The Armour Archive

One of my friends is wanting to get this pattern and have me make him one. So we were wondering if it's worth the $25.00 or if we should just make our own pattern......

This is what we have come up with so far.....
He wants a quilted gambeson with a madarin collar and a hidden button placket for an off-set front with plate pockets on the inside to be worn under an at least mid-thigh mail shirt( I think).

Raine

I am nearly done with a gambeson (only padded though) from that exact pattern set. I had to make a few modifications to the patterns so far, but overall I would say it is definately preferable to drawing your own pattern. But that is just me. If you have experience making cloth patterns that is a different story of course.

Raine WereWife wrote:One of my friends is wanting to get this pattern and have me make him one. So we were wondering if it's worth the $25.00 or if we should just make our own pattern......

This is what we have come up with so far.....
He wants a quilted gambeson with a madarin collar and a hidden button placket for an off-set front with plate pockets on the inside to be worn under an at least mid-thigh mail shirt( I think).

Raine

I have had several aketons made with this set of patterns. Points to consider:

• The armpit gusset should be more of an elongated diamond shape, running the length of the armpit/arm/torso. This will put a lot less stress on the seams there.
  
• Add extra padding on the kidneys, shoulders, elbow-points and thighs. Those are the places that will need it the most.
  
• Do not even bother with cotton fabric. Either use heavy linen fabric, or hemp canvas for the shell of the aketon. It breathes better, and wicks moisture better than cotton duck or cotton canvas ever will. You can purchase linen at http://www.fabrics-store.com, and hemp canvas at http://www.hemptraders.com. It's expensive, but worth it in the long run, both for durability, heat dissipation and moisture-wicking
  
• When looking for cotton batting, insure it's 100% cotton.
  
• Insure the cotton batting is more designed with with density in mind, rather than "loft". You want an aketon to be protective, rather than retain heat.
  
• You'll need more fabric than you think you'll need. Plan accordingly.

Hope this helps,

be prepared to have carbon paper handy with these patterns if u plan to make the different things. if i remember right, they put some patterns over each other for some stupid reason

I have made a gambeson based off of this pattern and it is quite nice. I must agree with Bob on the armpits. Or if you want keep them open for a little ventilation. It is a very nice set of patterns.

I am currently on those damn arm gussets. I can't raise my arm easily the way they are by default. I am going to have to change that somehow. I was thinking I should move the gusset "up" the side of the garment.