Saturday, March 21, 2015

Drafting Patterns from Extant Garments



Ever wondered how to take those line drawings of an extant garment—like those Medieval Garments Reconstructed, Marc Carlson’s database, or Patterns of Fashion--, and make it fit you, while remaining as true to the original garment as possible? Or better, photographs of the garment itself and figure what shape the pieces are?  
            This is the method I used for most of my major projects; The Sture Suit, G63, and most notably my Moselund Kirtle, as well as a number of projects which are planned but not constructed.

            A point on terminology for reconstructing garments (this is what I use): A museum replica is a piece made entirely with the correct technology, to be as close to identical to the extant piece when new (as possibly).  A working replica (what this class is geared towards making) is patterned from, and maintains the proportions of the extant as much as possible while having it fit you, as well as construction and definition; however, the fabric might not be spun/woven to order.  "Inspired by" I do not consider to be reconstructing a garment--you may be making a perfectly good, period piece, but the goal isn't to get as close to a specific extant garment as possible.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Research Dump No. 6

Shoe notes
 A collection of notes about a pair of shoes based on the Oseberg.  I believe the information is good, but it is an angelfire site...so have your pop-up blocker ready.
http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/olafvanta/Dirk/shoes/dshoes.htm 

A HOARD OF 16-17TH CENTURY TOYS
An article on a collection of toys found hidden in an English church.
http://irisharchaeology.ie/2013/02/a-hoard-of-16th-and-17th-century-childrens-toys/  

14TH CENTURY WOMAN'S CLOTHING: THE LUTTRELL PSALTER PERIO
A decent article discussing the various pieces and layers of clothing from this period.
http://users.skynet.be/bister/Passion/Fichiers/14thcClothing.pdf