Travelling Forward in Time to the Tudors Again

So any of the five of you that have stumbled upon my humble little site may remember my attempt at creating a class on Tudor middle class garb for Pennsic 36.

Infamously titled "Beyond the Wench", this class was based on my interpretations of some Flemish middle class Tudor-contemporary paintings by Breughel and sketches by Holbein, the book "The Tudor Tailor" by Ninya Mikhaila and Jane Malcolm-Davies, and "Tailor's Pattern Book 1589" by Juan De Alcega for period patterning tips and sewing instructions.

Both books are excellent resources. Alcega's book can be had for $105.00 on Amazon.com, but check your local Inter Library Loan for a copy. Michigan has MelCat and this book is available through this system if your library is connected to MelCat (most MI libraries are). Mikhaila's book is about $40.00, but buying directly from them is better for everyone. You'll pay a little more in shipping, but they can continue their work by taking in a larger profit.

I have been asked to present the class with the completed garments at the end of April for Squire's Revolt (which is to have a Tudor/Elizabethan theme this year). Now you may also remember that this era is not my especial favorite, but something about these Flemish styles speak to me as a female and a medieval re-creator. They can *easily* be styled up or down to change classes. Different sleeves can remake the entire gown. One can really go hog wild with trims and beads and pearls.

Here's a very simplified, broken down version of the kirtle and gown I'm attempting. My version is closer to the cutting layout of "Tudor Tailor" and "Pattern Book".

My chemise is already completed (uh, well minus finishing the hem [you're surprised?] and neckhole), and is of white cotton muslin. I normally use unbleached muslin for my earlier period chemises because (for me) it represents the less refined aspects of medieval clothing.

So keep an eye on this blog for more updates. I have 3 major projects going right now, and several smaller ones in the works.

Also, I'm experimenting with a toddler line of basic t-tunics, early period peplos, and Persian coats that will go on eBay next weekend hopefully.