The Flemish Gown
Being
suitable for a fall or winter day.
This Flemish ensemble is based on Drea Leed's article Working
Woman's Dress in 16th Century Flanders. I believe she
suggests an A-line style kirtle, which I don't find attractive.
Instead I used a boned pair of bodies with an integral skirt, with very
similar design to my grey
kirtle. The red kirtle's construction is more primitive
than the grey kirtle...in other words, I used a sewing machine for
almost all of it. :) It spiral laces in the back with a
fingerlooped cord, and has a wide guard of black linen. The blue
wool crepe overgown (bodice lined in black linen, skirt lined in cotton
muslin) laces across the front with a satin ribbon. Wool crepe is
an odd choice, but I had bought 3 yards of blue wool crepe years ago
before I had a clue about fabric. 3 yards wasn't really enough to
make a full outfit, but it was just enough to make the wool
overgown. The red linen sleeves tie on with points through
eyelets in both the sleeve and the gown. The partlet is lined
white linen, with an integral ruffle that requires starching before
wear.
For more information about the coif and apron, see the grey
kirtle page. For more about ruffs and starching, see the Elizabethan Foundation Garments page.
(Photo courtesy of Mesterinde
Karen
Larsdatter)
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