FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Rosie Cotton
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
For my "Lord of the Rings" Rosie Cotton ensemble I was inspired by European middle class fashion from 1600-1800. I also took hints from some of Tolkien's letters; in one he describes Rosie & Sam's relationship as "simple 'rustic' love." Tolkien also compares himself to a hobbit; "I am in fact a Hobbit in all but size. I like gardens, trees, and unmechanized farmlands... I like, and even dare to wear in these dull days, ornamental waistcoats." These descriptions helped me narrow down my vision, to a rather juxtapositional decorative bucolic style.
Rosie is not mentioned often, but her character is hardworking, caring, and of simple needs. I tried to choose fabrics, colors, and details that would reflect that. The clothes have simple lines and sturdy fabrics, but bright colors and small details added with care. Finishing techniques were used to add contrast and simultaneously make the clothes less fragile. I wanted the overall look to be pretty and feminine, yet supportive, practical, and hard-wearing.
I had difficulty considering what type of character I would most like to portray, but came to Rosie as I felt that she would most suit my personality, interests, and build. I was very focused on making something that I would enjoy making, be able to wear many times, and that would withstand trends and time.
Outline the construction…
Most of my materials and supplies are recycled, hand-me-downs, or sourced as cost-effectively as possible. The chemise is made from an old bed sheet. All materials for the bum-roll & apron were hand-me-downs, as well as the deep green velvet on the stomacher. The skirt and bodice are made of outlet home decor fabric, most-likely cotton blends. The bodice is boned with heavy duty cable ties due to pandemic shipping restrictions/challenges.
I challenged myself to draft and drape this exclusively on my own. I did not reference any existing patterns or tutorials, only images on my inspiration board. I felt more creative trying to figure things out on my own. The bodice was the most difficult to pattern, drape, and construct. It took a few significant alterations to end up with a fit and design I liked. I greatly enjoyed making the cartridge pleated skirt, it was surprisingly easier than anticipated and I am pleased with the shape and detail it adds.
This is probably the most neatly finished project I have completed. All of the edges on the bodice are bound, either in ribbon or whip stitched on the interior. The chemise has rolled hems and french seams. The skirt is properly hemmed.
I had fun playing with machine embroidery on this project, as well as figuring out ways to make the finish work look as nice as possible. One unexpected challenge; the bodice fabric was so dense I struggled to pierce it with a handsewing needle.
These colours suit Rose so well
Great job constructing the stays! And I particularly like all your machine embroidery – that adds a lovely touch!
(Greetings from a fellow Rosie Cotton!)
The stays look wonderful! And I love your choice of colors, they fit the theme really well♡
I love the colour palette you chose, it really suits Rosie’s character! The stays fit you very well, you did a great job!
Love the colors and the silhouette! Really perfect for Rosie.
This is such a lovely Rosie!
Very cute embroidery details! Well done for all your hard work that went into making and finishing each piece so nicely!
Your work and choice of materials! Just – thank you for sharing. I love all of it.