Musketeer!

[radcliffe]

Jason has always wanted a Musketeer tabbard. Apparently he had gotten started and collected photos of them before, and in relationship moves the progress was lost. My continuing goal is make sure he gets the costumes he has always wanted. Next up- a Musketeer! (yum!) (did I mention yum

Comments

[solan_t]

Cool!

[radcliffe]

Thanks!!!

[clevermanka]

Oh, beautiful!!!

[radcliffe]

Yay! Thanks!

[robiewankenobie]

aw, hell, i just love it! screw perfectionism, handcrafted IS best.

[radcliffe]

Awww, thanks!

I rather LURVE it, too!

[duane_kc]

That looks fantastic.

As for the machine/hand stitching debate, I simply remind people that original sewing machines were originally designed to imitate good hand stitching, just faster. See http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/sewing_machine.htm for details.

[grnvixen]

Very nice :). And kudos for stitching directly onto the velvet. If it gets to frustrating you might want to consider doing it on another piece and then appliqueing it to the velvet. I don't even machine sew on velvet if I can help it :)!!!!

Machine vs hand embroidery: yeah, I can always tell too, it looks stiff and to defined. Also, if it isn't laid out just right and is off the slightest bit, it really shows in costuming. I think there is definitely a place for machine embroidery in costuming, even historic costuming, but more on the theatrical end (and I put renfair in here). It is a good way to get a unique look when you just can't find the right fabric, and makes a nod to all the embroidery from period. Personally, for my own goals in costuming however, I prefer handwork. But I'm sure you knew that :).

[radcliffe]

!!!

Ok, it never occurred to me that I could applique it on! Brilliant! I am using a soft velveteen, so the pile isn't too much of an issue, but yeah what a fascinating suggestion- THANK YOU!!!

Ooh, and that would be helpful if I make a matching child size one for his son. Yes yes, brilliant idea. I even have some black cotton/linen blend that I could use as the basis...

How would you recommend cutting it to applique it on? Around the edges and embroider it on, or tucking all edges in and using a hidden stitch somehow?

And yes, it is the definition and relative perfectness that makes the machine work stand out so completely. It is hard to describe why I find it jarring, I just do.

[grnvixen]

Well I wouldn't have thought of doing it this way myself a dozen or so years ago but a lot of the late 16C bedhangings are done as 'slips' and then appliqued on velvet. Have the added advantage of being able to be removed and put on another piece when that fabric dies. A lot of embroidered bands in period we removeable, and therefore reuseable. I'm finding the gathers cuffs and ruffles on shirts and collars were made removeable a lot earlier than was originally thought too. But I digress on my favorite subject...... :).

Linen sounds like a lot more fun to stitch on :). I'd interface the embroidered piece as needed, probably tuck a reasonable width of edge underneath for security against raveling but then edge the whole thing by couching down a cord. Protects the edge and gives a nice outline effect too :). Have Fun!

[radcliffe]

Oh yes- I have been fascinated by the using and reusing of fabric. My stepfather is a professional handweaver, and will do repairs on old coverlets, et cetera as well as repairs. Between that, and costume research in college the brilliant solutions of seamstresses past has always been great fun to discover