Poster:	wilderneswriter
Date:	2011-12-25 17:12
Subject:	Plus-size patterns questions
Security:	Public

Hi. A bit of a newbie question here. I would dearly like to stitch up a renaissance costume for my girlfriend- a shirt, pants, and vest- but the patterns I've found in the store only go to XL, and she is a good deal bigger than the measurements specified for XL. A sewing friend suggested I simply add a couple inches to all sides of the pattern, and this idea would probably work on the big, puffy shirt, but what about the more closely-fitted vest? I'd be willing to draft a pattern, if I could find a step-by-step guide, but I haven't been able to find anything really helpful. Any ideas? Thank you.

Poster:	momtoast
Date:	2011-10-19 13:07
Subject:	Leonor of Portugal Gown (fabric hunt)
Security:	Public
Mood:	happy

Poster:	unawicca
Date:	2011-09-11 11:22
Subject:	time traveling dress?
Security:	Public
Mood:	lethargic

Respected friends:
I am hoping the Collected Wisdom (TM, Patent Pending) of the group can get me off the horns of a peculiarly odd dilemna.
I scored over 4 yards of magnificent tropic-weight (read a headline through it) worsted wool.
I only have enough for one dress.
I need two: something a Frenchwoman living in England in the 1500s could _documentably_ have and wear, and something that looks convincingly (once accessorized) like any era's Quaker Plain Dress.
Maybe it's just being up all night -for the last three nights- but I'm drawing a blank here.

Oh, yes- it's flourescent lime green.
Me whining ---> Do I _have_ to dye it?
Me stopping whining  -->Well, what would be the best achievable color to cover both uses?

Poster:	demoncaller
Date:	2011-09-09 00:09
Subject:	Accuracy of Women's Garb in "Kingdom of Heaven"
Security:	Public

How accurate was the female garb from Kingdom of Heaven? I am wondering because my persona I am working on is from that time/area (1180's Antioch). My persona is obviously not royalty, so the more blingy stuff is out of the question, but just as a general guide, how good or bad is it?

Poster:	demoncaller
Date:	2011-09-05 20:11
Subject:	12th Century Antiochene Garb
Security:	Public

I am trying to find information or patterns for women's garb from 12th century Antioch. Having a bit of trouble here. Any suggestions?

Poster:	live_momma
Date:	2011-08-29 18:45
Subject:	DIY Sewing Mannequin
Security:	Public
Mood:	geeky

One of my favorite bloggers has made an alternative to the duct tape double, and she's writing a tutorial. I thought I'd share the link here.

http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/08/fleur-deconstructed-part-1-plus.html

ETA: Here are parts 2 & 3.

http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/08/fleur-deconstructed-part-2.html
http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/09/fleur-deconstructed-part-3.html

Poster:	paantha
Date:	2011-08-27 16:49
Subject:	Tablet weaving for lady's Viking costume
Security:	Public

Hello, everyone!

I was hoping someone might be able to help me. I am thinking of making some tablet weaving to give to a friend who likes being a Viking. :P I'm thinking of enough to decorate the cuffs and neck of at least one (adult-sized) dress. However, I have no idea of how much that would be. Anyone got an idea?

Poster:	evaelisabeth
Date:	2011-08-15 13:07
Subject:	Norman Dress (sort of) (cross posted)
Security:	Public

My Mother and I have been working on this outfit for three weekends. The embroidery has been in process for significantly longer but I'm going to an event this weekend so I needed everything done. It's meant to be second half of the 11th Century, early 12th. It's not documented as I had a very specific idea of what I wanted and I was ok with not having full documentation. Specifically I wanted to have a significant amount of the underdress showing so the length of the overdress is mid calf. The sleeves are tight(ish) and about 3/4 length. We cut them to be wider which would be more period I believe but like this much better. It's meant to be a really practical outfit that can go outside without dragging on the ground or being too hot and enveloping while still looking good and being presentable for court. The idea was probably born out of similar garb I have seen in the SCA, if anyone has documentation for this particular style or aspects of it such as the length of the over-dress I would love to see it. The entire outfit was sewn by hand in running stitch with the hems done in a whip stitch.



Here's a link to the dress diary with commentary.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evaliz/sets/72157627346230676/with/6038545868/

Poster:	tudorpot
Date:	2011-08-12 19:53
Subject:	Dilemma only a fabric hoarder could understand
Security:	Public
Mood:	confused

 At a yard sale found just over 3 metres of chocolate brown worsted wool- $6!!!!  OH, what to make? On one hand, it only cost $6, so a simple tunic, but where else will I find such lovely fabric and maybe I should wait til I can make a kirtle or cothardie with it?

Poster:	northernmom
Date:	2011-08-09 12:27
Subject:	Life Beyond The T Tunic
Security:	Public
Mood:	hopeful

( Details...Where do I go from here? )

1. What is the next step that you would recommend for someone who already has enough garb to last a week long event (plus) and is looking for that next level?
2. What item(s) would you say is/are the most important to creating a successful wardrobe? (Is there some detail that you feel completed your wardrobe that you wouldn't have orginially thought about?)
3. Any additional comments/advice welcome =)

Poster:	isolda_fairamay
Date:	2011-07-21 08:42
Subject:	Short Sleeved 14th Century Cotehardies
Security:	Public

I am attempting to find some good images of a 14th Century cotehardie that has short sleeves.  I am told it existed but am not having any luck finding something documentable online...guess I'm not very good at googling!  I find a lot of gowns with lappets (which I don't want) OR I find images of short sleeves or sleeveless cotes but they are 15th Century, not 14th Century.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Poster:	lirianna
Date:	2011-07-17 09:57
Subject:	Marshal's Tabard
Security:	Public

Hello, the list!

I am attempting to make a marshal's tabard for my husband and am looking for pictures of them in action. I get the construction of the tabard but am specifically looking for pictures that show how wide they are.

Any help would be appreciated! :)

Poster:	wldrose
Date:	2011-07-03 01:23
Subject:
Security:	Public

Sigh twenty years of garb making and I still have an uncomfortable time wrestling with making a key hole neckline any tips? (i can do the inside but the outside allways come out looking lumpy)

Poster:	momtoast
Date:	2011-07-01 18:40
Subject:	Leonor de Portugal Gown Project (inspiration)
Security:	Public
Mood:	thoughtful

My last attempt at reproducing a whole look from a portrait was disappointing. I rushed myself and compromised and picked far too ambitious of a project. The end result was good, I still wear it and proudly, but it was not what I had envisioned.

So I thought I would pick something a little more attainable, something that I would give myself permission to take time over, and really make it what I would like to make it. And actually document it this time. Hah!

So in looking though my favorite resource (Anderson's Hispanic Costume 1480-1530) I decided on the portrait below. Its a style of clothing I know I like and look good in, does not look like it would involve learning a new technique, uses fabrics I think I could find reasonable look alikes for on eBay or at JoMar, and I just all around think it's cool. So without further ado, here is the inspiration:

Poster:	vikingsparrow
Date:	2011-06-28 20:59
Subject:	Jamestown Textile / Rosary Notes from June 25, 2011
Security:	Public

Some stuff that the textile lovers might want to know about the Jamesdown Settlement textiles. First and foremost, Jamestown has textiles. I'd heard that they had a coif there so I went searching last Saturday.

I was met by 3 employees at the entrace all very happy and willing to help. Unfortunately, as soon as I asked about the location of the 16th century embroidered lady's coif, the eyes on all three employees glazed over. None of them knew what I was talking about. After a few moments of fruitless interaction, I just smiled and and said I'd find it myself.

To save everyone out there some time, the textiles in the Jamestown museum are found at the very end of the exhibit. Go all the way down to the end of the hall where it says, "1699." Turn left into the gallery. On the left you will see a bed with curtains. Straight ahead and a little to the right is the wood and mud house labeled Hanna Bennett Turner Tompkins Arnold 1630-1693. Walk toward the house and turn right. The clothing and textiles are found in one case. Here's what's there in SCA very late period:

1. dark blue or black wool doublet, Dutch 1600-1625. Item#JS92-165.
2. sweet bag labeled 1588, though I believe that it's much later, at least by 20 years.
3. two samplers, both English 17th c, one is linen, one is silk and linen.
4. Polychrome linen coif and forehead cloth 1610-1620.
5. Linen coif with blackwork and gold vines. It looks like a printed pattern. The detail is very fine. If the full pattern was ever embroidered, the blackwork has rotted away. It is labeled "Linen panel, probably for a child." Again, they don't know what they have. The coif is large for a coif, definitely not for a child.
6. Doeskin gloves.

For you rosary folks, there is a Spanish rosary made from jet skulls. 16th c. It's pretty cool. It's not with the textiles. It's in a smaller gallery in a room with a large projection screen.

Poster:	unawicca
Date:	2011-06-12 18:59
Subject:	Loose wrist or tight?
Security:	Public
Mood:	artistic

http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/all/portrait_of_a_young_woman_style_of_hans_holbein_the_younger_english_about_1540_50/objectview.aspx?page=1&sort=6&sortdir=asc&keyword=holbein&fp=1&dd1=0&dd2=0&vw=1&collID=0&OID=110001110&vT=1&hi=0&ov=0

sorry- the link provided from the site to automatically post to Livejournal doesn't work. I hope this does.

Poster:	vikingsparrow
Date:	2011-05-27 07:40
Subject:	tip for transferring embroidery patterns onto dark fabric
Security:	Public

I know I should join an embroiderer's list, but I thought I'd ask here first. Does anyone have any tips for transferring embroidery patterns onto dark fabric? The light box just isn't working.

Thanks!

Poster:	sabinade
Date:	2011-04-28 14:22
Subject:	where can I find a good pomander ball?
Security:	Public

I have been searching high and low on the internet looking for a nice pomander to hang from my belt with my garb. I am making new garb for 14th century England and would love to have one.
My problem is that I can not find a reasonably priced one anywhere! Does anyone have a resource or know a jewelry vendor that may be able to find these? I am in the central region of the East Kingdom and attend a fair amount of events, but even the merchants don't seem to carry them. Help!
Thanks,
Sabyn

Poster:	littlebus
Date:	2011-04-25 15:32
Subject:	Babies in Kit
Security:	Public

I want to get back into re-enacting - I know how to do kit for me, but how do you make kit for an ever-growing baby?

My son is 10 months and crawling now, but not for long.

I do Viking. I'm picturing making him a tunic and maybe a pair of pants out of linen.

* Is it worthwhile to do the hems extra long so I can let them out as he grows this summer?
* How many sets of clothing should I plan on making (assuming a one-day event)? Two linen? One linen, one wool?
* Is a key-hole neck line best for giant baby heads, or is something like a boat-scoop neck line better?

Poster:	tudorpot
Date:	2011-04-17 17:36
Subject:	Cutting gores- fabric with nap
Security:	Public

I am making a kirtle according to this pattern. My fabric, has a slight nap, it is 4 yards 60 inch wool, a find at a thrift shop, so no extra available. Would it work if I cut the gores on the bias across the fabric- the first gore would be as per the diagram on this page, the second gore would be next to it - oriented the same way up and down, and so on across the fabric. The angle of the gore changes as you march across the fabric to be more horizontal than vertical.
I could make two gores next to each other on either side of the fabric - or perhaps I could just cut two larger gores- instead of the four. Suggestions please.