How To Make A Toga - Part 4 - The Trim

OK so you now have your toga all sewn up (geddit!!!). But if you have gone for a plain material you may be thinking that it looks well, erm, rather plain. So how about adding a trim?The trim can be in any color you like, perhaps you may opt for something that matches the color your toga material, or something that is in keeping with Roman tradition (see the post Adding Colored Trims). You will need to join and hem the strip so that it forms one long continuous strip first before anything else.

So now comes the question of where to place it? Well it can go along the straight edge or the curved edge. Historically, and according to Terry (yawn!) the trim went definitely went along the straight edge but it is uncertain whether it was ever placed around the curve - but believe me if you do decide to position the trim along the curved edge it really looks great!

So here's what to do.

1) Lay your toga flat and start pinning the trim along the length of the toga, starting from one corner. You must keep measuring the position of the trim, using a tape measure, so that the trim is the same distance from the edge of the toga all the way along. If you decide to add the trim to the curved edge, and hey I am not saying this is easy, then you may need to create small tucks on the inner edge of the trim as you go along.

2) Once you have pinned the trim then you will either need to sew it on, using a basic hemming stitch or using a sewing machine. Try and use an appropriate colored cotton so that the stitches do not look too obvious. Or cheat like I do and use hemming tape!

So there it is...how to make a toga trim!

Has Terry Swallowed A History Book?

The guy has gone quite mad!

But I promised him I would relay the information here - so sorry if it's becoming boring - its not meant too...I am trying to stimulate the creative juices - both yours and mine!

So here it is....

Did you know that the colors of toga’s worn in ancient times discriminated between classes and professions?

There was only one sombre color allowed for peasants.
Officers were permitted to have 2 colors.
Clan commanders generally wore 3 colors.
The Imperial household could wear up to 7 colors.
Plain white was the color of choice of soothsayers.
Black was worn by theologians.
Philosphers kept to blue.
Green was the color of choice of medical practitioners.

Have a think what is most appropriate to you, and the theme of your toga party, when deciding on your fabric color and how to make your toga.

Alternatively do what I will probably end up doing - dispense with tradition and make your toga one that everyone will remember!

Ooops sorry Terry...

How To Make A Toga - Adding Colored Trims

According to Terry, many of the traditional togas had trims.

Take the toga praetexta for example , this was a white toga with a purple trim. The trim he tells me was about 3 inches wide.

I like adding trims to my toga's and we will discuss how to do this in more detail in a later post.

You don't have to stick with tradition though -you can select whatever color you like - I always like golds, silvers or reds - anything really that makes my toga look sumptuous.

If you want to add a trim my advice is to either buy ready made trims from a craft store or buy a piece of cotton fabric and sew (eww the dreaded 's' word) or iron on. I have used ribbons in the past, and found them expensive, so I would avoid these at all costs. Some of the ready-made trims can be pricey too, but they more than make-up for it in glamor!

Terry's History Lesson 2 - Toga Variations

Did You Know That Toga’s Came in Different Varieties?

Terry is off on a history lecture again - and I am sitting here helpless -all I can do is listen -I knew I should never have shown any interest in the subject. He is always so enthusiastic about everything. He is annoyingly perfect.

I have to admit that the information is quite interesting, especially for anyone about to embark on learning how to make a toga, as it gives examples of the many varieties of toga designs there were during the Roman Empire, and how each one was used. This can be a great source of inspiration if you are stuck for toga ideas. So here goes:

Toga pulla.Translated to mean dark toga this was often used by those in mourning, during a protest, or to signify times of angst or danger and was made from black wool.

Toga picta/toga palmata.This is the ‘posh’ variety of toga. Purple with gold embroidery and highly embellished, it was worn by generals during victory celebrations or parades. It was also worn by consuls, magistrates during gladiatorial games, and the emperor on special occasions.

Toga virilis/toga pura.Sported by most Roman men from the age of fourteen (coming of age) onwards this all white toga was used for special occasions. It was the same off-white color as the toga praetexta, but had no distinguishing marks like the toga praetexta's purple stripe.

Toga Sordida.When a toga virilis got dirty, it was considered a toga sordida, and was generally only worn by poor people who could not afford to maintain their toga. The title of the group of people who wore togae sordidae is sordidati.

Toga trabea.These came as 3 distinct types, all purple for the gods, purple and white for kings, scarlet stripes with purple hem for augurs.

Toga praetexta.This was a white toga having a wide purple stripe to its border. It was usually worn by adolescent boys, priests, kings and magistrates.

Toga candida.This all-white toga, bleached by chalk, was worn for public office.

Toga Fabric Ideas

What does everyone think of Drew Barrymore’s latest fashion statement?

She received a lot of criticism for said outfit and yeah I have to agree, the gloves and clear bracelets are somewhat bizarre accessories.

But this gives me an idea. I have never thought of using satin as fabric material for my toga's before - always opting for a cotton mix. But I love the material of this toga style dress – the shiny, satin, dark blue is elegant and would look great at any upmarket toga party.

So anyone looking how to make a toga get satin fabric shopping now….

The Mighty Aphrodite

More on history - I am just lovin' this....

Has anyone been to see the statue of Aphrodite in California's Getty Museum?

At 2,400 year old, and over 7 foot tall, she epitomizes the voluptuousness of womanhood, despite having a chipped nose and being bald - well we all have our off-days!

This plus-sized goddess of love and queen of the heavens, makes it reassuring to think that the larger size was worshiped at one time in our history. In fact it was because of her size, and the strength it gave her, that made her a goddess.

But looking at her it has suddenly struck me! This lady is one clever cookie. The loose, billowing toga she is adorned in would never create a muffin top, or saddle bag thighs, and there would be no need to ask does my bum look big in this.

So anyone looking how to make a toga who is worried about being overweight, fear not, just look at the Mighty Aphrodite for inspiration.

Toga's and Sequins

What about these Grecian-styled mini dresses as inspiration on how to make a toga for your next toga party? It certainly has given me some ideas.

Worn by socialite Kim Kardashian and Shanna Moakler, these white dresses have a sequined over shoulder strap.

Here’s the tip, and it is something I did not realize…. but you can buy these sequined strips real easily, they are available from most craft stores. Some you can sew on, but if you hate sewing like me (and hey I would rather stick pins in my eyes), then some come as an iron-on alternative.

Whatever, I am sure you will agree, these would give any toga a totally glamorous finish.