True confession time, sometimes when I see accessories from different time periods, I feel envy. This week that envy was … More
Author: FIORE LEONETTA BARDI
I am a hobbyist in historical costume. Specifically, late 16th-century Florence. Exploring the fictional life of an illegitimate noblewoman of mixed heritage (an African grandfather), her clothing, and artifacts of a life.
Impunture (Specialty Stitches)
I have just started my wool sottana senza busto which means I am deep into the process of interlining. It … More
Giubbone e Sottana Senza Busto di Panno Alto (Doublet and Dress without Bodice of Quality Wool)
On a recent trip to Mood NYC, I was fortunate to have skilled help in the wool department looking for … More
Illegitima e Un Po Nera (Illegitimate and a little Black)
Author’s note: The title references one of ways in which people in 16th century Florence would refer to people of … More
Ropa Española (Spanish Coat)
I took a little clothing project rest after Investiture but events conspired against me. My child continues to insist on … More
Lapis Lazuli
Believed to be the oldest commercially mined gem, Lapis came primarily from Bactria or what is modern-day Afghanistan. Lapis has … More
Sottana nel 1589 (1589 Italian Dress)
The Sottana is a fascinating garment (FYI: it shares its name with an unrelated clerical dress). As far as we … More
Sartoria (Tailor’s Shop)
It has been a minute, my friends. The fact is that I haven’t built much clothing at all since my … More
Giubbone – Imbottitura (Doublet – Interlining)
The construction of this doublet is a gift of lessons. Although I have constructed quite a few complicated interlinings, this … More
Giubbone – Pancia (Belly)
Thinking is dangerous. The doublet padding kept bothering me and I kept returning to the Moroni painting. I was reading … More
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