Amanda Deats

This gorgeous Tudor outfit was made after a visit to the Texas Renaissance Festival where Amanda decided that she must have a gown to wear next time. What she came up with is probably one of the most beautiful and authentic dresses at the whole festival! I am especially impressed with the gable headdress-- that's not exactly the easiest type of hat to make and wear, but it looks really beautiful on her. Please take a minute to read more about this creation below the picture, and if you have any questions or comments for Amanda, you can reach her at amanda1701(at)hotmail.com.

I looked at bunches of pictures of Tudor gowns. I couldn't find one I liked better than Jane Seymour's Hans Holbein portrait. I also used her wax figure for guidance. It isn't exactly like Jane's, but it inspired me. The dress took 6 weeks to make. For my chemise, I used a heavy cotton blend crepe. I trimmed it with beaded lace at the cuffs and at the neckline all the way around. Gown is cotton velvet. It was a darker wine color under the lights at the store! I think it worked out well anyway. The great sleeves and gable hood are matching tapestry and the hood has a black drape. The overcuffs and the front panel are matching of another tapestry. My ring, brooch and necklace are old (some say vintage, I think that sounds weird). My choker and girdle I made myself from old jewelry I'd gathered from different places. I'm extremely pleased with the way it came out. I got lots of compliments at the Festival. I'll be wearing it again to the Scarborough Fair next year.