.jpg)
This year I wanted a different skirt, specifically one made from the oodles of blue herringbone something-or-other wool-like fabric I've had since I started playing at faires many years ago. The weight of this fabric, in the volume needed for the skirt, is considerable, so it needed some sort of bodice or suspension structure to hold it up. Enter the kirtle.
Kirtles are great things. They're just so dang useful. A kirtle, in the 16th century, was a sleeveless under-dress, very basic, worn by all levels of society (in varying forms, of course). It's a great thing to have for renaissance faire, because you can make different things to go over it - in my case, a waistcoat/jacket, but how about a loose gown? an open-front fitted gown? a doublet? or even just a pair of tie-on sleeves? Versatile!
I made this one from The Tudor Tailor
Clearly it's not done, but will be in time for this weekend's festivities at Valhalla, South Lake Tahoe. I have yet to level the skirt, install the closures (and no, they're not going to be hand-sewn eyelets, I'm not a purist on hidden lacings, but it *will* be spiral laced), and finish the straps. I always leave the straps for last because I have a long waist and often need to drop them a bit, even if I've added to the waist on the pattern.
![]() |
Lacing closed under the front flap, once the eyelets are installed. There is plenty of gap there, for adjustability |
![]() |
The jacket over the kirtle - worn open, worn closed, either way. |
Looks great, kirtles are awesome and I love the ideas of tie on sleeves.
ReplyDeleteWhat will you put on top of your head this time?
hrm, I think it's going to be the tall hat again this year. I'll be an aspiring middle class lady again.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I made a kirtle last autumn!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Lauren, this is great! I have always wanted to do the kirtle, too. I found the directions a bit hard to discern whether a corset was necessary under it since it was boned. But seeing how you did it is great. I want to do the kirtle and the Jacket but embroider the jacket with a pea pod motif that is seen in blackwork books. yes, ambitious. But so fun. Now where do I wear it? I don't do Ren Faire anymore, so I think that is why this idea has never materialized. Anyway, your ensemble is not plain. Its lovley. ag
ReplyDeleteDo it! Your jacket will be AH-MAY-ZING. Follow the golden rule of historical costuming - "if you make it, you'll find a place to wear it" lol.
DeleteSo trim and neat looking! You have inspired me to make a kirtle myself, and to get back into Elizabethan costuming. I <3 this jacket, and may steal the ribbon closure idea :-) See you this weekend at Tahoe!
ReplyDelete(The red jacket really does spice it up, and goes so well with everything!)
Elizabethan costuming is where so many of us started. I know I started there - it was the first period of dress that really excited me, and I still adore it, just don't do so much of it anymore. Time to get re-acquainted with our costuming roots!
DeleteRen/Elizabethan is the gateway costume!
DeleteLooking good so far! I am fascinated by this side front closure, as I was wondering when making my own how to get the smooth look all around, but still get in and out of it.
ReplyDeleteIs the under panel basically an enlarged lacing strip (whipped down to the front piece), or does it go as far as the side seam? Really clever construction. I'd love to see more photos of how it fits together!
ReplyDelete