FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Italian Meadow Combinations
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Outline the story …
These were designed as combinations for Lucy Honeychurch, the main character from "A Room with a View" by E.M Forster. The inspiration for these combinations is the moment with George Emerson and Lucy in the field of flowers in Italy. The violets are described as waves of blue beating against Lucy's white dress. I chose the blueish-purple ribbon as the accent to represent the flowers contrasting with the delicate garment. To me, the beautiful lace and delicate drape of Edwardian undergarments and lingerie dress parallel with the feelings that Lucy finds in Italy, such as romance, beauty, passion. I chose combinations for several reasons. As my first attempt at a historical garment, I wanted to start with a good base. And because the proper foundational garments make a significant difference in every other historical outfit, I wanted to start my historical sewing journey at the beginning. Undergarments flowing with lace and ribbon show the essence of Edwardian fashion, so this garment demonstrates the time period of the book. Combinations are also the closest garment to the body, the most intimate and inward part. Throughout the book, Lucy is struggling with her most inner feelings and is trying to understand her inward self and how she should express that outwardly. The combinations reflect that intimate struggle.
Outline the construction…
I used cotton voile for the fabric. I chose this fabric for the fibre content, the drape, and the semi-transparency. I had to buy the lace in-store, which severely limited my options. The insertion lace is made of nylon and slightly scalloped. The trimming lace is ruffled polyester. I used both hand-sewing and machine-sewing techniques for the insertion, which involved sewing the edge of the lace to the fabric, cutting the fabric behind the lace, and tacking it back. I have never done insertion lace before, so I used both hand and machine sewing to try out different methods. I also attempted using French seams throughout the garment, which I am now very fond of because they are subtle and fully encase the delicate fabric. I also tried replicating historical gathering methods for the upper part. The upper chemise part is self-drafted using draping methods, and the pattern of the drawers came from chestofbooks.com Edwardian drawers pattern. I relied on YouTube videos from Bernadette Banner and Enchanted Rose Costumes, as well as blogs posts from Cathy Hay and sewhistorically.com for techniques and construction ideas and tips. There were many challenges in making this garment. Time and budgetary restraints limited material options, but I made what I had available work. I also experienced challenges with inexperience in my first attempt at a historical garment, but I learned so much from the whole adventure. It was my first historical sewing project but certainly not my last.
Oh, the lace. YUM!! And the purple ribbon. Delicious. Great job. Very well done!!
You did a great job! And they look so comfortable, too!
Love the insertion lace and that you let it run from the center bow to the two side bows at the legs. Looks beautiful.
Goodness, this looks so delicate and flowy! The lace is amazing ❤
What a lovely job you did! Your design choices show a great deal of consideration.
Very pretty!
These combinations are to die for! So beautiful! Thank you!