Need help with 14c period clothing

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:52 pm

I am new to the SCA and would like to find period clothing to buy for specifically the 14th century (high medieval) time frame. I don't want to disrespect my group by purchasing something that is innapropriate. If anyone can direct me to a website and more specifically what to look for and what not to look for, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! :?:

Edward MacTavish · Post by **Edward MacTavish** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:58 pm

Historic Enterprises, one stop and you have a good kit.

Edward

Amanda M · Post by **Amanda M** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:53 pm

Revival Clothing is another good place to look I think.

http://www.revivalclothing.com/index.asp

Eamonn MacCampbell · Post by **Eamonn MacCampbell** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:00 pm

Or if you like to sew...You can't go wrong with Kass and Brewers sight, Reconstructing History...

https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/index.php?

Charlotte J · Post by **Charlotte J** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 6:42 am

LadyChatterly wrote:I am new to the SCA and would like to find period clothing to buy for specifically the 14th century (high medieval) time frame. I don't want to disrespect my group by purchasing something that is innapropriate. If anyone can direct me to a website and more specifically what to look for and what not to look for, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Willing to sew, or just buy? I have a series of construction articles on my website (see button below), but the above recommendations of Historic Enterprises or Revival are your best bet for purchasing.

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:59 am

A quick reference for both male and female garments is Margaret Scott: A Visual History of Costume: the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries. ISBN 07134 4857 1.

Amanda M · Post by **Amanda M** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 12:19 pm

Charlotte J wrote:
LadyChatterly wrote:I am new to the SCA and would like to find period clothing to buy for specifically the 14th century (high medieval) time frame. I don't want to disrespect my group by purchasing something that is innapropriate. If anyone can direct me to a website and more specifically what to look for and what not to look for, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Willing to sew, or just buy? I have a series of construction articles on my website (see button below), but the above recommendations of Historic Enterprises or Revival are your best bet for purchasing.

Aside from the sleeve problem I had I was surprised how easy it really was once we figured it out for someone even like me who has just basic sewing skills.

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:57 am

Thank you all for your input! I decided to try two companies: pearson's renaissance shoppe and medieval collectables. I hope they prove trustworthy. I am sure I will be buying (not sewing, as I wish I had the skill) more in the future and will definitely give your responses consideration. Thanks again!

Karen Larsdatter · Post by **Karen Larsdatter** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 12:12 pm

LadyChatterly wrote:I hope they prove trustworthy. I am sure I will be buying (not sewing, as I wish I had the skill) more in the future and will definitely give your responses consideration. Thanks again!

Well, neither one apparently sells 14th century clothing.

Hmm, does anyone else smell Spam?

Charlotte J · Post by **Charlotte J** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 12:31 pm

LadyChatterly wrote:Thank you all for your input! I decided to try two companies: pearson's renaissance shoppe and medieval collectables. I hope they prove trustworthy. I am sure I will be buying (not sewing, as I wish I had the skill) more in the future and will definitely give your responses consideration. Thanks again!

You will get more for your money buying from Historic Enterprises or Revival.

Munz · Post by **Munz** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:34 pm

Odd... wasn't the purpose to find 14th cent. appropriate clothing? Why then ask for advice only to ignore it?

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:35 pm

With having sewing skills that don't amount to much, probably the first starting project might be a chemise or three. Simple, drapy, generous affairs, essentially treated as undergarments and quite simple of cut.

Charlotte J · Post by **Charlotte J** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 pm

My money's on Karen's proposal. Didn't see it when I first responded.

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:56 am

No, I have not ignored anyone's advice as I appreciate everyone's responses. I ordered a few pieces that combined my style with similar style from that time period. And I am also ordering some more true to 14th century garments (like the cotehardie and chemise/skirt) from some of the web sites that were posted, as well. More importantly, I am learning a good deal in my search. Thanks again.

Karen Larsdatter · Post by **Karen Larsdatter** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:38 am

I'm wondering, though, what gave the impression that the "chemise/skirt" is a 14th century style?

Steve S. · Post by **Steve S.** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 12:56 pm

Lady Chatterly:

We live in Huntsville and do 14th century. My wife is big into sewing clothing - I'm sure she would love to do a sewing weekend if you want to come up one weekend.

If you're going to throw money at the problem, I'd recommend you go to Historic Enterprises and Revival Clothing.

http://www.revivalclothing.com/
http://www.historicenterprises.com/

There are lots of places out there that sell "Renaissance Fair" clothing that is pretty and looks historical to the untrained eye, but isn't.

Steve

Tibbie Croser · Post by **Tibbie Croser** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:43 pm

Lady Chatterly, I looked at the Renfaire clothing sites you posted. Yes, the clothes are pretty and romantic. Is that the issue? Do you think the clothes from Historic Enterprises and Revival look too drab and simple?

You mentioned your personal "style." Could you describe your "style"? People here might be able to advise you on how to find/make 14th-century clothing that fits your style.

Munz · Post by **Munz** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:30 pm

I guess the "medieval chemise" in linen has the right lines for a 14th cent undergarment. I didn't see any cotehardies listed, but hey, if you are happy with what you are getting for your money then that is what's important, right?

I only have one concern. Are you going to be happy six months from now if you decide that you want an historically correct dress like something from Historic Enterprises? Buyer's remorse can really hurt the pocketbook. I know, I've been there.

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:53 pm

Steve, thank you so much for your offer. I don't know a stitch about sewing (like the pun?) but would appreciate perhaps some lessons from your wife when I visit the Huntsville area. Thank you!

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:08 pm

Dear Flittie, I wanted both - something that had a little style to it and not so drab, as what I was learning about that time period of clothing. That's why I decided to do both - buy something a little more costlier but that I liked BUT also in order to represent that time and the more plain look, to go ahead and buy something more true to century. It's a start. Also because of living in the hot South, I didn't want anything made out of velvet or wool where I would sweat to death outside. Linen would be okay and/or cotton.

Munz: Buyer's remore is a pain, I know that too. I'm building my wardrobe right now, so there's room for more. Some may be a little fanciful but that's okay, I understand it's not true to the century. I decided to purchase some of each. Even if I end up wearing it only in the bedroom because it's not 14th century proper, then that's OK. Might give a kickstart to my love life. LoL You guys graciously answered my post and it has been an eye opener. I feel I'm being chastized after visiting several websites for not buying from this or that one. Everyone gave me some very helpful tips and insight and after viewing those websites, my decision was to get a little of both. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!

Tibbie Croser · Post by **Tibbie Croser** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:37 pm

If you're concerned about "drabness," I expect the 14th-century experts on here could advise you on how to dress up a "plain" outfit with the right jewelry and accessories that are accurate for the period.

earnest carruthers · Post by **earnest carruthers** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:23 am

LC, I suspect people were under the impression that you wanted some historical accuracy, it looked that way from your post. Hence, I imagine the recommendations, good ones at that and their furrowed brows when you wanted to mix them up. They gave good advice, as for drabness, it should not be 'drab' at the society level you are portraying, I would call it a subtle elegance most appropriate to the period.

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:25 pm

Dear Earnest, you are right and my original post was that I did want something accurate. I was completely unaware as to what the attire would look like. Perhaps, I was hoping for more of a Renaissance look. Regardless, it is what it is and I didn't mean to offend anyone who helped me with giving their comments.

14th c dress does have a subtle elegance to it and Flittie had a good suggestion with dressing it up with some appropriate time period jewelry.

Most appreciate to all.

Steve S. · Post by **Steve S.** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:26 pm

Shoot me an email if you want to come up and sew.

ssheldon -at- forth-armoury.com

My wife Tara is at tsheldon -at- forth-armoury.com

LadyChatterly · Post by **LadyChatterly** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 2:10 pm

I've got both your emails and would love to when I can get that way. Thank you!!

Need help with 14c period clothing

Need help with 14c period clothing

Re: Need help with 14c period clothing

Re: Need help with 14c period clothing

Thanks for the replies

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Re: Thanks for the replies