Thoughts about costuming

[alysten]

Today is a day for cutting out material that will eventually become shirts, pants, cotes, kirtles and doublets. I had a moment of "why do I do this?" Short answer?  I'm kinda crazy (but I'm sure you've already guessed that). Long answer, I like making rapier armor. I like making things that are interesting and challenging. One can get tired of doing the same ole doublet and pant pattern. Each new project is an adventure in what were they thinking. I like to make armor that you can wear off the list, so it should actually look like clothing rather than rapier standard issue.

But every time period is different. Every culture is different.  Every project requires research into pattern styles, color, sewing techniques, and fabric. It is important to know how things were constructed, so you know which rules can be broken/bent/altered to fit the safety and movement requirements of an SCA rapier fighter. Most projects start out with " I found this picture..." or "that looks like fun..." and then the race is on.

Every time I do a new piece of armor I say "this is probably the most complicated thing I have done".  Hand piecing stripes to diagonal stripes to marshaling of diagonal stripes.   Pants to lined pants to lined pants with outer closures. Puff and slash to faux puff and slash sleeve to faux puff and slash waffenrok.  Curved hoods to crenelated hoods to ermine dot point hoods. Each more complicated than the last, all built upon its predecessor.Once I figure out the tricks, then it becomes easier to replicate.

I have learned more about sewing around curves, diagonals, self supporting dresses, pleats, pattern making, duct tape, fabrics, colors, dyeing, heraldry, and cultural/religious influence on clothing. Every project introduces me amazing, talented people who have helped jump start my heading in a new direction.  I've been costuming for 30 odd years. Am I an expert? Not by a long shot.  I flit around the cultures and time periods to much to be considered  expert. I am more of a specialized generalist: I know a little bit about a lot of different things.

There is so much more to learn, one project at a time.

Comments

[beckishadow.livejournal.com]

I might need your help in future. :)

[alysten.livejournal.com]

NP. After coronation. There is a Cataline dress and armor for Bruni that have priority.

[unicornpearlz.livejournal.com]

At some point can you help me with two things?
1) make a new bodice/top Elizabethan pattern? My boob size has increased by 2" and a cup since then!

2) I think it's called a kirtle. It's the earlier period dress, which is one piece and should be adorned with a long belt?

Looking for some quick and dirty cloths that...omg... FIT since I won't have time for the SCA much within the next few years (going back to school and all) but when I appear I want to look good!

Also, if I ever re-emerge, perhaps we could look into late period courtier fashion - so I can ...omg... dress for my persona?

[alysten.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes and yes. But after coronation. I have to clear my stack first.

[unicornpearlz.livejournal.com]

It's all good. Like I said, I'll be playing a lot less after pennsic. So this is not a high priority at all.

[femkederoas.livejournal.com]

One Project At A Time =/= alysten.

:-D

[alysten.livejournal.com]

Truth.

Someday, maybe, if the stars are aligned, I might, possibly have only one project in the works at a given time. But then again, hell probably will freeze over first.

[berrick-grvsn.livejournal.com]

not as uncommon an occurrence as one might think... the Hell freezing i mean...
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c332/Frank4YAHWEH/HellFreezesOver.jpg

[alysten.livejournal.com]

You are filled with win and awesome!