jennylafleur: (costume bother)
jennylafleur ([personal profile] jennylafleur) wrote2008-03-23 08:22 pm

*raises hands in defeat* - for now anyway

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...

[identity profile] bauhausfrau.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
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! :)

[identity profile] anielmom.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] gilded-garb.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] girliegirl32786.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
*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*

[identity profile] butterballbunny.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Awww....*hugs* Nothing better than taking a break and returning afresh though.
!!
()~

(Anonymous) 2008-03-24 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] jazz-in-paris.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Taking a break always helps me when I'm stuck with something.
Good going with the jacket! :)

[identity profile] mlsdesigns.livejournal.com 2008-03-24 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
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?