Elsa mantua inspiration-1

I’m still working through my files, so here is another of my favourite Mantua. A deep blue silk covered in silver embroidery.

LACMA, Woman’s Dress (Mantua) with Stomacher and Petticoat
Italy, circa 1700 https://collections.lacma.org/node/170609

Right now I don’t have access to the printed materials so I’m mostly inspired by the over all effect, and as my lace has a very uneven but scalloped hem I’m using this to help with what to do with it. I wish I had noticed the hem protection earlier as I am going to want that, and I can do that by machine. If the machine work is over in my lace I’m going to reserve my hand sewing for where it will have impact.