Getting started...

[Stuben]

Thanks Isabella. Those are great choices but she doesn't want to wear the layers and has made up her mind on the pattern we are going to make for her (McCalls 2806 A). I'm sure she will come around eventually since she has a love for crafting/sewing/crocheting but it will take a bit until she has confidence in turning patterns into clothing. Me, I have no problem, I just jump in and go for it 

I plan to use the Simplicity pattern for my doublet and plan to put a collar on it since it doesn't have one. I will use the Margo pattern for my shirt and venetian pants. I really want to take another go at making paned slopps but I don't want us to look too mismatched. Here's a pic of the patterns.



Here's my fabric find today. I bought a yard of it for the main body of my doublet. I'm pretty sure its some sort of cotton/poly blend brocade.

[gem]

Before diving in to the Simplicity doublet, have a look at this thread, which has great photos of board members' versions. One forum member has made it NINE times, and they're all fabulous. It's a great pattern, goes together easily, fits nicely, and is very adaptable.

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php/topic,17550.0.html

Good luck!

[Stuben]

Thanks Gem! It looks like it is a decent choice. I'm so ready to make something.  I have the 7 yds of linen starting its second run thru the washer and dryer.

[isabelladangelo]

The Italian style pattern by McCalls isn't all that bad.  The big thing that needs to be done to make it H/A (and fit!) is to draft out the darts in the bodice.   I cut out my jeans size (never what they say you should cut out!) and cut the bodice out.   I ignore the skirt pattern for the most part because all you need to do is pleat your yardage to the bottom of the bodice.   It will give you a nice full skirt and you don't have to cut anything else out!

With the bodice pattern, I fold the dart on the pattern itself and trace around it on to a piece of muslin.  The muslin becomes your new pattern and you can use it again and again. 

Ignore the directions on the pattern.  If she has a chemise, she won't need the sleeves.  Rather, cut out two back pieces and one front piece on the fold of each layer.  The dress should have a "fashion" layer, a duck cloth or canvas layer (something heavy), and the lining fabric.  Sew the shoulders of each layer and then line them up with the fashion layer and the lining layer facing each other.   The canvas layer can be on either side as long as it's not inbetween the fashion and lining layers.

Sew the back seam, the neckline, and the armholes but not the sides.  Pull the back pieces through the now created straps via at the front of the bodice.  Once you have it turned, sew up the sides.  Attach the rest of the yardage for the skirt, and sew up the insides so there isn't a raw seam showing.  Put sewn eyelets in the back or lacing rings and the dress is ready to wear!

[Stuben]

Thanks Isabella, I understand how your describing making the bodice. That's the same as the directions in making the doublet except you pull thru the front halves. Unfortunately my GF is doing her best to be a pain. She showed up with Simplicity 3809 and informed me I WILL make costume A just like the pattern shows except with red fabrics. Since it was Fathers Day I just dropped the subject for now.

On a good note the linen for my shirt is absolutely soft and beautiful after several washings. I'm looking forward to getting started on the shirt just so I can wear it. I see lots of linen in my future.

Stuben

[gem]

On a good note the linen for my shirt is absolutely soft and beautiful after several washings. I'm looking forward to getting started on the shirt just so I can wear it. I see lots of linen in my future.

Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Lured you in, haven't we?    I was... admiring one of my first big shipments of linen when Milord chanced upon me and said, "Are you cuddling that fabric?"

[Stuben]

LOL, when she was helping me fold it up she kept saying how it would be really nice to sleep in, and how it would make a great sleeping gown. We had it stretched across the bed and I was pulling to me folding it up and she kept lying on it and hugging it.