*raises hands in defeat* - for now anyway

[jennylafleur]

My Redingote is continuing to not go well. At all.

I don't know what is wrong with me and it's horribly frustrating. I fix one thing and three more problems show up. It's like that monster in Greek mythogy... whatever the name is... For all my effort so far all I have is a completely unusable set of toiles. To continue I will need to start again from scratch.

So after a finial fitting where I didn't know if I wanted to cry or throw things, I had a long talk with Mom (who was kindly helping with the fitting) and Bridget (via phone) and have decided for the sake of mental health to shelve the project. I just can't deal with it at the moment.

I want to believe I have the ability to do this but apparently I need lots of time to figure it out. I knew this outfit was going to be out of my comfort zone but not this brutal. I can't do it in 3 weeks - is just too much going on with work, family, church and making B something too. The part of me that is stubborn wants to dig my heels in and keep trying but I know if I try I'll only be miserable, unhappy with the results and possibly in a straight jacket at the end of it.

*sigh*

So I spent most of my Easter day going through files & books trying to come up with something else to wear. It took a little time but I now have a slight glimmer of excitement about this stupid event once again. I've decided to make a perriot jacket and matching petticoat along the lines of this:
http://www.chateauwhite.com/jenny/fashion/1790-rev69-cp2.jpg

Not quite "riding attire" but it will pass for a traveling costume. I'm using a lovely avocado green and chocolate brown stripe I had ear-marked for a Spencer. My 18th century need is greater at the moment... pics to come...

Comments

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm so sorry the redingote is being so difficult, that is so frustrating!

But I think you've found a wonderful solution, I just adore that jacket! :)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks Loren! Yes, I've wanted to make it for a while. :>

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

You know Maggie and are I are making it too, lol!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

I always said my friends had good taste! :>

[anielmom.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry it is giving you so much grief. But I agree you came up with a great solution. That gown is sure to be beautiful!
Happy Easter.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks - a very happy Easter to you and yours!

[gilded-garb.livejournal.com]

I love that little jacket! I think you made a good choice - no costume is worth the kind of frustration the redingote was giving you.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Amen to that sister! Thanks - the jacket has been on The List (TM) for a while... :>

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

*hugs* That really sucks, but I know the redingote will be much easier to deal with when you dont have a deadline looming over your head. The jacket is lovely, and I think it will look just smashing done up in that fabric (I pretty sure I saw it at your house, right?)
*hugs*

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yes, sometimes deadlines are good and sometime they are the worst thing. I'm sure you did, the small green and brown stripe... now to trim it in brown or green?

[butterballbunny.livejournal.com]

Awww....*hugs* Nothing better than taking a break and returning afresh though.
!!
()~

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! This was ones of those step away times. Someday I'll be able to work and have fun with it but not now. Like you say, when I'm fresh again. :>

[(Anonymous)]

Sorry to hear it isn't going well! I was really excited to see this project, but I would much prefer your sanity to a pretty frock! Take a break and maybe you'll be able to come back to it after it gets a breather.

[tayloropolis.livejournal.com]

Oops! That was me! I guess I logged out at some point.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

I was wondering... :>
Thanks. I really want to get back to it someday, although it probally won't be anytime soon. I'm thinking part of the problem may be that I have the wrong stays. I suspect that a proper pair of 1790s stays would solve some of my fitting problems. We'll see...

[jazz-in-paris.livejournal.com]

Taking a break always helps me when I'm stuck with something.
Good going with the jacket! :)

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes some projects just need a pause at some point. :>

[mlsdesigns.livejournal.com]

that's a good idea to take a break :)
the colours sound lovely, i hope you'll be posting a photo! will the petticoat be the same fabric as the jacket or different? muslin like the petticoat?

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Yes photos to come... I'm just being lazy. It will be the same fabric, although a muslin one someday would be fun...

[mlsdesigns.livejournal.com]

hee hee, sorry for making more work for you :)