Basic Peasant Outfit

I decided to use a stretch linen-look cloth for the overskirt and over-sized muffin hat (that was not in the original sketch). I decided to knife-pleat the skirt and hat instead of using the usual gathering techniques. I found that this pleating form very pleasing and plan on using it more often, when time allows. (The brown underskirt in the sketch was made before this project for an outfit I made for Meesha's formal-wear at Cambrion Adventures.) (Added Note from 5/15/2007: I used a muslin colored cloth as the waist band, though looking back, I should have gone with a different color or made it from the same material as the skirt. However, I still like how the skirt turned out.)

The chemise was a prototype of a design I found online. I'm not too pleased with the pattern and have since decided not to use it. I have found a better design since. This chemise was to be a style that would force the sleeves to stay off the shoulder. I always have troubles keeping the "off the shoulder" look with other chemises. This design does succeed at this look. Also, the chemise was made so I could choose to wear it with just pants and a belt. Hence, the chemise is a lot less bulky in the torso, it goes down to my knees and is slit up the sides up to the hips. Also, the sleeves have the option of being closed and poofy, or open. All these factors help the chemise adapt from a repectable peasant persona to one of a mercenary. The cloth I chose for this was a textured linen-look. (Added Note from 5/15/2007: The chemise has since been shortened and the ribbons in the sleeves were removed to leave the sleeves open. After wearing this chemise a few more times, I have actually grown fond of it. However, I still do not see myself using that particular pattern again.)

The bodice was created from a design my sister created many years ago. She gave me the pattern and permission to recreate it. I have obviously made changes. (The original can be found by clicking here. The picture of me leaning on the tree shows the original bodice my sister made.) I decided to used a stiff brown cotton material, using the same material for lining. It is feather-boned for flexibility. I also decided to use a trim I bought a while before that had gold, olive green, red, and orange in it creating a triangle and leafy design. The trim is only on the skirting. This allows a feeling of a mid-range merchant to an otherwise low class outfit without going overboard. The trim could have been a hand-me-down from one of her employers as payment for a good month's work or such.

There are a few things I need to tweak and have worked out in the designs. I am happy with the overall end result of this outfit.

Click here to see more images of this outfit.