Eleanor of Toledo's Red Silk Dress

Okay, I haven't done a planning post in a while. This is what I want to make next. Or maybe not exactly next, but soon. I'm thinking about this dress as a possible Pentathlon entry. It's going to take forever. So, I might as well get started.

It will be made of red silk (as soon as I can find some at a decent price). I plan to figure out how to do the gold couching embroidery, and embroider the neckline, the waist "V", the sleeves, and the hem. The gold net partlet and caul are of course, a must. The red and black combination seemed to be quite popular at the time, so in order the give the dress options, I am also planning to make a black overgown, possibly of wool.

I love the combination of a side- or back-laced gown with a slightly open overgown. And the overgown sleeves, which their slashing and puffing, look like so much fun. I'll probably create a second pair of sleeves to wear under the overgown. I definitely want one pair just like Eleanor's portrait, for when I want to wear the gown by itself. I hope to get started as soon as I acquire some red silk, and fix my bodice pattern. Hopefully, which this project, I will remember to actually post in-progress updates. I'm excited!

More pictures from Gulf War

So, while at Gulf War, Natalie and I found some hawks and falcons.

Apparently, we arrived just at the right time, as we got to assist with some training exercises.

Basically, this was a childhood wish fulfilled. I've wanted to hang out with a falcon since I read My Side of the Mountain at about 8 years old. So awesome.

Also, there were puppies. A future gown-planning post soon!