Roundhose: Another update

I continued working on the roundhose after a weekend out of town. The things that are left require hand stitching, which I am not very good at. The seams on the cuffs and waistband will be visible and I'm trying to put my money where my mouth is with these as far as historically appropriate clothing goes. I finished one cuff last night (there was a Packer game on so my attention was elsewhere) and I am hoping to finish the other and the waistband tonight. Once that is done it should just be making button holes and eyelets for pointing to my doublet and then these are ready to roll.

Which is good because I have normal housework, a cart to try and build, and get everything packed up for the weekend yet. Nothing like last minute ambition for me.

More pictures after I get the leg cuff and waistband done.

Noe Lesse Monstrous Than the Reste

I'm almost done developing a new pattern for a doublet. I've developed several patterns for doublets over the years; each one better-fitting and more historically accurate than the last.

The waist of the latest version is set at the correct level- about at the natural waist rather than the hips where we wear pants today. The center front has only the slightest overlap for buttons on thread stalks and buttonholes. Although you can't see them yet, it will also have a collar, skirting, and of course, a second sleeve. Both sleeves will be fully attached as they were in the period. It's based on a combination of surviving doublets from 1560's-1580's and artwork from the period.

I've started using cheap felt for making mock ups and fitting rather than muslin. It's the same price or cheaper, I don't have to worry about fraying ruining the shape of the pattern piece, it behaves more like wool, and it's more substantial, and so easier to transfer to paper to make the pattern out of.

I have piles of linen to use for lining, but have yet to buy any outer fabric. I'm having a very hard time deciding what color to go with. It won't be too long however, and I'll keep up with journaling its construction.

I should also mention that I'm wearing a Monmouth Cap by the Bethlehem Trading Post. I just got it earlier this week and it's awesome; Excellent quality at an excellent price.
http://www.bethlehemtradingpost.com/on-line-
shopping.php

Adventures with Roundhose

After weeks of hoping that someone had taken a good photo of my Roundhose, I've all but given up. I do however, have this. I haven't really decided if it's a good thing or a bad thing yet.

A visitor to the event wanted to test my...prowess... by seeing if my codpiece was sturdy enough to hold anything. It was.

As below, late 16th century codpieces were typically solid and not meant to hold anything...ladies...

-Dan

Jo's got BIG ideas! Look out!

Hey everyone, it's Jo! I wanted to let everyone know about some of the 16th century projects that I hope to be working on over the off season. First, a waistcoat! I will be using the Tudor Tailor costuming book as a guide for this project. The waistcoat will be a medium grey wool with a light grey cotton lining. This is what I am shooting for:



My second project, and the one that I am most excited for, is to build a clome/bee hive oven to do proper bread baking in. Ever since I saw this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ioxF9OUjms I've been inspired to try it out. I have called Lara Templin, the historical interpreter from Jamestown and the video, and left a message to see if she has any insight on how to make the oven or where to even get some plans from. This is what it should look like in the end:



My third project will be to improve my costume a lot and hopefully make a kirtle instead of separate bodice and skirts. I would also like to make better shirts (maybe even a partlet!) and try my hand at my own coif and aprons.

Wish me luck!

Something to haul all this stuff

Another project that I'm hoping to have done in a couple weeks. Ya, I know. At a lot of the events we go to, we have to park an annoyingly far distance away. Well annoyingly far away when you have to haul a couple of canvas tents, bunches of weapons, armour, and furniture. One thing I've been wanting for years is a hand cart to haul some of our boxes, furniture, tupperware in the off hours, etc.

I know I don't have the time right now (or the skill...yet) to make a fully period constructed cart. So, I'm planning on a simplified and pre-17th century cart inspired by these pictures:




I know there will be some modern concessions right off the bat. First off, dimensional lumber. Secondly solid plank wheels. Eventually I'd like nice period ones with spokes, but for now I'll deal with solid ones (and I already have them). After looking at designs and what's possible in the time I have, I'm looking to do a 3 x 5 bed with rails. Right now I'm trying to figure out the axle. The wheels I have available have a 3 inch hole for an axle and finding a 3 inch diameter wooden axle in 2 weeks promises to be difficult and expensive. Once I figure that out construction can begin.

Roundhose: Part Deux

Got some time to work on the pants a bit more over the weekend. I started out by making sure my measurements were correct on the leg gathers and waistband. I've made pants before that I had measured not once, but twice, and still ended up screwing up the sizing. I took secondary measurements and things looked okay after a couple minor adjustments.

I then began the stitching in earnest. I did some by hand and some by machine. The machine stuff is interior and won't be visible when the pants are being worn. The hand stuff I think will be visible. I only had a little bit of time due to sick kids and other plans for the weekend, but I was able to get the lining and exterior pleats all stitched in place. I then pinned the lining and exterior together and everything surprisingly lined up well. So I'll consider that a win.

Some pictures of the lining and exterior together:




And more of a closeup of the waistband area:


Next will be the leg bands and waistband. Those I am going to try and do by hand and not have them suck like buckets of things that suck. I am going to do a button fly as opposed to a codpiece, as well, that's just how I roll.

Beer for the night: Sam Adams Summer Ale and Killian's Red. Still trying to find a few bottles of Capital Autumnal Fire for the bandings.

Roundhose: Part the First - Pictures

As promised pictures of my adventure with pants!

First off the most important step of any such under taking. Good beer.


Next, holy crap that's a lot of fabric.



The pleating begins! Getting each leg cuff set for a 19 inch cuff band and the waist set for a #$@^%* inch waist band.



More by the end of this weekend!