My florentine gown

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Page 2 (The Giornea)

May 25

The Giovanna Tornabuoni look...

I wanted the sleeves to be exactly the same color as the gamurra so I used the same wool as a base.  It's weird enough that the skirt doesn't match so I didn't want to add to the "visual oddness" by using a burgundy brocade on top of it, I used it for the lining instead.

I started by marking my guidelines on to the fabric

Than, I've cut out about 50 lozanges from this brocade

I've pinned the shapes in place and embroidered them on the sleeves

I sewed the cord over the marks that I had previously made

I sewed a pearl on each "cord-cross" and in the middle of each pattern

I sewed the sleeves and lining together & made the aiglets (points)

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And tah-dah ! Here they are... my "Giovanna" sleeves !

I will be taking pics with the giornea later this week as I was too tired tonight and my hair was too dirty to be curled anyway

While I was at it, I've also took a few pictures of the caul and the caul worn with the veil. By the way, if anyone knows a trick to sewing the edge of these things without them biasing and rolling like crazy, please let me know because frankly, I've almost ended-up burning this one when I was done !!!

Page1 (The gamurra)

Page 3

May 26

Well, I've finaly got a few pics of the "Giovanna Tornabuoni" look taken. Here they are...

So there's only the new capulet missing and a decent necklace. Than, I'm done with this diary.  I'll be working on those pretty soon...

The necklace

June 01

Not quite what I was hopping for but it was the closest that I could get. I didn't really have the time to sculpt a mold and cast a custom pendant so I got these pieces and put them together. It's a round metal plate meant for a brooch and I've added the top of a 3-stone button over it and 3 pearl drops.

September 05

I've just noticed that, for some reason, a part of this diary disappeared. So i'll post the essential once more. How it got deleted in the first place really is a mistery though...

Here are a few pics that shows the construction steps of the second capulet ;

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I'm using a foam head to get the right rounded shape this time. The net only serves as a guideline.

Each cross is sewn-in with a pearl but not to the net.

The ribons on the edge keeps everything together

The excess is cut off and a second trim is added

Than a guarland of pearls is sewn between the two ribons and the tie-on cords are added

Here are the two capulets side-by-side

Well, that's it... But you can join me on another diary page if you wish ! See you there !

ETA : So it seams that the trick would be to simply startch the piece prior to cutting and sewing. (Thanks guys!!!)