Sorry folks, I've really tried to avoid posting a newbie question to the forums. However I could not find my answer in the essays and the search engine errored out on me.
So I'm left with one recourse... What armour pattern is recommended as a starting pattern for newbies? I'm tempted to go for the gold and start creating a breast plate, but something tells me I'd better try an easier pattern first.
The spaulder pattern by Sinric is a great beginner project. It has dishing and leather articulation. They are pretty straight forward in their assembly and teach many basic skills.
After those pretty much any of Sinric's patterns are gold for beginners.
That is my opinion anyway
I would say that the best thing for you to do is to begin by doing something.
I realize that this sounds rather obvious, but in just beginning a project, you get further than a lot of people who just talk about getting started.
Personally, I would get a chunk of 16ga mild steel and start experimenting.
There are a number of patterns here on the archive that look really good when done. You might start there.
If you want to start with a breastplate, consider sacrificing an old t-shirt to the cause. Remove the arms and the neck, then cut it up the sides and across the shoulders on the seams. Then use the front half of the t-shirt as a pattern. You will probably have to trim a bit here and there, but it will get you started.
