I wanted to create additional visual interest by turning the striping of the yoke perpendicular to the fronts and backs of the rest of the blouse, matching the attached belt. The collar and cuffs are of white linen to create additional visual interest. This blouse is entirely hand sewn using waxed linen thread.
I wanted to challenge myself by working on specific details, including working on lining up the striped pleats, as well as working on new (to me) techniques like French Seams (used in the sleeves and body of the blouse). Generally, I don't maintain as much attention to detail. This piece forced me to slow down and work on fit and the little things. I pinned and repinned the pleats to make sure they lined up and took days to make sure the front pleats lined correctly under the attached belt.
I do not own a dress form and had to take a large amount of time fitting the shoulders on myself, which was difficult but worth the trouble.
Nesta would wear this proudly! Fantastic job!
I just finished this series and definitely found Nesta’s character to be an interesting one. Great job on your creation! I really like your fabric choice.
Very beautiful. I know how long hand sewing takes and you did a marvelous job here. Your design, execution and dedication are very impressive. I don’t know Nesta or the story behind it yet, but will go on researching it anon!
I love the way you have played with the stripes in your shirt. Lovely work. I saw on your Instagram that we are planning on making the same vintage dress pattern (the 1940s checks) … it will be fun seeing how we both get on!
This blouse is lovely! The striped pleats are exquisite, it must have been a nightmare to do, but it’s definitely worth it! There is such attention to detail, it’s marvellous!
Great use of stripes – a quality garment!
Amazing job! I can see the care and dedication you put into this piece – you should be proud of this awesome entry! Congratulations!
Nesta is a wonderful character, especially in the new book. I love how you have brought her to life. Your attention to detail really comes through with this blouse. Beautiful job!
This is so nice! I really love the design! Thank you!
I hate sewing with stripes because you have to be so exact with direction, which you accomplished. I am inspired to create something similar and to work with the dreaded STRIPE! Wonderful job!