Please Reccomend Dress Patterns

[Golden Girl]

After a fun filled week in Taupo, TJ & I are feeling inspired to make some new dresses, can any of you out there help me by recommending to me any easy to make dress patterns please, We are just starting out with all of this so any help is appreciated

I'd love to track down a pattern for the style if dress I was wearing in Taupo which was long style and had lace's at the side to tighten it.

Thanks
Kristin

[Angel]

For some pretty simple patterns, I'd recommend getting hold of a copy of the Medieval Tailor's Assistant.

[Golden Girl]

[Rahel]

Depending on the period, and the area (let's remember not everyone was Anglo-Franc) the technology of clothing construction (including weaving the fabric) governed the elements of dress design - for men and women.
Sleeves weren't sewn in, for instance, but constructed separately, and attached with ties as one donned one's attire.
The depictions of costumery as shown in the movies is, in the mian not accurate at all...
but if it's effect you want, choose which country and era , check in with a number of comparitive books, and adapt a Vogue pattern for one of that brand of gowns.
I say Vogue patterns becasue the construction of thier garments often provides the scope for the style of fitting I think you're considering.

[Effigy]

Hi Kristin
Side lacing is a 12th century style. Most commonly associated with a 'Court" style of dress worn in France known as a Bliaut.
Here are some links that should set you on your way....

http://www.lulu.com/content/1255610
http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~lwittie/sca/garb/bliaut.html
http://www.gelfling.dds.nl/bliaut.html
http://freespace.virgin.net/sarah.doyle/KIT.HTM

and my favorite for all dark age / early medieval garb

http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~Marc-Carlson/cloth/bockhome.html

The Medieval Tailor is later period and uses some questionable methods.
I certainly would not recommend a commercial pattern. Please feel free to pm me if you need help.
Anne

[Effigy]

And here is a variation with a waist seam which looks lovely.

[Golden Girl]

[Nathan]

Nic has a copy of the Tailors Assistant

[Golden Girl]

[Katlin Hytonen]

In reply to Kristin on dress patterns. I do not know what period you are looking for but i am 700 - 900A.D. Viking. I try to be as authentic as possible using only linen and wool and got my information from findings found in graves and other historical documentation. I have found that a simple kaftan style dress along with a apron dress over the top was worn from the periods 700A.D. through to the 1500's in many parts of Europe, England and Scotland. I have a white dress which enbroyeded for special occassions and a few coloured ones that i use inbetween. I also have a lilac woollen tube dress. If i can help you anymore contact me, Katlin Hytonen.

[Nathan]

http://www.larsdatter.com/sitemap.htm

About half way down.

[Golden Girl]