FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Mrs. SB
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
I was inspired by The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. I dearly love the peaceful life that is led by Hobbits, the calm of enjoying good food, cheer, and a simple life. One that is only occasionally interrupted by unwanted company. Which leads us to our character: Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Lobelia is considered a selfish, greedy, and somewhat resentful hobbit, she is also a wealthy hobbit that coveted Bag End and all the riches she believed to be hidden inside and immediately purchased the property as soon as Frodo decided to sell. Lobelia is essentially the relative you least like to have over for tea, but are obliged to be polite to regardless, though you might want to keep a close eye on your cutlery. Now lets not forget, she is still a hobbit, and hobbits are creatures that enjoy tilled earth, hearty food, flowers, sunshine and music, they are a cheery people. So what would a wealthy hobbit lady wear? Lightweight, colorful fabrics that will show off her status as well as something easy enough to do some gardening in. Maybe a pretty decorated hat and a neckerchief to protect her from the sun? And of course we must have an apron to protect her pretty dress. This has me thinking 18th century, so that was my decision, and what better than an cotton 1790s Italian Gown to project her wealth and elegance but also allow her to cook and run her errands?
Outline the construction…
The base of the gown was the stays and shift, both of which utilized American Duchess patterns. Both of which were handsewn (except for the boning channels of course, because, no thank you) The stays are a purple cotton coutil with zip ties as the boning, and hand worked eyelets, the shift is of a lightweight linen, and very comfy, might be my favorite piece. The petticoat and the outer gown were also handsewn, the petticoat was made with a quilting cotton (where I learned a new seaming technique, though I'm not sure what its called ) that ties on with cotton twill tape and pleated to my waist. The outer gown was fashioned out of a bedsheet (lovingly donated by Woody the Cockatiel) and silk taffeta for the sleeves lining, again using the American Duchess pattern. The biggest struggle was the sleeves and shoulder straps on the gown, this dress was my first real big project, and getting those to fit properly was difficult. The sleeves were set, then reset. Eventually I achieved a result I was proud to wear, which is very exciting for me because its the first REAL project I've finished, and only the second real project I've attempted. The Costubers (I am a visual learner), the American Duchess book, and tenacity are the things that helped me accomplish this and I can't wait to move on to the next thing and learn some more about this fascinating stitchy business.
Sleevils are real. But they turned out splendidly in the end.
OMG those stays are soooo pretty! I love the color you chose!
Great job on the stays! They look very good and flattering on you❤
So pretty! I love the fabric choice! It looks beautiful!
This is a wonderful Lobelia! i love the fabric you chose! And the stays are amazing!
I love this! It’s really very well done! Thank you!
This is brilliant! It looks exactly as you describe, what a wealthy flower-loving hobbit would wear. The ruffled edges especially I think add the perfect touch for the pretentious Mrs SB.