Date: 8/30/06 10:11 AM

For some reason, I was thinking the traditional colors were green skirt, white shirt, and red vest and apron; but online I am seeing black skirt and vest, white shirt, and red apron.
So my question is what do the beautiful Octoberfest barmaids wear?
Its been 14 years since we lived in Germany, can someone please help me figure it out?! example of octoberfest dirndl

------
The mark of a true seamstress is not in her ability to sew,
but in her tenacity to rip.

Reply to Princess Jenny
Date: 8/30/06 11:19 AM

Check out the Sept Burda WOF issue for their designer dirndls. As a German mag, they should know what goes and what doesn't....and it looks like you could use whatever colors you want, or prints, even! Dreamy Dirndls

------
--Robyn

Date: 8/30/06 11:53 AM

Here's what the young and hip are wearing in terms of folkloric costume. I think that you can really think out of the box on this project.

from lolapaltinger.com. Click on the sewing machine (warning, one top is distressingly sheer if I recall):

fashion slideshow
-- Edited on 8/30/06 11:55 AM --

Date: 8/30/06 12:52 PM

Cute! Cute! Cute!
Thank you both :)

Jen

------
The mark of a true seamstress is not in her ability to sew,
but in her tenacity to rip.

Date: 8/30/06 1:34 PM

If you want "original" Dirndl, then patterns, colours and fabric patterns vary from region to region, sometimes from one village to the next. And there are very strict rules, what is "correct" an what not. (Black is a very traditional colour, because ist was considered to be "elegant", therefore choosen for sunday-go-to-church-clothing.) You can even tell a womans marital status from her clothes and hairdressing.

If it's for Oktoberfest... do as you like! The three models in the Burda WOF for September are very nice examples, as were the Lola Paltinger ones last year. Just choose waht you like and have fun!

Date: 8/30/06 2:17 PM

The fabrics do vary from region to region, so don't feel confined to the black you see on TV all the time. Form what I remember the black dirbdl's were primarily from the Black Forest Region of Germany. Mine is atcually a printed skirt with a plain green bodice.

Folkwear has a nice pattern as well as the WOF ones.

------
Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com

Reply to Princess Jenny
Date: 8/30/06 2:50 PM

Jenny, it looks as though the sky's the limit these days. On the site you posted a link to, if you scroll down through the women's short dresses department, they've got everything from the traditional to gingham with a kind of pioneer American flavor.

dirndl choices

Whatever you choose, the basic design will announce that it's a dirndl. No mistaking that.

Redhead, that sheer dirndl top you mentioned must be the "Hi, sailor!" model. Dear me.


-- Edited on 8/30/06 2:56 PM --

Date: 8/30/06 3:17 PM

FWIW, I have a dirndl purchased in the Black Forest region around 1980 that is a light navy floral with a white underblouse and a lighter blue floral apron. It is kind of a jumper with a fitted and boned "vest" attached to a dirndl skirt worn over the white puffy-sleeved underblouse. The print as I recall it is almost "calico-esque".

------
Julie
Logistics and Operations
The Wilson Zoo
My machines: Pfaff 6120 & 296 sewing machines, Pfaff 4752 Serger, Janome 1000CP Coverstitch

That's not a stash. I'm just waiting for my inmature clothing to grow up.

Date: 8/30/06 3:24 PM

The German Tracht varies very much.... Dirndls are of a southern German background.... Here up north (near the Danish border) you can see this kind of folkloric clothing

Dirndls vary as much as every day clothing, so go ahead....
I think they vary by region too :)

------
read my blog:
http://www.tininaeht.blogspot.com/

Date: 8/30/06 7:29 PM

Thank you all so much. :)
This is going to be a fun costume to make!!!

Jen

------
The mark of a true seamstress is not in her ability to sew,
but in her tenacity to rip.