Tudor Tailor patterns?

[gem]

Has anyone used the packaged patterns sold by Tudor Tailor? Are the instructions any more detailed than in the books? How does their sizing compare to other commercial patterns?

Their size chart (I could not find an actual measurement chart on their site, and, of course, likely straddle the gap.  ):

Smaller Sizes
8, 10, 12, 14, 16 (UK) / 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (US)
Larger Sizes
18, 20, 22, 24, 26 (UK) / 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 (US)

Any other TT pattern experience welcome, as well!

Gramercy!

[isabelladangelo]

I haven't.  I looked at the website and most of the patterns seem very similar to ones I know I already on the market for a lot less.  Is there a reason you are looking at these versus period patterns?

[Irma]

I used one packaged pattern for the gown currently in progress.  I also have the book.  I was studying back and forth between the two sets of instructions.  My impression is that the instructions assume the user has more experience than I with period sewing.  I needed a little help with adding fullness to a sleeve.  I used a sturdy fabric to prepare a mock-up, then pinched, slashed, etc., for an appropriate fit.  Then I took apart the mock-up and used that to cut my final fabric.  I found having the paper pattern more convenient than enlarging the patterns as included in the book.

[gem]

Thanks, Irma. That was my thought, as well. Another forum member and I are having a sewalong, and she has the paper pattern, and I have the book.

How did you decide what size you were? Is there a measurement guide in the pattern envelope?

I'd love to see your final product!

[mollymishap]

I've used their corset paper pattern set and I have their book.   I made a Henrician gown drafted from the book and I've made the effigy corset using the paper pattern.  I expected to make a bunch of mock-ups when using the book as a rough guide (and I did), but I'd hoped that having a paper pattern would eliminate at least some of that.

But it wasn't to be...

For me, personally, I found that I had to make so many changes to the paper pattern that I might as well have drafted the whole thing from the start.  The UK sizes run way different than US.  It's been a few years, but IIRC, the most helpful thing about having the paper pattern was not having to figure out the basic shape of the pattern pieces, especially the shoulder straps.  That being said, I don't like where they ended up sitting on my bod anyway, so that corset is permanently consigned to my mannequin.  I like wearing the Dorothea corset alot better. 

I don't know if I've helped you out at all, Gem, but I thought I'd contribute.  I am well aware that I have a hard body type to fit, and with a corset, well, you know, it has to fit like a glove or it's just not going to work.  Maybe their other patterns will be more forgiving.  HTH

[Irma]

GEM:  I bought my pattern from TT's etsy store.  I guessed at needing the package including the larger sizes (anything small for me is not realistic).  Then I compared the measurements of the outlines on the paper to what I needed.  Thankfully, I didn't have to make major adjustments.  I hope to have more photos available of my gown in progress soon.  I've had a little set back, with a death in the family, but am gritting my teeth to have it all done to wear the first weekend of February.