myhose

I started by overdying the tweed left over from my apple green gown. As I said on that page, I've added some red and a bit of yellow to the water and, since the wool was already dyed in a green shade, I was expecting a brownish-red result and in the end, I was indeed very happy with the results.

I molded some plain non-stretchable fabric directly onto my leg. Than I've cut off the extra fabric. I made a tracing of my foot but allowed 1/4" all around and did the same for the top of my foot ; I molded the piece and made it join-in with the sole. When I was done, I've made a paper pattern because I don't like having pieces of fabric stashed all over the place. I rarely make patterns but since I'll be making a few pair of those, it seems kinda pointless to start over ever time!

I've sewn the pieces together to make sure that it fits and that my foot can easily pass trough. I still need to hem-stitch everything on the inside. As you can see, I'm wearing stockings underneat. I know that this looks ridiculous but I can't have the wool in direct contact with my skin. As most of you probably already know, I'm alergic to the darn thing ! On this picture, I'm reaching down to take the picture of my own leg so that's why the hose appears to twist and pull but it doesn't do that when I'm standing straight. Also, it's only folded and it holds on it's own. It won't have the same look when I'll wear them with garthers...

Except for the sole, I've hem stitched every seam opened. It was hard because that wool is very plushy and the edge rips when I put a needle trough it. The best thing would have been to double fold the seams but then, it would have been uncomfortable to wear. Oh well, I guess that it will have to do for now, I'll just make myself another pair in a near futur, that's all.

I'm all done and I took a picture but when I saw it, I screamed!!! I feel that the color is way off and to top it all, they look purple on this pictures (I know they're not but still). Since I'll be mostly wearing something red when I wear these, I've decided to make an attempt at overdying them again. I'll post the picture a little later when I'm done. Note that this model is meant to be above the knee, I'll make shorter "bellow the knee" pair as well when I have a bit of time.

Finaly, here's the result...
They came out as a dark shade of red, which is much more suitable for most of the garb that I'll be wearing them with. I've left them 20 minutes in a very concentrated bath so, I don't think that I could get much better than this, unless I used color remover and dyed them all over again.

... Nah... I don't think so. They'll just have to do for now and as I said, I'll be making another pair soon anyhow :)

Well I've finaly made a few more pair and from the experience, I find that hosen cut bellow the knee works best for me. They were made to go with my Schilling outfit. You can also see what it looks like with proper garthers, poulaines and pattens.