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Zorya Polunochnaya from American Gods
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
My mum the photographer
Outline the story …
In the story of American Gods by Neil Gaiman the character of Zorya Polunochnaya is only described as wearing a lace nightgown. I wanted to explore what this Slavic Goddess could have worn in her area of origin however. I began by researching traditional Slavic folk costumes and came across Sarafans, which are worn throughout the Slavic region but are probably most strongly associated with Russia.
Outline the construction…
This Zorya is a character completely created by Neil Gaiman and is meant to represent the Midnight Star. I therefore wanted to emulate that in my fabric choices and colours, blue and gold. This was a little tricky, as these are not colour combinations commonly found in sarafans. There are also a number of different construction methods and designs. I drafted the pattern of the sarafan from the website linked below. I used a double gauze cotton for the sarafan which worked well, though because I was worried about the strain on the fabric at the Y strap, I pad stitched it, a new technique for me!
And the shift pattern I drafted from the website linked below. This was the first time I have drafted a pattern like this and the first time I used drawing the thread to help create the squares out of the linen. It was also the first time I have embroidered like this, using 'Painting' Embroidery or Russian Counted-Thread Stitches. I referenced Folk Embroidery of the USSR by Nina T. Klimova for this. It was extremely helpful!
Sarafan Link-
https://tinyurl.com/8ch6etf5
Shift pattern-
https://tinyurl.com/4d5nfuwx
That’s a great sarafan! The button detail is really good.
I love folk cloting so much. Your red embroideries on the shirt are lovely
The embroidery is so nice! Love that you highlighted the character origins in the costume in region and color
I love the fabric idea ! everything is really well chosen and goes very well with the character 😀
I’m in love with this dress!
So pretty! Everything looks so delicate, but well made! Love this!
I love it so much. I will never read this book again, without picturing this outfit.