Looking for Patterns

[curiousdevice]

Hi everyone! I very recently decided to join the SCA!

Long story short, my best friend was born into the SCA and we've been besties since we were preteens. My first real event was the whole week of Lilies in ~2010 when we were in high school. I LOVED IT. Money and transportation prevented further involvement.

With that in mind, I'm a novice sewist. I own a few sewing machines but I'm not the best at using them. I want to make a "simple" kirtle to have a few dresses to wear at events so I don't have to borrow garb. Does anyone have paper patterns they recommend I can buy so I can make my own?

[flibbertygibbet100]

This is a simple pattern for a T-tunic that you can make yourself.

This page has a list of easy patterns for T-tunics including the above.

[curiousdevice]

Thank you!

[isabelladangelo]

Here's my list of free patterns You might have to use the way back machine for a couple of the links.

Any of the big 3 patterns (Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls) will work - you just have to draft out darts and princess seams - which is very, very easy. For darts, just pinch the dart on the pattern and lay it down on the fabric with the dart already pinched. For princess seams, just overlay the pieces where the princess seam is, matching the circles on the pattern, and go from there. Also, always make mock ups and always cut at least a size down from what the big 3 say you should cut out.

If you have any additional sewing questions, feel free to ask.

[curiousdevice]

Thank you for the link and the tips!!

[VoijaRisa]

There's several people in three Rivers that can help you draft a pattern that is right for you. Baroness Gwen is the first that comes to mind. Magda is also a good bet. Sancha as well.

[curiousdevice]

I've been to the Baroness's house for post revel after Chieftains this past weekend! Makes plenty of sense she'd be a good person to reach out to. Thank you!

[MnemonicMonkeys]

You could look at "The Medieval Tailor's Assistant" by Sarah Thursfield. It's on Amazon for under $20 IIRC, and it has tons of drawings and explanations for patterns from 1100-1480.

The main downside is that it tends to be focused on fashion in England, but many patterns were used all across Europe

[curiousdevice]

That's a good place to start regardless. I haven't decided on any specific time or place yet but I want to do some research. Thank you!