FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Rebecca as “Caroline de winter”
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
jewelry by @moanscouture.com, wig by bobbiepinz.com, Photos by Vincent Cuccia
Outline the story …
My inspiration was the 1938 gothic novel Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. The complex characters and setting intrigued me and, so, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to create a look based on one of the characters.
In the novel, an 18th Century Raeburn painting hangs in the gallery of the fantastic Manderlay estate. The “portrait of Caroline De Winter” plays a big part in the actions of the story. I chose to do my version of Rebecca wearing the costume in the portrait, which she wore to the last Manderlay Ball she hosted before her tragic demise.
I reread Rebecca. I then I researched the artist Raeburn and studied his portraits of 18th century women. I noted they had similar styles as mentioned in the novel : flounces and puffed sleeves, hats and hair in curls. I did hours of research and knew I wanted to create an entire look : chemise, stays, bum, petticoat, hat, gown, shoes. It seemed like a lot to accomplish but I took my time and completed all the pieces with a lot of help and support from Mentors and fellow Stitchlings. While my final outcome is a bit theatrical, like me, I am very happy with the process and the result. I hope you all enjoy my interpretation of Rebecca… oh and
“Do you think the dead come back and watch the living?”
Outline the construction…
I started by making a simple chemise, following Bernadette Banner’s youtube tutorial and some good advise from other Stitchlings. Next I worked on the Stays. I started with the 1780’s front lacing pattern from Redthreaded. After four toiles, and much fitting advise from Luca, I was satisfied w the fit. I then I completed my final synthetic baleen boned stays. Next I decided to make the hat. For this, I used the wn709 18th Century hat pattern from Wingeo. Taking much inspiration from “the Portrait of Mary Whitbread” by Gardner, I made the buckram form, covered it, wired and bound the edges. I curled, wired and stitched together ostrich plumes, lined and trimmed the hat with bias bows and purchased silk flowers. Next I followed tutorials in American Duchess 18th Century Dressmaking and I made my false rump and false rump silk petticoat. For the dress, I used Laughing Moon pattern #133 Robe en Chemise I made a full muslin mock-up of this dress, sleeves and flounces. I needed to come up with some shoes, so I had a craft day. I transformed silver gogo boots with Mod-podge. I decoupaged 18th century portraits I then added bows and trim from scraps in my stash, and a pair of old earrings That was a fun day! Finally I pulled some jewelry from my collection made by moanscouture.com, and I had bobbiepinz.com restyle two wigs from my stock into a fantastic glamorous hedgehog style for my final photos
This is such a gorgeous attire, colours, lace, everything- and that hat!
very kind thank you. Im very happy with my first big hat. I definitely want to make more.
YES GIRL! Killing it in this! It looks so good.
Thanks I had fun putting this together, while stuck in the apartment lol.
This is so perfect all the way around! I just love all the lace and ruffles!
thank you, yay floof! lol
Thanks so much, was all from my stash I had fun trying to make it work.
I do not know where to start. The attention to detail in this is amazing! The extra efforts with the feathers, flowers and bows to ensure they sit “just so” were definitely a labor of love and TOTALLY worth it. You look incredible!
Thanks so much, I struggle with trimming things, I appreciate your comments.
Beautiful work! I love all the elements to this outfit, so lovingly constructed.
The fabric choice is so compelling! It catches attention right away. I love it. This whole ensemble is just so extra and it’s amazing for it.
Fantastic job, Alex! I love the fabrics, shapes, THE SHOES, and everything– and yay for using Bobbie for the wig– love him, too!
Wow, the effort that went into making every single piece of the outfit is amazing! I decorated a pair of shoes a few years ago with mod podge and collage too, and can agree it is very fun to do! I’m glad you enjoyed making this outfit!
This is such an airy and fluffy ensemble! Well done <3