FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Isabeau the Foundling
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
The Witches of Eileanan, written by Kate Forsyth:
While Isabeau is finishing her witches test which is customary on a 16th birthday, she is forced to flee the only home she had ever known. Before she leaves she only has a short time to gather what items mean most to her. Amongst some of the practical items such as herbs and a teapot; she grabs her dress, a soft shirt, her plaid, and her Tam o'Shanter. She and Megan (her guardian), live in a hollow tree in the woods. They had been hiding from the empire of Eileanan for Isabeau's entire life. The empire has banned all use of magic. Megan, being a skilled witch, had kept herself and her ward hidden from the witch sniffers until now. Together they gathered and foraged all of their products from the land and sparingly went to any towns. Megan had taught Isabeau how to use the Galtis, (I imagine a long haired deer creature) which is a grey colour to weave their fabrics. Leaving her home now is the last thing she expected, and the journey she is about to undertake is like nothing she could possibly imagine.
Outline the construction…
The shift that I made as my first mock up was just that - my first. I have been wanting to take the plunge and make garments for a while now and had been too scared to just cut the fabric. I watched Morgan Donner's shift video to get my bearings. The mock up of my shift came out surprisingly well for my first try (and also being a bedsheet.) I did set the arms inside out, but I have heard Bernadette Banner mention that she hates setting arms also (I understand why now.) I made a mock up of my Tam which inspired me to cut the next one larger.
The dress was the biggest challenge, I wanted something that I could see a girl of 16 liking, probably made herself, and able to just throw on to run out the door. With all of the references to Scottish culture and older ways of living I decided to go with a kirtle like style. I made 2 mock ups before I figured out what I was doing. I wish I could have found wool, but I also learned how hard that it is to find easily, at least finding grey wool. I used a sewing machine for the main construction and finished the hems by hand. I cannot thank youtube enough for the tutorials, the inspiration, and the stumble upon this competition. Also, I need to thank my mom for helping me pin up the hems.
According to your description of the things she took with her, I think you nailed the outfit!
So beautifully executed! Superb!
I always get scared when i have to cut the fabric. You did well, be proud!
The gathered neckline is such a nice detail and I love how you draped the plaid
Very cool. Looks great.
Love the cape concept ! And your stitching looks very neat. Good job !
Love the gray shift especially, the outfit as a whole is really unique! Great job!
Love the whole outfit! Maybe I will get over the fear of cutting the fabric someday too! Good job!
It looks wonderful – I love it! I’m not familiar with the character, but the visual is striking.
What a wonderful journey! It’s as if you’ve completed your own witch’s test, and passed with flying colors.
I enjoyed reading about the story and how you went about making this. You did a beautiful job! Far better than I ever could… Congrats!
Wow, such awesomeness! I love the entire outfit! Thank you!
This looks great!
Firstly, thank you for a new book to add to my ever-growing reading list!! I love your interpretation and the thought of what a 16 yr old would run out the door with… So impressed by all the time you took for mock-ups too. And that tartan… divine. Really great work!
The plaid is the perfect finishing touch! You did a great job 😀