It has been over a year since I last wrote – I feel neglectful.

I never did my updates from our trip to Spain. I got hacked at about the same time and I never did get back to it. And then I got incredibly busy with work and everything else fell to the wayside. But now I have a new project.

Several years ago (about 15 at this point) I made a replica of a Cranach gown that I still think was my crowning glory – so many pearls, six different black fabrics, fit like a dream come true. Love that dress although it doesn’t fit at the moment. I’ve always wanted to do another recreated dress, and while I had some ideas in mind, I didn’t really know which dress I wanted to recreate. Until the Calontir Clothing Challenge came along that is. I want this dress.

A few years ago I ordered the silk for this dress so I have that. That is as far as I got. I had ordered some trim to see if it would be suitable for the sleeves but, alas, I did not order enough to actually make the sleeves. I have some very lightweight wool in a creamy white to do the sleeves.

For me the biggest reason to want this dress is the embroidered collar of this dress so I’m starting there. I’m not fond of my embroidery skills (I’m far better at other things) but the little pictures I see on my computer make the embroidery look so delicate so I’m going with a very “non-patterned” just stitching on the ruffle of the collar so it has that painted effect. I have about eight inches (of 24) finished.