Mexico has been the top theme of my learning this year, mainly through reading and research. Ever since exploring the roots of Classical Guitar (which had its origins Spain), I was compelled to learn more, not only of the instrument, but the people who were involved in creating such an astounding masterpiece as well. I didn't go very far in learning about
España (Spain), the culture, and the music (although I share a deep appreciation for Spanish Music, flamenco style, which is my goal to learn), instead I chose Mexico since I'm studying Latin American Spanish and that the Spanish language in Spain can vary between that of the South Americas and Europe.
While studying Mexico, its terrains and landscapes, climates, flora, fauna, and the native peoples, the highlight of my continual study was the traditional dress of Mexico, mainly, the women's garments. Sparks of orange and red from glossy threads dazzled, with hues of greens, blues, and purples capturing me immediately. The colors were so diverting and inviting! And the embroidery was elaborate! From the moment I saw page upon page of these elegant gowns, I knew I had to make me one! But what was it called? What was the name of this dress that is sold all over Mexico and beyond? Thus I had embarked on a quest to discover the name of this priceless treasure... the Puebla Pheasant Dress.
I began planning immediately on how I would make this, where I would buy the pattern, the fabric, the floss, the thread, everything. *We were blessed to receive a couple of solid-white Egyptian Cotton bed sheets from a lady we'd met, she explained that there was a couple of flaws in the corners of them, but examining them closely, the integrity was intact, to avoid these flaws, we could simple cut around them when we were ready. So the good news was that I had fabric!!! Yay!!! But... how much fabric did I need to make my gown? I was blessed to find an Authentic Traditional Mexican Dress Pattern (Puebla) online from a website called, '
The Mexican Dress'. It was reasonably priced so my mama purchased it for me (thanks mommy! <3), thus I could get started right away.
Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures during the preparation process. Making the pattern, cutting it out, measuring, cutting fabric, pinning, measuring, sewing, taking out, sewing, trying on, taking out, etc. Nope, didn't think to shoot any of it, sorry... :(
But, after all the preparation, came one of the most exciting parts of all, designing the pattern! This is where I would unleash my imagination, setting loose my creativity! What wonders could I compose?
Compose... musical composition perhaps? The idea fit perfectly! My classical guitar could be the center of my design... literally!
After designing my pattern, choosing my colors, and tracing the pattern on the fabric 600 hundred times, I was ready to begin stitching. It has taken me July and nearly half of August to complete, but so far it is coming along splendidly! Here is the design I created, and the colors that compliment the work I have started!
The swirly branched designs are based on true Mexican embroidery patterns, so I did a twist and added my own little spice to the mix!
La música clásica...
I am nearly finished embroidering the left side of the bodice, and it looks amazing!
So far, I have only done this much. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out! I'm hoping I'll finish it before Sukkot... but with so many unfinished projects for the feast I'm not sure if I can. But we shall see, no? Anyway, I just wanted to share my latest needlework project, until next time,...
hasta luego mi amigos!
~Abigail
