New project at last!

After taking some time away from the sewing machine to relocate (too long, if you ask me), tonight I finally decided to dust off the brain meats and decide on a new project!

Holbein portrait of Jane Small (c1540)

At this last Great Western War, I took a class on kirtles and underclothes taught by the very knowledgable Lady Joan Silvertoppe.  That, plus the newly released book from the good folks at The Tudor Tailor, The Queen's Servents, have given me much inspiration.  As my persona is from the era, I've been eyeballing images of Englishwomen from around 1520 to 1540.  For YEARS I have wanted to create a version of the dress worn by Jane Pemberton Small, but I've let the blackwork intimidate me.     So to warm myself up for the task, I have decided to create an earlier silhouette.  The first step is deciding upon a smock/chemise!

A Young Englishwoman (c1520s)

The Queen's Servants lists a few neckline options; from squared to rounded, gathered to smooth.  As they're producing workable patterns to cover from the late 1400s up to about the 1520s, I decided to look to some portraiture (again) for inspiration.  I found two that I like: A Young Englishwoman by Hans Holbein, and Catherine of Aragon miniature by Lucas Hornebolte.

At the neck is seen either a partlet or the top of her smock.  It features a close round neck with a slit a button (or other) closure.  As I am the sort to need to slather sunscreen all over, the idea of covering my decollete is rather appealing!

Catherine of Aragon with a monkey (1525-6)

The miniature of Queen Catherine features a similar shape around the neck, only this time with some simple blackwork.  Though hers is most likely a sheer partlet and not her chemise, I like the style of embroidery and may try something like it on my smock.

Now that I have an idea in mind, it's time to get to work!  With the help of my husband, I've located the box with my linen stash and brought into the house.  Tomorrow I hope to bleach it, wash it, and at least prep it for cutting!  Wish me luck!