What to make a Pourpoint out of?

[McCuistion]

I want to make a pourpoint to which I can point my (futurely created) armour.

So I sent off for this pattern http://www.amazon.com/Grand-Assiette-Pourpoint-Pattern/dp/B004SBX40U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301329793&sr=8-1

While it wings it's way to me, I can start gathering material with which to make it.

This site http://www.cottesimple.com/blois_and_sleeves/cdb_pattern/cdb_cut.htm talks about: The silk fabric of the pourpoint of Charles de Blois

User Brewer said of his: Enter the pourpoint. It's a simple sleeveless vest with great big armholes. Make it out of a heavy, breathable, natural-fibre cloth like hemp canvas. My pourpoint is osnaburg, a heavy linen fabric.

So may question is: Out of what do you make a pourpoint? I'm getting that it's probably linen...

[Jess]

If you are talking about a sleeveless vest that holds up your heavy steel leg harness -- then I would advise multi-layer canvas. The fiber content is up to you, your resources, and your budget -- be it hemp or linen or cotton, etc. I made a two layer cotton canvas one that tore out immediately. Most recent version is a 3 layer one. It seems to be much stronger, but doesn't see much use and I suspect little washing. (It's not mine.)

If you are talking about fancy outer fighting garment -- I'd go with something with a tight weave that won't get all snagged up and that you can wash easily if you are thinking about fighting in it with any frequency. Linen would look awesome and be cooler. But mine is a cotton blend since I will wear it 3 times a week, 2 of those days are often consecutive, and I machine wash and dry after each wearing.

I think I will probably make another one out of a more accurate and less hardy fiber just for special occassion wear for tourneys. But I haven't gotten around to it yet.

[Guy Dawkins]

I want to make a pourpoint to which I can point my (futurely created) armour.

So I sent off for this pattern http://www.amazon.com/Grand-Assiette-Pourpoint-Pattern/dp/B004SBX40U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301329793&sr=8-1

While it wings it's way to me, I can start gathering material with which to make it.

This site http://www.cottesimple.com/blois_and_sleeves/cdb_pattern/cdb_cut.htm talks about: The silk fabric of the pourpoint of Charles de Blois

User Brewer said of his: Enter the pourpoint. It's a simple sleeveless vest with great big armholes. Make it out of a heavy, breathable, natural-fibre cloth like hemp canvas. My pourpoint is osnaburg, a heavy linen fabric.

So may question is: Out of what do you make a pourpoint? I'm getting that it's probably linen...

My cote is made from 3 layers of linen. I point all my armour to it and it has held up well. I don't fight as often as Jess.
I've used it probably 3 to 4 times a month for five years. Cold water wash and hang to dry. It is starting to show some wear in a few places in the outer layer, but nothing that can't be repaired.

[McCuistion]

If you are talking about a sleeveless vest

No, I want to make the full-sleeved version

I'd go with something with a tight weave that won't get all snagged up and that you can wash easily if you are thinking about fighting in it with any frequency.

I'm not likely to be fighting in it; age does things to you that makes you less-agile...

So mine will be mostly ceremonial/parade quailty. So it looks like linen is a good start.

[Jonathon More]

I'm not likely to be fighting in it; age does things to you that makes you less-agile...

Only if you let it

[Galfrid atte grene]

I used this pattern to make an arming coat. I used 7.1 oz linen for the shell and liner, with one layer of batting in between. I'm seeing light wear in some places after nearly a year of use, twice a week.

[McCuistion]

I used this pattern to make an arming coat.

Oh! I'm glad to hear from someone that has actually used the pattern. And it sounds like it's doing mostly what you want. I'm encouraged.

Do you have a pic of it? Have you described your construction/sewing effort elsewhere that I might read of and learn from?

[McCuistion]

Only if you let it

I am the Scoutmaster for our local troop, and so go camping with the lads once a month. That's a bit of agility.

But I have to admit that I am slowing down, oh yes, just a bit.

[Galfrid atte grene]

I used this pattern to make an arming coat.

Do you have a pic of it? Have you described your construction/sewing effort elsewhere that I might read of and learn from?

Picture
Worn
Image from a manuscript featuring a similar garment


I only point my legs to it - the arms are pointed to my mail. But you could point arms, I don't think there'd be any problem. This is kind of a tricky garment to make, I had to make a lot of small adjustments to the pattern to get the right fit - and it still isn't spot-on. If you have questions I'm happy to try and answer. Additionally, Reconstructing History, the folks who produced the pattern, should be able to offer advice as well.

[McCuistion]

Worn

Ahh. You are the author of that series: Making of: Late 14th century Armour. This 'diary' is the very thing that has been giving me hope during these long winter months when I can't get out in the garage to bang on things. Your Legs section (with the concentric bullseye drawings) showing how you raise really helped me get raising.

Thanks for your thoughts on Pourpoint AND for your wonderful Making pages.

[Bertus Brokamp]

Mid to late 14th c. Middle-Dutch noblemens household account entries tell that they were stuffed with cottonwool and the fabric used seems to be linen or fustian in the case of an arming version, and things like silk, wool, brocade, etc. for the version worn in daily life.
I know of no evidence for sleeveless pourpoints/doublets/wambuizen in this timeframe, so I would say that going with sleeves is superb.

[Jess]

If I were making one I didn't actually plan to fight in or have to wash, I'd keep an eye on the specials here (they change every couple of days and are often 90% off):
http://www.designdivafabrics.com/special-offer.php

And get some really pimp fabric for it.