Arrr, Matey

So, this year I am going to be a pirate for Halloween! Usually, I try to keep my costume a secret, but I'm not as excited this year, so I thought I'd post as I go along.

I'm making a vest, pantaloons, blouse, and overcoat. Here is the pattern I'm using:









The first thing I made was the vest. I was pessimistic about it, not at all sure it would turn out like I hoped. Boy, was I wrong, it's even better than I imagined! Obviously, the exterior is a lovely russet and gold brocade, it's lined with muslin, and has a broadcloth interfacing. It's boned, and has 12 grommets for lacing. I was supposed to use single fold bias tape at the bottom to finish it off, but that would totally have cheapened the look of the vest, so I made my own bias tape out of leftover fabric, which I think really sets it off. However, I think I need better ribbon for the lacing ...


So, as I mentioned, I am also making a peasant blouse to wear underneath (it would be extremely risque otherwise!). Brett was concerned that the garment didn't lace completely together in the middle. It can be laced that tight (don't breathe!), but based on the pattern cover image, it's not intended to be worn that way, and thank goodness, because at first I thought I had made it too small.

Currently I am working on the pantaloons. They are not too exciting; I am constructing them from a soft brown suiting fabric that was on clearance. I will post photos of them when the are complete. They seem to be the simplest item of all to make, so hopefully I will be able to complete them tonight ... assuming my sewing machine cooperates with me. It's skipping stitches and bunching the thread again. So frustrating!