Laura Slocum

This beautifully constructed middle-class gown is actually Laura's first costume project, but you'd never know it by looking at the results! I love the fact that she used wool and earthy colors to create an authentic working-class look. The blue guards and lovely details on the shoulder rolls also add the perfect finishing touches. You can read all about this costume below the picture, and you can contact Laura at adylith(at)yahoo(dot)com.

The dress was multipurpose as I made it both to wear at my local faire that I volunteer for, as well as a project for my Costume History class. The most complicated thing I had made before this was a gored skirt, so I learned a lot of skills, such as pattern drafting (what can I say, I'm an over achiever). All four layers were constructed in nine weeks and includes a research paper in its defense.

I used all natural fibers for this project. The shift is made of a very light weight cotton and utilized the Italian Camica construction techniques posted by Jen Thompson. The corset is made in the Effigy style with a great deal of assistance from Drea Leed's website, and is made of many layers of cotton duck and dense twill. It has 32 hand-bound eyelets reinforced by metal rings. The tan kirtle is a cotton twill that uses Sempstress's padded pleating method (I used fleece for some extra loft) and Drea Leed's instructions for bodice drafting and construction. The gown is an olive wool with navy linen guards and trim that closes down the front with ten hooks and eyes. It has a cartridge pleats that are also padded. The sleeves are reversible to match both the kirtle and the gown and tie on, though in the photo they are authentically pinned in place since I ran out of time to do eyelets. The hat is green wool with five pheasant feathers and a button and some gimp.