View A is attrocious, it should button closed in the front.
But view B is actually pretty good.
And it would be perfect for Sherwood Forest Faire.
(http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2573/2573.jpg)
(http://henriettashandbags.com/images/medievalbagsforsale2.jpg)
(http://www.historyinbrass.co.uk/images/rubbings_cropped/arch.jpg)
(http://www.cottesimple.com/love_layers/EleynoreCorp.jpg)
Big picture here (http://www.silkewerk.com/images/luttrell1.jpg)
sideless surcote with fur (http://www.boryssnorc.com/oldsite/images/miniature-lady-eloquence.jpg)
Dona, that was my take as well, in the thread when this pattern first came out: View A = atrocious. But a keener-eyed forum member pointed out that it's Simplicity's version of Mia Sara's gown from "Legend," and posted comparison pix--it was a decent likeness (although why it took them 20+ years to come up with it is anybody's guess). And *then* I saw the ensemble that Genievea made from the pattern, and she looked terrific!
(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/23241773/387656752.jpg)
I thought of Legend as well, when I saw this pattern. I'm going to make the second view for my mom, and she wants me to make A for myself, and us wear them together. LOL, I probably will, if it means she will wear garb!
I HATE that movie :P
But the pattern is useful; I used the sleeves for my Kahlan dress.
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2hs0x8j.jpg)
Now you all know I will be putting information for more H/A than the Big 3 come through with.
Check out this book it is awesome:
Medieval Tailor's Assistant: Making Common Garments 1200-1500
Here is a FREE version of the undergown from La Cotte Simple, taken from Robin Netherton's example of the Fitted Gothic Gown:
http://www.cottesimple.com/fem_silhouette/straight/straight_1.html (http://www.cottesimple.com/fem_silhouette/straight/straight_1.html)
Here is the actual information from Robin:
http://www.netherton.net/robin/ (http://www.netherton.net/robin/)
Here is another version:
http://sca-garb.freeservers.com/articles/self-support.html (http://sca-garb.freeservers.com/articles/self-support.html)
Gates of Hell:
http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm (http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm)
And another:
http://www.bayrose.org/AandS/handouts/Sideless_Surcoat_web.pdf (http://www.bayrose.org/AandS/handouts/Sideless_Surcoat_web.pdf)
Patterns:
Reconstructing History
www.Reconstructinghistory.com (http://www.reconstructinghistory.com)
Patterns of Time:
http://www.patternsoftime.com/proddetail.asp?prod=WN102 (http://www.patternsoftime.com/proddetail.asp?prod=WN102)
Good Luck!
I made veiw A as gem posted the picture, sadly that pic was taken in the brief Hi, Hug, how are you, let me get a pic after a long rainy day!
I made it just as pure fantasy and shortened those sleves by folding the pattern up on its self. I had to do a lot of tweeking in the back to get it to fit on my lower waist and there is no boning at all in the bodice to hold anything (as its obvious!) and I made both the chemise and the over dress out of Linen and not the crepe and satin that it suggested. I had thought about using claps/buttons but with the way my weight fluxuates I used some jewlery finding rings instead of eyelets so that option is still there.
As I said it is purely a fun dress and that chemise is very very comfy!