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Review of Early Medieval Patterns

Started by Aiacha, October 07, 2009, 08:28:32 AM

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Aiacha

All:

I'm diving into a period I know little about, the early medieval, due to a new faire, Sherwood, bring timed in 1180.  I'm not usually H/A, but I figured my bodices and pirate coat were a little too late.

A friend pointed out someone on ebay who makes outfits very similar to what I was planning, so I have a visual of what I want to make.  My difficulity is that I've never used patterns for this and I was hoping some of you did.

http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/woofmeropefo.html
Women of Medieval Romanesque Period for Years 1060 to 1150

This pattern is exactly what I want, however I have never used (or actually seen) a pattern from this maker and I was hoping that someone had experience with it before I drop $30 on it!

http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/pepatuno16c6.html
Period Patterns #16

I've never actually used a Period Pattern before, though I have one or two.  This one is another option.  Not as expensive at $19, but still pricey.

Simplicity 4213 or 4795
(sorry, no link.  Simplicity website hates me lately.  They are their Nativity Patterns)

At $1.99 on sale, this would be the budget option.  I stuck with Simplicity since I have the most luck with their patterns, but the other two have their own version.  I just don't know if these patters are any good, or really just made to be single night play costumes.

As an added option, the maker of the first pattern has a Men's version as well:

http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/menofmeropeb.html
Men of Medieval Romanesque Period

and an "accessories" pattern:

http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/menofmeropeb.html
Medieval Accessories Pattern by La Fleur de Lyse

If you have any experience with these patters, I would love to hear your input!  Thanks so much!!

gem

Could you post a link to the ebay garb you like, so we can get an exact sense of what you're looking for?

I have no experience with the particular patterns you've mentioned (except that I've heard Period Patterns are fussy, have poor instructions, and the pattern pieces often don't fit together properly), but I can say that the one time I've used a very expensive pattern (JP Ryan, for an 18th C woman's jacket), it went together *so beautifully,* that it was one of my easiest and most enjoyable projects *ever.*  So there's that to consider.  It might be worth a $30 investment.

As for the Simplicity patterns... well, whether a garment "holds up" as clothing has more to do with your construction of it than with the pattern you use, but I understand what you're saying.  That said, I *always* prefer to use a pattern cut for a woman (not a unisex one) if possible, because I think you just get a better fit.  If you're taller and not so curvy, though, it may be OK.

For other options, what about McCall 4490?  It would definitely be another budget option, but it looks like it would have a slightly more streamlined fit.  (Cilean could give you all the information you'd want on the history of princess seams, if you're worried about snarks. ;))  I saw a few others, but they all tend to have the more fitted bodice, which may not be what you're looking for.


Aiacha

#2
ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MEDIEVAL-LADY-TUNIC-OVERCOAT-DRESS-GARB-SCA-REN-FAIRY_W0QQitemZ350234942853QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518ba11d85&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

I'm really not looking for streamlined for this one.  I have a chemise pattern that I made with my sideless surcote but that's not the look I'm going for, really.  

edit:  the undertunic has a little shaping to it, but nothing that I couldn't draft into the pattern if I feel it's too unisex.

lady serena

What about this McCall's pattern    http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5683.htm?tab=list/costumes&page=all  , you could split the side seams and that would be your tunic and the under dress is similar just extend the sleeves. If I'm on the right track of what you are looking for, if I misunderstood I apologize now.
Guppy # 81
Fins up

Aiacha

Hmmm...I may take a look at that one...

GirlChris

Why bother with a pattern? For my 12th century outfit I just used the smock generator from the Elizabethan costuming website. (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/smockpat/) Shorten the body length for the overtunic, make a circular rather than a square neckline...



Tada! I was having a horrible hair day, but you can get the idea of the tunic. Somehow I didn't end up with any finished pictures with my overtunic. I've got an in progress photo here though. The hem's not done on either tunic. Ew.

Aiacha

I'm usually pretty wary about creating the pattern myself, but I'll compare it to the other possibilities and see if I'm comfortable doing it, thanks.

Cilean



Pattern Reviews

Virtue's Pattern Review
http://www.virtue.to/articles/modern_patterns.html

GBACG's Great Pattern Review
http://www.gbacg.org/great-pattern-review/index.html


Might I give you some other patterns that might fit your needs?

Reconstructing History
https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/medieval.php?c=22&d=29&w=24&r=Y


Also check out how to make a GFD or "Gothic Fitted Dress" , this is a free how to guide and let me tell you? Get friends together, and you all can do each other and fun time had by all.  Okay but I do want to mention this has 4 hour duration but you will get an awesome pattern or toile.

http://www.cottesimple.com

Another Site for Cotehardie Patterns
http://www.theweebsite.com/cotelande/patterns.html


Cotehardies via Greenland Finds
http://www.damehelen.com/cotes/patterns.html

Really good article on how to make a Cotehardie
http://www.maybe.org/~rodmur/sca/Cotehardie.html


So I hope you can find some help through all of this, might I also suggest you find the sewing circle from the SCA close by you? Because 12th Century is part of our parvenu, and I am sure you can find someone who can give you real practical help in making up the garb!

I hope this Helps
Cilean


Lady Cilean Stirling
"Looking Good is not an Option, It is a Necessity"
My Motto? Never Pay Retail

Aiacha

Quote from: Cilean on October 09, 2009, 02:35:52 PM
GBACG's Great Pattern Review
http://www.gbacg.org/great-pattern-review/index.html

Perfect!  Just what I needed.

QuoteMight I give you some other patterns that might fit your needs?

Reconstructing History
https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/medieval.php?c=22&d=29&w=24&r=Y

I had looked through the Reconstructing History ones and nothing seemed quite "right" to me at the time.

QuoteAlso check out how to make a GFD or "Gothic Fitted Dress" , this is a free how to guide and let me tell you? Get friends together, and you all can do each other and fun time had by all.  Okay but I do want to mention this has 4 hour duration but you will get an awesome pattern or toile.

Actually, I am looking forward to wearing something loose this time.  I once sat in a cote-making class and it just didn't appeal to me.

QuoteSo I hope you can find some help through all of this, might I also suggest you find the sewing circle from the SCA close by you? Because 12th Century is part of our parvenu, and I am sure you can find someone who can give you real practical help in making up the garb!

Actually, partially why I'm so interested in making this is so I have something a little more period to wear to Pennsic.  I usually wear my ren garb and while no one has ever said anything to me, I feel a little out of place....and I've seen so many chitons that I may scream if I see one more  :)