A Wench Costume

Click to enlarge picture.

Click to enlarge picture.

Click to enlarge picture.

Simplicity 9966 was used for the bodice and blouse. The skirt's just a simple circle skirt made of black broadcloth.

The blouse is made of semi-sheer midnight-blue fabric. I used black lace bias tape on the inner sleeves and around the neckline gathering. The sleeves and neckline are embroidered with silvery-grey needlepoint in a staggered "X" pattern, and the neckline's further embellished with belly-dancing style clapperless silver bells acquired from Pillaged Village. It doesn't jingle much, but it gives it a baroque feel.

The vest is made from crimson velvet, remnants from my fabric hoard. The edging is done in black and gold lace, bought by the yard as I couldn't find any trim of the right width. The holes are brass-finished, and the lacing is basic cotton corset lacing acquired from Grannd Garb. I followed the pattern, but learned that their size 14 is too big (it came out really loose), so tightened it up by adding more lacing in the back along the curved back seams. The vest hits right below the bust, but it looks fantastic, giving more support than I'd thought it would. I think this would look splendid on an average-sized woman.

There's a headband with it, which I made, but don't care for much. The skirt is from the pattern as well. All the pieces were very easily made and it went together without any issues. The outer skirt I did make in crushed purple velvet for another costume (when I was a larger girl), but I really didn't like how heavy the stretch velvet was; if you make the outer skirt, use something light! Also, be very sure you use very light fabric for the shirt; I used broadcloth and that was entirely too heavy. Satin, semi-sheers, silks, these would probably work way better. I'd avoid cotton or anything heavier than hankyweight linen or sari cloth. This cotton velveteen works wonderfully for the vest, which is boned with Ridgeline, and has tremendous support and structure. I also suggest that you don't put too much elastic on this blouse. It really doesn't need it, and too much will make the neckline creep up when you raise your arms.

I've made this costume on an earlier occasion, when I was larger, about 44-40-48, and it fit wonderfully, though I made one of the vests that reached above the bust as I wasn't sure how I'd look without any support in an under-bust bodice. I'd recommend this pattern for anybody, particularly those who are of beginning to intermediate skill.

The shoes are dark-blue velvet Chinese flats, also from Pillaged Village, and the jewelry is stuff I had from earlier -- a purple glass pendant, rings, etc, anything colorful.

Above is a detail of the back of the vest, showing the second set of lacings.