October – November 2023
This was made from Silk Baron’s patchwork fabric. It’s mainly squares of dupioni but it seems there are a few pieces of nicer silk shantung mixed in. Inspired by one of my favorite baroque dances, Forlana, I’d wanted a harlequin costume for years. It was fantastic to find this. Once the fabric was in hand, I dropped all other projects and completed it in record-for-me time.
Portrait of a lady in masque dress, a mask in her right hand.
In order to get a design with a nice mix of colors, I purchased additional yardage. As it turned out, some of the squares were very poor quality and had to be avoided. So I decided on the whole layout before making any cuts. This is my 1740s bodice pattern, with bias strips of patchwork finishing the armscye. The bodice is intentionally sleeveless, a feature seen in Baroque theatrical costume designs from early in the 18th century. (As well as ballet costumes later in the century). The dancing tambourine player below seems to be another fun example.
As Colombina is a servant, a relatively narrow skirt seemed the best approach. Two panels of 54″ worked well. It has a free-hanging, batiste lining to protect the fabric’s multitude of seam allowances. The chemise is from Fiorentina Costuming on Etsy (a batiste Rococo smock). I also ordered an authentic Ca’ Macana mask from Venice. I’d love to have a full neck ruff since there are many depictions of Colombina wearing one. What I have is simply a gathered strip of cotton organdy. So, while fine for the costume, it’s merely a neck ruffle. But ruffs are daunting – even more so than making patchwork fabric.
