Help needed for pattern construction

Nov 26, 2003 2 Replies
L

Can anyone help me figure out the shape of a pattern for sleeves for a Tudor gown? I have to whip something together quickly this weekend, and I'm not a seamstress at all (I'm borrowing my mom's sewing machine). I had hoped that I could perhaps do something simple that wouldn't necessarily have to be perfect or even perfectly period, I just want to emulate the shape of the sleeves with the long opening. I've looked on line for basic shapes to cut out but haven't found anything. I'd like something I can just cut out in perhaps one or two pieces, sew together, and attach to a bodice I already have.



It's for a Madrigal dinner and I've been asked to play the Queen (totally just window dressing). I have a lovely corset that I can get more of the same fabric, and I know I can piece together a skirt fairly easily, but I am stumped on the sleeves. It doesn't even have to be Tudor, I just thought that would lend itself to the shape of my corset.



Am I being totally unrealistic that I can do this? Any advice would be appreciated.



Laura


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C

Hi I'm seeing this probably too late to help you, but an extra long wide puff sleeve with a slit in the front would do you fine. Just take your sleeve pattern and slit it top to bottom spread a few inches, and lengthen it, add a cuff to bottom. Is that totally period? I don't know for sure but for a madrigal costume it would work great.

I really like the book- Patterns for Theatrical Costumes by Katherine Strand Holkeboer ISBN 0-13-654260-3. I like it because for every costume style change they show a man and a lady and the shapes of the pattern pieces. They do from Ancient Egypt to 1915. You could use enlargement techniques to actually enlarge the 1/8 scale patterns in the book. They tell you how.

For styles after 1800 it probably doesn't have them all because fashion started to change more often, but it has enough to give you an idea for each sillouette style.

The truly historically accurate type of person, might not like it but it has helped me lots.

Sandy Erickson

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L

Thanks! We got something else to wear, but as it seems I may be doing this again next year, I'd like to try my hand at it anyway, so your help is very much appreciated!

Laura

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