I'd rather forgotten...

how long it takes to prep applique pieces when they are full of itty-bitty curves and curliques and tendrils. Which is to say that I am still working on the front roof of the pavillion. Yes, I haven't even finished all the applique pieces. Yes, I haven't even pinned it all together, let alone started attaching the applique. Yes it feels like it is taking forever.

I started laying out the pieces I have finished because I was going to take a picture to prove that I was still working on the pavillion but right now seeing all those bits scattered in all that white space is making me rather depressed. So, maybe not.

In other news I have finished my first pair of slippers, updated the pictures on the 50 pairs of slippers project page, and started the artwork for my next pair. I find I continue to be facinated by moorish tracery so my next pair will continue the theme. I'm thinking to do an embroidered motif across the vamp of the shoe.

Something like this:

Some of my gondola inspirations

From Vittore CARPACCIO, The Healing of the Madman, c. 1496

From Domenico TINTORETTO (ROBUSTI), Battle of Salvorec. 1605 both found at the Web Gallery of Art

My Venetian Gondola

Ok, I was playing with this idea prior to my discovery of Sketchup 3-d, and I haven't had time to upgrade the illustrations, but since we have been discussing bow-tops or portable bender tent wagons on the Medieval Encampments list (yahoo groups) I thought I'd go ahead and post my gondola idea.

Clarence didn't like how open feeling it was, but I think it might be the perfect combination of a tent and a bed you don't have to fret about carting about or setting up. I may have to make one for weekend events...

Make of it what you may!

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B03dpx-ypMHfYTAyODg2YzgtM2I0OC00OTFmLTgxODUtOWMxNjZkYzA4YzMw&hl=en&authkey=CLujr7gM

Click or cut and paste the link above and it will take you to the PDF in googledocs.

I finished the Butter Dress!

I've been re-working a kirtle I made several years ago into a dress I would actually be willing to wear in public. The kirtle was only good for an under-layer, if that, but I undid several of my earlier bad decisions (like removing a forepart panel made of entirely unsuitable material) made some better choices (adding banding in a complementary material was one of them) and I am now the proud owner of a casual lightweight gown I won't be mortified to be seen in.

That's four dresses and counting. Pennsic here I come!

I've been really busy, and I've got something to show for it!

I've prepped numerous bits of applique for the roof, stiched 27 of the 28 eyelets in a light cotton gown for Pennsic (the butter dress), I've learned two new embroidery stiches, and, oh, my shoes...my shoes are stunning! If you look at the 50 pairs of slippers page you'll see what I mean.

Pretty, Yes?

They say the best is the enemy of the good. But, in my experience, the good is not the enemy of the best. I can hardly wait to finish this pair and try for something even better!

Photo updates!

The doorways are assembled at last.

Front













Back

My darling husband says that, from a phenomenographic perspective, my focus has shifted from the doorways to the tent as a whole and that is why I am having trouble appreciating what fine doorways they are. I want the whole thing to be done!

I am progressing on the applique for the front roof. I've added some close-up pictures of the process to the feb post on the process of applique if you are interested. Now back to work for me!

Well, there's good news, and somewhat less good news...

The good news is that all of the major cream-colored canvas pieces are actually cut to fit together with the same (correct) measurements. As you have probably guessed...the blue-green parts? Not so much.

So... I've been piecing together the extra bits necessary to get it all to fit together...and sewing things into place!

Woohoo! We have forward movement again.