Oh, What a difference a day, and the right count fabric will make.

So I tested the #8 pearl cotton on the "for sure" 28 count. and yep, I was right that what I was using was 32 count. But now I have the perfect fabric if I want to do anything using Guterman silk 30m sewing thread. Once I get a bit more done, I will post more progression pictures. 

I do have another project that I want to do. A period Elizabethan coif using directions from the Elizabethan Costuming Page, and how to wear it from the Extreme Costuming site. I am planning on making a plane one first to see if I will need or want to make any alterations before I make one up with blackwork, something I haven't really tried yet. 

Although, I think I need to finish the changes to my main Elizabethan garb, and make up the long list of garb for my lord husband and my daughter. lol. And I have to finish my lords gambeson soon, and all I need to do is a bunch of hand sewing to cover all the raw edges. I also need to make an arming cap too. His helmet is pretty much a big bell and I would like to soften the ring when he gets hit to help save his hearing. For those that don't know, it is not a good idea for fighters to ware earplugs because if a child or pet run on to the field, they need to be able to hear the "HOLD." Us heralds can be loud, but I don't know if we can be that loud. lol

I know, I know. Long time since I have posted. Life has been.... well, life. 

I am not working on a dress right now (well I am, but that is more alterations). Right now, I am working on trying to make a purse, or sweetbag with my arms on it. Here is what I hope will be my final pattern. 

From Projects

Now this will be the 3rd time I have started it. The first 2 times, I printed my arms onto what I thought was dissolvable paper. After getting most of the lion outlined, I realised that I had it facing the wrong way, to sinister (see, I am learning). For those that don't know heraldry, that is a big enough deal that it would make them not my arms.  The second one was right, but after I got all the outlining done, I learned that, no it was not dissolvable paper, but tear away paper. Oh the fun to get it all out from between the small places on the lion. Not doing that again. That is why I drew it on the fabric this time.

I have been working on that for about a week now.

From Projects

I have realised that the blue is too dark, I don't like how the lion turned out, and the whole thing seems a bit to small. I also think I am using too big of thread for the fabric.

From Projects

I am using #8 DMC pearl cotton on I think is 32 count linen thread (and not that even for my likely). I may be 28 count though. If it is 28, I will be mad. I think after I am done with project, I will get some bigger weave to use up the thread I have still.

I have the new pattern on, for sure, 28 count, linen fabric, but I am rethinking what I want to use for the thread. I may go silk if I can get it for a good price that I can afford. If not, I am going to test it this time on a small piece of fabric to make sure that it isn't too big of thread. We will see. I do plan on posting progress time. Feel free to leave comments. 

What I am going for is something like the bags I have seen at the V&A. There are a few. Here are the links for the ones I like the best. Purse and Pin Cushion. Purse.