Dress Pattern

[gem]

Nissa, I think you'll be happy with Simplicity 7756. It's a good match for your wish list and skill level, and as Kate pointed out, can be made up in a variety of fabrics for different looks.

If you *are* interested in making it look more historically accurate, without sacrificing your comfort, it can be done really easily, even by someone with no pattern drafting/alteration skills.

First, look here to see what a true period kirtle looks like (this one was made by Kate!) You'll see that the bodice has no darts for shaping the bust, and that the neckline is much squarer. Those are *super-easy* fixes you can make, right on the pattern. Just trace the bodice pattern pieces onto a large sheet of paper, and draw in the new shape of the neckline. This link will show you how to draft out the darts.

Good luck!

[Nissa]

That green kirtle is lovely.  I'm not overly concerned with historical accuracy, but I bookmarked Dawn's costume guide; I think I could handle making those changes. 
Thanks for the info!

[Lady L]

Well said, KateXXXXXX. Thank you.
That's one thing I love about sewing, there is no one right way!

(I also have the Margo pattern set.)

[gem]

Lady L, I once saw a sampler that read,

"Rules for stitching:
1. The thread goes through the needle.
2. The needle goes through the fabric.
Everything else is optional."   

[Lady L]

 
Love it, gem!

[Cilean]

If you look at Drea Leed's site, that gown looks like a basic kirtle



Which can be found here:
www.elizabethancostume.net/makekirtle.htm

Very Simple to put together as well!

Cilean



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[Nissa]

Thanks, Cilean.  I went ahead and ordered that Simplicity pattern from Amazon, but the info on sewing eyelets and how to do the lacing is helpful.