FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Blood Red
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer Brennen Reece
Outline the story …
My garment is from “Blood Red” written by Mercedes Lackey. Blood Red is an adaptation of the classic story Red Riding Hood, and part of Mercedes Lackey’s series called “Elemental Masters”. All the Books of the series are based in the Victorian time period in an alternate earth where magic exists. The main character is Rosa, born with an odd sort of Earth Magic that provides her an ability to hunt werewolves, and other evil creatures.
The major costume of any Little Red riding hood story is always the red hooded cloak, and that fact is the same in this adaptation. Rosa’s mentor sews a hooded cloak for her when she is a child from a pattern out of a lady’s magazine, and after the mentor is killed by a werewolf Rose continues to wear the cloak in homage to her mentor.
Based on details provided in the story I believe the time period the story takes place in is around 1890-1900. Rose is in her late 20’s during the story, so the cloak would have been made around 1869-1875 when Rosa was about age 6-10. I searched lady’s magazines from the time period, such as Godey’s Lady’s book and Harper’s Bazar for inspiration. At my skill level (one completed garment) I eventually chose to use a pattern so I would have instructions. I chose a historically inspired pattern from Timeless Stitches, the TSO-420 Pelerine Cloak with hood add-on, because the pelerine gives a lovely story book look.
Outline the construction…
The Cloak in the story is originally made for a child. Once I completed my mock-up and noted where the cloak length was on my body. I then placed the cloak on my 11 year old and marked where I would need to shorten it to. I then unpicked all seams, shortened the panels, and then used those panels as my pattern for the final cloak. I also adjusted the size of the hood to a smaller size, again making mock ups until the size was correct.
The cloak is machine stitched following the TSO-420 pattern instructions, and the hood is then hand sewn in. The cloak fashion fabric is Target Super 100’s Luxury Worsted by Holland & Sherry Savile Row London bought 2nd hand and the lining is a lightweight black fabric of unknown fiber content also bought 2nd hand.
I wanted the cloak to have something that an earth magic grandmother would add to a garment so I embroidered a simple leafed vine into the corner of each pelerine. Next, a black polyester quarter inch ribbon from my craft stash was sewn on about a quarter inch from the seam edge. Lastly, black piping to edge the pelerine. The same black piping was added to the entire edge of the cloak. The piping is Sewology Black Maxi piping. My challenges came with each new step I learned at least one new skill. My two biggest challenges were the hood pattern came with very little instructions and learning piping.
That extra touch for authenticity of making sure the measurements would fit a child first. . . perfection.
Thank you!
Your cloak succeeds in being something out of a fairytale – beautiful work. I love the embroidery too.
Thank you! The project inspired me to get back into learning embroidery.
I Adore the embroidery! And its such a lovely interpretation of the story!
Thank you so much!
Oh I love the thought of double checking that it would fit a child! The trim is delightful too.
Thank you!
This cape looks soooo good ! And the embroidery, just WOW❤
Thank you💜
I love the cloak. Beautiful embroidery. 🙂
The embroidery on this is just lovely!
I can see the story in your garment, very well done !
Exquisite details and well executed! Well done!
How stunning. I am in awe! This cloak is so special! Thank you!
So brilliant. The embroidery, colours, fit and the detail of the child-size cloak… I’ve added this rendition of the tale to my reading list too. Thanks!
Another book added to my reading list – thank you! This is such a lovely concept and the finished result is great too. The embroidery is lovely and I think you’ve nailed piping!