Fencing Outfit Completed!!!!!

Normally I've been posting a day by day account of my work, but over the holiday weekend I decided to wait until the outfit was finished. There were some nice breaks (such as a baby shower and the Southern Wisconsin Airshow).

In the picture research I've accumulated, it's hard to tell what lies under the Plastron. I've made some deductions based on some Late Victorian/Edwardian garments I have in my collection. Plus, since I also practice the Western Martial Art of Rapier, I've incorporated some of what I've learned in making Rapier Clothing.

I made the decision to construct a calf-length gored skirt with a double-width panel in front and 2 regular sized panels on each side, with the closure along the back seam. There is also an shorter, flounced petticoat under the skirt to give a little extra body and keep some of the material away from the legs.

For the shirt, I constructed a loose-fitting smock style shirt. I choose a smock style since I could close in all the seams, leaving less of a chance of a foil getting into places it should not. I cut the sleeve cuff on the bias to allow some stretch when pulling the garment over the knuckles, but still allowing the shirt to be tucked into my gloves.

All and all the project was an easy one for me. Sewing time for the skirt and shirt (including finished seams, and some handsewing) was just over 2 1/2 hours for each garment.

Since the project wasn't that intensive, I thought I would fix a sheer green plaid gathered bodice (Civil War) dress that I wore in England. The dress was pretty, but the bodice was much too big. So, removing the piping along the bottom edge, brought in the side seems and repleated/gathered. Now all I have left to finish tonight is the handwork-hand tacking the piping back in place.