Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Red Linen Doublet - Progress

So, Peter came over recently to be fitted for a doublet. Actually he just kinda slouched there while I pinned and fitted a few rectangles of fabric to get the pattern for his bodice. But his pain and suffering did not last long - draping bodices like this can be done in ten minutes. (and yes, I am using pillows since nothing else I have comes close to the shape of a male torso. . .forgive the weird shoulder sticky-out things.) ;)

Good Sir Peter has been bugging me for a while to make him a medieval "vest". It took much convincing but I finally persuaded him to let me make him a sleeveless doublet instead. He will be wearing it as outerwear, not under a gown like would have been done in period, but it was a compromise I was willing to make. I knew if I didn't make him a proper doublet he would have gone to Goodwill and tried to renovate a modern vest into something "medieval fantasy" ish. Or something along the lines of Robin Hood, Men In Tights, which he looks up to as a movie devoted to the most wonderful medieval costuming yet in creation.

I based the pattern off the plain doublet in The Medieval Tailor's Assistant. I was under the impression that earlier doublets (14th century) did not have a waist seam but I may be mistaken. I cut the shapes as so:

It is made of three layers - medium weight red linen for the outer layer, natural colored cotton (I think its cotton - Peter's mother donated it to the cause) for the lining and cotton corderoy for the interlining. It made up into a very structured, heavy, molded garment.

It laces up the front just like my medieval dresses do. (excuse the twine cord used for the pics; we will replace it with something more appropriate before Peter wears this!)

I still have to make a narrow band collar for the neckline, finish the armholes and hem the skirts. Then Peter will have his "vest" and be happy. It was a fun project.

Love,
Sarah

2 comments:

  1. I realy like the deep crimson, red of the fabric :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

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  2. It looks really nice and i also like the red a lot (:

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Thank you for your lovely thoughts!