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Rosie Cotton (Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings)
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Many thanks to our brilliant photographer: Karen Brothers Photography: https://karenbrothersphotography.com.au/ My fiancé, Aidan, also appears in one of the photos.
Outline the story …
Rosie Cotton is a character from Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings. In the Return of the King, she marries Samwise Gamgee and together they raise their family and care for Frodo Baggins. Rosie is a respectable country woman, who becomes wife of the Mayor of the Shire. Her clothing is simple but well-made, and I wanted her patience and attention to detail to come across in the outfit I created.
In my design, I took inspiration from the late 18th century, as is commonly done for hobbits. I greatly admire the designs of Ngila Dickson and Ann Maskrey (costume designers for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, respectively). For this project, however, I wanted to create my own interpretation, building up the outfit with pieces that work together, including a sturdy yet elegant pair of stays. The chemise, quilted petticoat, pockets, petticoat, apron and fichu were self-drafted.
Using Rosie’s name as a guide, I mainly used cotton fabric (the exception being for the stays) and floral design elements. The pattern for the embroidered rose came from “Embroidered Botanicals” by Yumiko Higuchi.
My fiancé and I had hoped to journey to New Zealand in 2020, and adventure around dressed as hobbits. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible, but we hope to get there eventually! In the meantime, we will keep developing our hobbit wardrobe; I made the trousers and knitted waistcoat that Aidan wears in the photo of us together.
Outline the construction…
The frothy chemise was made using cotton voile, along the lines of a bishop smocked dress. It was my first step toward making a smocked garment, and was machine sewn, allowing me to explore some of the fancier stitches on my new Janome DM7200.
The quilted petticoat was my first attempt at quilting, and I learnt that I should get a walking foot before trying again! It was made from cotton fabric and cotton-bamboo wadding and was another opportunity to experiment with my machine’s stitches. I was delighted with how much structure and volume the quilted petticoat added.
The stays were made using RedThreaded 1780's Front Lacing Stays pattern, adjusted to fit. Construction was two layers of herringbone coutil and a layer of brocade fashion fabric. The fabric pattern was rather chaotic, but I am pleased with the pattern-matching that I was able to achieve. I used flat steel bones either side of the eyelets, and synthetic whalebone elsewhere. I aimed for a neat, smooth finish and was pleased with my improvement in tab binding.
I made the pockets several years ago, from quilting cotton, as all outfits need pockets!
The petticoat was simply two rectangles, each gathered into a waistband, with ties for the front and back.
The apron and fichu were entirely handmade, using cotton voile. The embroidery was with DMC cotton, using satin and stem stitches The rolled hems and attachment to the cotton waist tape were sewn with waxed linen thread – my first such attempt!
Those roses you did are to die for! I love your Rosie and you look like you’re having an absolute blast in it. Marvelous!!!!
Thank you!
Yes, the roses took a long time, but they were worth the effort!
I love this costume! Every part is pretty and it suits you so well. A perfect interpretation of Rosie Cotton.
Every element of this costume is wonderful!
Thank you 😊
There are so many little details that make this so lovely, from the quilting of the petticoat, to the little roses on your fischu, to the embroidered smocking. And the stays are just stunning! You captured the character so well. Beautiful work!
Thank you very much!
Lovely!
Thank you!
It’s so very pretty !! Congratulations !
this costume is just perfect– i can’t think of a missed moment or an off detail. everything looks great, and suits you so well. rosie cotton– the girl you think of to get you through the war. well done! good luck (from craftyroo/icarus!)
Thank you for such kind words 🌹❤🌹
The picture of you and your fiancé is the cutest ever
Thank you! We’re planning to frame a print of it ❤
This is so cute! I think your work fits the character beautifully! And the colors are so nice! Great job on the stays 🙂
Thank you very much!
Can’t say how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you have created. Technique and look is just spot on!
Thank you! I’m really proud – and can’t wait for more hobbit adventures!
The fabric of the stays is so beautiful! And I love the contrasting colour of the stays and the green skirt. You really look like a hobbit and I love everything about your outfit!
Thank you! I really love the fabric, too!
I love this so much! It’s so surprisingly detailed up close and really sweet.
Thank you! Yes, I was keen to get little details in, and to make it feel as real and lived in as possible.
This is so pretty and a lovely Rosie. I really like the roses on the apron. And the stays have a very nice fabric, the colour fits really well together with the rest. And you look really happy in the pictures.
Thank you! Yes, it was an exceptionally happy day when we took the photos – full of frolicking, picnicing and laughter!
I love this so much, you’ve made a perfect Rosie Cotton! The 18th century design is obvious, but she still looks like a sweet Hobbit girl from the Shire! Well done on the patten matching on the stays, and the embroidery is just the perfect touch! Well done!
Thanks you very much!