The stars have aligned

[gypsylakat]

New Boyfriend willing to garb up?
Sewing machine sobbing from lack of use?
Hancock fabrics in my town going out of business?

The stars have aligned for a new project.. and I have no idea what to do- I NEVER pay attention to men's garb!

[gem]

Well, you're in luck! You came back just in time for this thread:

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=13073.0

I'd start simple, though. There's quite a bit of distance between "willing" and "enthusiastic/obsessed." LOL  Shirt, breeches, belt, hat, and lend what you can until you're sure he's hooked (or you are!  ). A nice basic project might be a simple open jerkin, like this or this. Not too difficult to sew, not too much commitment for the garb newbie, but it still gives a great Fair feeling, and gives the seamstress the opportunity to play with fun fabrics.

[Ser Niall]

I'm sewing up some garb for myself using the Fantasy Fashions male patterns.  This is my first time sewing *anything* and I found them pretty straightforward and easy to follow, plus they're inexpensive.  They can be used for the lower classes, and noble garb depending on the fabrics and trim you use.

Doublets: http://www.amazon.com/Medieval-Renaissance-Dashing-Doublets-Pattern/dp/B0029Y6SDS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346096500&sr=8-1&keywords=dashing+doublets

Slops: http://www.amazon.com/Medieval-Renaissance-Paned-Breeches-Pattern/dp/B0029YHZZ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346096509&sr=8-3&keywords=slops+and+breeches

I tried using the Margo Anderson male patterns first, but I found them to be much more confusing.

[gypsylakat]

He's not quite a faire noob- he used to attend a faire in NY (not sure which one, no one called it by name when it was discussed) with friends who were in garb..
He saw my stuff the night before we were going and kind of made a plaintive "but what will *I* wear?" so I said I'd work on it.. He has friends who go to the NY faire in chain and garb so he does know what he's getting into at least

[gypsylakat]

He did turn me down on fuzzy pettable tights though

[Ser Niall]

He did turn me down on fuzzy pettable tights though

Doesn't he realize that wearing fuzzy pettable tights will result in frequent petting from his lady?

[Margaret]

That man has no heart!!! 

How 'bout a kilt?   

[gypsylakat]

"Kilts seem like they would lead to chaffing"
"No they'd be a 'healthy breeze 'round [your] privates!" (Harry Potter Reference anyone?)

[Dinobabe]

My hubby wears a kilt... with boxers underneath.

[gypsylakat]

I told him he didn't have to go regimental...

Still disappointed about the tights, would have looked rentastic on his bum

[gypsylakat]

My mission: Simplicity 4059.
Fabric Purchased: sewing space located and booked..
This looks like another one of my marathon sewing sessions though..

Has anyone used 4059 with any advice? I blogsearched for some reviews but didn't come up with anything super awesome.. I think I want to draft out the back center seam though... I'm using a fabric with a diamond pattern and don't relish the thought of trying to make them match up..

[gem]

Kat, search the Sewing forum for "4059." I'm making it right now and have started several threads. Probably the most useful is the one entitled "Fit of Simplicity 4059," which might as well be renamed "Gallery of Simplicity 4059!" LOL And, in fact, my progress pic just a couple posts up from yours is of my in-progress 4059 (blue with suede guards).

The center back seam is useful-to-important for fitting; it allows you to adjust the fit at the neckline, particularly, which can be prone to gapping (particularly if your gentleman has "modern" posture). Just an FYI!

And I'm with you--I spent *ages* hunting down a dark blue cotton twill for my FIL's, got it online, and did not order extra. Happily, the only thing I had to recut were two small tabs because I forgot about seam allowances (AGAIN. I should really have the words "seam" and "allowance" tattooed on my hands! LOL).

Ok, back to it! I'm hoping to get everything done today but actually sewing the two sections together (I'm making mine reversible instead of lining it), because I'm still not totally understanding how it wants me to turn it. 

[gypsylakat]

Yeah.. that search occurred to me just before I read your response. >.<  "oh wait there's that search bar..." And somehow my office made me the tech guru??
yes Gallery of 4059 was banging for some tips- and also for helping me show the boyfriend different things I can do with it.. How goes altering the skirting on your FIL's? That's something he also requested...

Looks like I'll be keeping that back seam then.. he's super broad shouldered and thick necked.. he has fairly good posture but I suspect those things will be interesting to fit.. I haven't actually taken a measuring tape to him yet since my sister broke my retractable one ("I didn't know it didn't go any further")