It appears that I may have finally found my way back around to rennie costuming by way of the beautiful comic book series, Sleepless. I miss the brocades and satin pintucks, the embroidered details and fancy trims, the accessories and especially the layers. As a bonus, I currently detest spandex and zippers with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
The gowns in Sleepless draw from and expand upon styles from late 15th century Italy. [That’s an oversimplification, but there is a lot of research to pick through.] There are high waists with voluminous skirts and short, rounded bosoms. I’m short, short-waisted, and top heavy, so achieving the correct proportions is going to be super fun!
I’m starting this project with Period Patterns No. 41, “Italian Renaissance Gowns, c. 1470 – 1505”. I spent Night One reading through the pattern notes and process, then I cut and traced my pattern pieces. At that point, I realized that I want a full underdress rather than just an underskirt…because of course I do.
I’m now in the process of scouring my renaissance fashion books and patterns and historical costuming blogs for more information on putting this beautiful beast together to do Lady Poppy justice.
In my head, the costume will be completed before the book’s return in September. In the next episode, maybe I’ll have the undergarments figured out. Thanks for reading!
Green Linen Shirt 
Simplicity just put out a pattern by Angela Clayton that is almost exactly like that dress. It even has the slits in the sleeves at the elbow. I’m excited to see how you bring this altogether!
I jaut recently got back into reading comics and I’ve never heard of Sleepless – what’s it about?
That pattern looks beautiful! I’ll have it add it to the collection.
Sleepless (Issues 1 – 6; https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/sleepless) is about Lady Poppy and her knight, and their attempts to navigate court life in which someone is trying to kill her. Both the art and the story are lovely!
Sounds cool! I’ll have to see if my library carries it!