'Idle Hands' Challenge

Today is the first day of the Idle Hands Mini-Challenge, presented by the wonderful Bella of the Realm of Venus.This summer I followed the big challenge and thought I would try my hand at something a bit smaller for my first try. So here I am narrowing down my choices of what I will do for the mini-challenge. I have a couple of choices as I am now working on two (three) renaissance outfits that will need accessories. I am probably going to use my flag fan for the competition. So I am digging out my perforating plates and tools, and just ordered some real parchemnt, I will be looking for the handle this weekend, and hope for the best!

Here is the source of my inspiration with a sharpened detail:

Training

While away for work, I managed to cut out pieces for husband's great cloak...coat...surcoat...cape? What is the darn thing called? I've found so many different names for the large piece of clothing that King Henry VIII wore over his shoulders. Anyway, as most of our renaissance is spent in the American Southwest, I made the cloak out of a non-period cotton, but it is a pretty metallic print. I cut two pieces for the back and two narrow side pieces. I actually came up short--just ten inches! But I'll make it work. I need to sew them together now. The cutting worked well while on the business trip as I had a huge bed with no one else--no husbands, no cats--to worry about.

Challenges

I've been keeping track of several costuming challenges this year, such as the Italian Renaissance Costuming Challenge.  Watching everyone's creativity has made me want to enter such a challenge, particularly those that claimed to be novices in sewing. I wish I could claim their skills! Still, I do want some new garb...we'll see!

Yes, that's me, giving a tour of our historic--haunted--courthouse, built in the 1890s. Love the bustle!