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March 30, 2002

Greetings! Much has happened this month, but wouldn't you rather view pictures, instead of reading a long article?

I spent a good part of the month working on a project, which I feel was very rewarding. It's a Tudor style gown, made from an Elizabethan pattern I modified.

The fabric used was a simple, polished cotton/polyester blend, and was a delight to work with. Being an amateur at sewing, I was nervous about how it would all turn out. But the moment I tried on the completed ensemble, I fell in love with the dress.

In fact, I've been wearing for several days now - out for walks, all around the house, lazy hours on the couch watching videos, cooking dinner, working on the computer - as a matter of fact, I'm wearing it right now. It's comfortable, warm, and romantic to wear!

I think it was a smashing success, but I'll let you judge for yourself:

These pictures were taken only an hour ago, just before sunset. My digital camcorder was used to take the snapshots, and astonished me by actually catching details in the pictures. Usually it leaves white patches in the pictures, particularly around the face or wherever there's light colors (notice the second picture above, with the pewter tankard).

So, anyway, my next dress will probably be a wine/burgundy wool. I've already purchased the fabric and notions. However, I want to enjoy this gown for awhile, before I embark on the next adventure.

Note about the hair: I've scoured the internet for instructions for putting up long hair, but been sadly disappointed. Most people are looking for cute ways to style short crops, and those with long hair don't share their secrets. So for anyone else who wonders, here are instructions for putting up their hair, like in the pictures above. It's the easiest way I've discovered so far.

Detailed Instructions

My hair falls to about the middle of my back, but with this hairstyle, I suspect it could be done with shorter hair. You will need hairpins, the big ones used for rollers. I've learned the hard way that the small ones don't hold the hair up at all. The size I like are just short of three inches.

Begin by parting the hair down the center and combing out any snarls or tangles. Then grasp the front of your hair on one side, sweeping it up as though you were going to pull it back into a barrette or comb. This is difficult to explain in words, but twist it loosely with your fingers about one turn, against the head. Holding the twist with one hand, sweep more hair up into it and twist another turn, concentrating on keeping things smooth. Keep sweeping the hair up into the roll and twisting it into a pretty twist that follows the curve of your head and finally reaches the back where you can use a hair pin to secure it temporarily while you roll the other side. It can be loose or tight, depending on what look you're aiming for.

Once both sides are rolled, there are several things you can do. For the pictures, I did something like a French twist. After rolling the hair back, use two hairpins pined vertically to secure the twists, letting the tails hang down with the rest of your hair. Then gather all the hair, as though for a ponytail, and turn it so the tail points up. Twist a couple turns into a thick, slightly-loose roll. This can be pinned all different ways over the hairpins used to secure the side rolls... it can be twisted into a long sausage and coiled, or pulled into a French twist. Pin with three, sometimes four or five pins. Whatever it takes to make it feel secure.

The other variation is to separate the ponytail into two or three twists and weave them into elaborate shapes (a big heart, figure eight, a coiled bun).

Hope this is of some help. Godspeed, until next month!

-Brooke

NOTE: Click here for instructions on French braiding your own hair.