EDIT 4/6/08: Version 2 is currently planned out and the patterns are being re-assessed.

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This is my 16th century Flemish gown, recently finished. Due to lack of a sewing machine and time at school, this gown took a while to finish. I started late February and finished not quite the end of June. The delay in creation was mainly based on the fact that I got bored with the project. As I studied the paintings more, the more unhappy I became with my gown. Since I based it mostly on what other people had been doing, I failed to stick to the paintings as guidance. I will admit though, that I’m glad I used this as a trial gown. I’d be quite happy to make a new version for next season.

Now for the details: This gown is roughly based on various dress diaries throughout the tinternet, and the following paintings –

Joachim Beuckelaer – Interior of a Kitchen (1566)
[link]

Joachim Beuckelaer – The Four Elements: Fire (1570)
[link]

Pieter Aertsen – Christ and the Adultress (1559)
[link]

Pieter Aertsen – Market Woman with Vegetable Stall (1567)
[link]

Pieter Aertsen – Cook in Front of the Stove (1559)
[link]

The full outfit includes the over-gown, fitted kirtle (under-gown), shift, caul, partlet, hat, leather shoes (not pictured), hose (not pictured), and detachable sleeves.

It is fully reversible; the over-gown is brown and pumpkin, the under-gown is cranberry and blue, and the sleeves are lavender and sea-foam green. Yay, lots of options! The outfit is made up of five bed sheets (2 for over-gown, 2 for under-gown, 1 for shift), and 4 pillow cases (2 for sleeves, 2 for caul and partlet); sale special (extremely cheap), and 70% cotton. This outfit is really light and comfortable, which is nice since it was made to be a hot weather gown.

This is entirely hand-sewn. There is no boning throughout. There are ten brass rings stitched into the over-gown bodice. The under-gown laces on both sides with 36 total reinforced eyelets. The cording is plaited yarn.

I drafted the patterns myself (and I admittedly need more work with drafting and tailoring). There’s some problems with the whole get-up, but that’s why it’s VERSION 1! The hat I picked up at a Good Will and reshaped. The over-gown skirt should be pinned up in the back, but it fell apart on the way into Glasgow City Centre.

Side View - [link]
Back View - [link]
W/O Sleeves & Partlet - [link]
View of all Colors - [link]

This photo was taken at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, Scotland.

Gown © Elizabeth A. Slucas 2007
Photo © Kevin Robertson 2007 ([link])