alysten | Thoughts about costuming

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.