Modify Simplicity Pattern 7782 Fabric Choices For the main dress fabric you want to use a fabric with a decent weight that drapes nicely. Velvet, velveteen, crushed velvet (are you seeing a pattern here...), linen, raw silk, (non-blue) denim, and wool would all work well. Do not use knit/stretchy, rayon, or patterned fabric. You'll also want to get an accent fabric in a contrasting color. This fabric should be heavy brocade, upholstry or tapestry. Which Views to Use You'll want to use the long sleaves from views ABD, the square neckline of views DEF, and the hem length of views AEF. Actually the hem length of views AEF isn't really long enough (you'd be showing a scandelous amount of leg!) so you'll have to make it longer. Slightly below the ankle, just skimming the floor, is good.

Option Number One Basic Modifications To give the dress more of a medieval feel you're going to add the accent fabric to the cuffs and hem. Use a three inch strip to replace the last three inches of each sleeve. Then, since you're extending the hem anyway, make the extention out of the contrasting fabric. The hem strip should be six to ten inches wide. Notions An invisible zipper is a must (since zippers aren't period, but if you use an invisible one we won't tell). For the last touch get two lengths of ribbon the same color as the dress. Each should be two yards long. Attach the middle of one piece to the top of one of the skirt pleats, then attach the other ribbon to the other pleat top. Tie the ribbons into bows or let them hang lose.

Option Number Two Basic Modifications Here's a very simple way to make this dress look medieval. For the center front panel and the center/back panels of the dress use the contrasting fabric instead of the main dress fabric. This modification is reminicent of the undergown/surcoat combination described on the "sew it from scratch" page. Notions An invisible zipper is a must (since zippers aren't period, but if you use an invisible one we won't tell). For the last touch get four lengths of ribbon the same color as the accent fabric. Each should be one yard long. Attach one end of each piece to the top of each of the skirt pleats (front and back). Tie the back and front ribbon on each side to eachother with a bow.