pendragon doublets

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I have a Pendragon tooled suede bodice, and while I don't know if it's historically accurate,  I do know that I get tons of compliments when I wear it!  I love it, and I don't find it hotter than any of my other bodices.

[Ser Niall]

I learned to sew right here, on these boards. Seriously. Folks who've been around since the beginning, like Kate and Dona C, can probably remember all the things they walked me through!  I'd done some sewing--learned in junior high home ec, did a few basic costuming projects over the years--so while I knew the *basics* (how to use the machine, how to work with patterns) and wasn't starting completely from scratch, everything I know about *garb* came from hanging out here and learning from the pros.

How "hard" it is to learn really depends on you. If you're adventuresome and good at diving in and teaching yourself as you go, I think it's a lot easier. It also helps if you have a natural sense of spatial relations, because it takes some imagination to go from flat pattern pieces and strange, unexplained sewing steps to a finished garment. I tell people that the only reason I can sew, draft patterns, etc, is because I've been doing it long enough now that experience takes over where I lack a natural knack for it!

One important thing to remember is that you absolutely don't need a sewing machine. It will make the job a lot *faster,* but people have been making clothing by hand for millennia, and never let lack of a machine stop them! There's a great sense of satisfaction to be had in learning to do fine handwork, and it will come in handy when you want to hem something, tack down a facing, or make a hat.

People often recommend you start with something really simple, like a skirt or a chemise (in your case, a basic pair of breeches would probably be more useful! LOL)... but I like to recommend you start with something you actually WANT. You'll be more motivated to keep working on it that way. I have a friend whose very first sewing project EVER was her noble garb to be on cast at Scarborough! You can start somewhere in between.

If you head on over to the sewing forum, you can find gads of threads beginners have posted about their first projects.

Well, I decided to jump in head first.  I'm picking up a basic used sewing machine on craigslist on Saturday, and will start learning shortly after I get everything setup.  I know I don't really need a sewing machine, but my time is limited due to work and family activities, so anything that can speed things up is a huge bonus.

 I think I'll be more satisfied wearing something I created, even if it doesn't look as professional as some of the other options.  I most likely won't get anything done in time to wear at the faires later this summer, but definitely next year.  I have some Fantasy Fashion patterns that I will start from; I'm going to begin with some basic breeches since I already have a shirt, hat, etc.  Be ready on the sewing section of the forum, I'll probably have lots of questions!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I have the Dashing Doublet Pattern from Fantasy Fashions. It's a great pattern that can be adjusted from Small to XL. I have adapted this pattern to fit up to3X. It's the pattern I use a lot to redraft to get a variety of Doublet looks.

Here are  a few samples...


Overjerkin and Under Doublet. I redrafted the Doublet pattern for the Overjerkin to get a whole different look.


The Slashed look.



Early 17th Century Doublet.

Have fun with the pattern.

[Ser Niall]

Those are amazing Lady Kathleen.  If mine turn out half as good as those I'll be thoroughly impressed with myself!

[Kate XXXXXX]

How difficult is it to learn?  I've actually been wanting to start making my own stuff for a while, but haven't due to a number of reasons - taking the time to learn, finding someone to teach me, the stigma of a guy learning how to sew (yeah yeah, I'm over it  )

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My mother has a nice Singer sewing machine, I'm going to try to convince her to let me borrow it since she doesn't really sew anymore.  She probably won't have time to sit down and teach me, is it possible to just learn out of a book and practice on some easier projects?

I love the all fabric Marlowe doublet on the Pendragon site, but I would try to sew that before I'd pay $315.00 for it.

I hear ya.  That one is my favorite out of all their selections.

Look, if my son, then aged 12, could tackle jeans as a first garment project (see here! http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Sewing_Projects/Boy%20stuuf/Jeans/jeans_for_james.htm], you can make a doublet!  Just get a tried and tested pattern, get your mum to take some measurements, and test it on a bit of old boring stuff before cutting into nice fabrics. 

Words of Wisdom: 

Ignore the 'size' on a pattern: buy it according to your measurements.  Pattern and RTW sizes can be very different...   
Measure twice.  Then check!  And only cut when you are sure!  And check that you have a made up a right and left sleeve, and that you are inserting them into the correct armhole...
If the sewing machine makes funny noises, STOP!   
Practice steering the machine.  You wouldn't attempt to drive from Lands End to John O'Groats the first time you sat in the driving seat of the car, so don't try anything too complex the first time you drive a sewing machine.  It's a good idea to work through the threading and stitch instructions on the machine, and make some practice seams so they are nice and straight.  And as with the car, start slowly.  Speed come with practice.
Get a good basic sewing manual.  I like the Dorling Kindersly one as it has nice clear photos and I'm a visual learner.
ASK.  Ask anything you like!  The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask...

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Those are amazing Lady Kathleen.  If mine turn out half as good as those I'll be thoroughly impressed with myself!

Thank you, Ser Niall.

When looking at the Pendgragon Doublets on thier site, I see that the makers take a basic Doublet Pattern and redesign it to get the different looks as I have done.

Keep in mind some tips when using the Fantasy Fashion  Doublet pattern. Be sure to get the measurement  from the bottom of the neck to the Natural Waist. Adjust the Back pattern piece to reflect that measurement. There will be a space between the two pieces that make up the correct length. Whatever that space is be it 2", i.e., the Front pieces will have the same space between the pieces as well. I also measure the side seam length to make sure they are the sam too. That is how I figured out the parttern when I first used it 10 years ago. The Instructions are easy enough to follow and well laid out.

Good luck to you. The techniques you will learn are priceless.

[Rennigirl]

Truly Ser, even to creat the most elaborate of garments, all you need to do is follow the pattern.  Once you have the confidence in your sewing ability and have developed more of an "eye" of how things were decoracted or embellished, you can then dare to think things like:  "Hm, I like the body of this doublet, but I don't really like the sleeves.  I think I will use the sleeves from this pattern instead."  Or, the more daring:  "I kind of like this pattern, but I think I am just going to tweek it a bit."   

I did not start sewing until th faire bug bit me.  Prior to that, the last thing I had sewn was a wrap skirt in 8th grade.  So (or is that sew?) if I can do it, anyone can.