Finishing the Wedding Jacket for Pocahontas

I just realized that I haven't posted about the finish of the blackwork jacket that was made for the wedding of Pocahontas in Jamestown. The stitchers were invited to the Costume Design Center in Colonial Williamsburg for the final fitting, but we couldn't post any photos until after the 'wedding'.

 

Here is Brenda Rosseau, supervisor of Research and Design at Colonial Williamsburg's costume center, is fitting the arms on the body of the jacket, which is being worn by Wendy Taylor, the Pamunkey woman who played the part of Pocahontas.  

 

Isn't it amazing to see it all together?!

Here is just a small group of the women who stitched on the jacket.  Many are local and came often during the week. A few are from further away and came just for weekends or a week's vacation.  All in all, it is quite amazing that so many dedicated stitchers managed to get the jacket ready in time for the wedding. (the baby is Wendy's little girl)

My DH, DD the elder, and I attended the first wedding - there were two more later in the day, and all were packed.

It was a gorgeous morning and afterwards the whole wedding party posed for photos on the stage.  The crowds were dense by my DH managed to get a good photo.

It was truly gratifying to hear so many people exclaim about the jacket as Pocahontas walked down the aisle. I really enjoyed being able to see people's reaction to the jacket.  I have not had that experience with the Plimoth jacket or the Agecroft coif, so I was happy that my DH made sure we made it to the ceremony.

Historic Jamestowne had quite few souvenirs available decorated with some of the original drawings of the jacket motifs by Tom Hammond.  I couldn't help buy everything but the shotglass.  Missing from this photo is the two other colours of tall mug, the key chain, the tote bag, the long sleeved t-shirt, and the microfiber cloth for glass cleaning.

I am very excited to be working on an article for NeedleArts (the EGA national magazine) so I thought I'd share the most interesting articles and videos about the jacket I've found online.
Making a Wedding Jacket for Pocahontas - video title: A Jacket for Lady Rebecca (Feb. 20, 2014)

Pocahontas and John Rolfe on their wedding day, 400 years since the first one by Dan Zak
(Washington Post April 7, 2014 )
Colonial Williamsburg write up from April 5, 2015 
 Celebrate Pocahontas' 400th wedding anniversary. By Diane Tennant The Virginian-Pilot