Renaissance Faire Hampton Court Gown 18" Doll Clothes

The influence of the Renaissance launched the concept of high fashion as costume began to reflect the love of art, discovery, and invention during this period in history. The clean and simple lines of medieval clothing gave way to more elaborately shaped and adorned clothing that reflected the artistic ideals of the Renaissance. In the 16th century, the Tudor's of England brought Renaissance fashion to its climax, setting the tone for fashion design for the next four centuries. The fitted bodices and full skirts that were the mainstay of court dresses not only enhanced the the feminine features that had been idealized by Renaissance artists, but also provided a canvas in which to display one's wealth in the form of jewels, lace, and other fine adornments.
The Hampton Court Gown by Thimbles and Acorns  is a classic fully lined Tudor style gown. The fitted bodice has a low square neckline with a slightly curved front opening that fastens with three small snaps. The full skirt is pleated in the back and opens in the front to display the kirtle or petticoat worn underneath. The bodice and skirting can be finished with decorative lace, embroidery, or beading. The wide bell shaped sleeves are trimmed with fur and the lining is pleated inside the elbow to give the sleeves a draped appearance. The key to Tudor fashion was layering and the Hampton Court Gown was designed to be worn over Thimbles and Acorns Side Laced Kirtle and Smock. The kirtle and smock not only give the gown added support and fill in the open space of the skirting, but the additional layers of color and texture along the bodice and sleeves gives the gown a complex and regal appearance. If preferred, this pattern also includes a simple petticoat that can be worn underneath the gown in place of the kirtle. The crowning glory of this gown is the quintessential English Gabled Hood. It's gable shape not only covered the hair but provided a framework on which a noble woman could display her finest jewels and ornaments around her face.

This PDF sewing pattern is sized to fit American Girl® and other similarly sized dolls.  

Recommended Fabrics:  Suggested Fabrics: Gown, Gown Lining, and Petticoat in silk dupioni, lightweight linen, cotton, lightweight damask, lightweight jacquard, lightweight velvet, taffeta, lightweight wool. Not suitable for knits. Hood Cover in lightweight cotton, lightweight linen, lightweight damask, lightweight jacquard. Not suitable for knits. Hood Veil, Box, Forehead Cover, and Sash in cotton voile, lawn, silk, lightweight linen, lightweight damask, lightweight jacquard. Not suitable for knits.  

Supplies Needed:
Fabric:
-Gown ~ 2/3 yard (.6 m)
-Gown Lining ~ 2/3 yard (.6 m)
-Petticoat ~ 2/3 yard (.6 m)
-Hood Cover ~ 1/3 yard (.3 m)
-Hood Veil and Box ~ 1/4 yard (.25 m)
-Hood Sash ~ 1/6 yard (.15 m)
-Forehead Cover ~ 5 x 10-inch (12 x 25 cm)

Notions:
Thread. Gown ~ three medium snaps, 2 yards 1/2-inch wide lace or trim, 12-inch x 2-inch scrap of fake fur. Hood ~ 1/3-yard Buckram, 1/3-yard iron-on fusing OR 1/3 yard heavyweight fusible interfacing, 1/3 yard 1/2-inch wide jeweled trim or loose jewels and beads. Petticoat ~ one medium snap. Belt ~ one chain necklace that is 24-inches or longer, one jump ring or small connecting pendant..

Skill Level:  Intermediate

What You Get: One 42 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color and digitally drawn step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.