An Early Tudor Outfit: Construction Basics

Basics

There are a few things I am trying to achieve with this exploration into Tudor clothing.

• I want to accomplish clothing that is as close to the inspiration portrait and drawings as possible.
  • The gable headdress, made for me as a gift by a friend, will be very important in this. She is doing a great job with the headdress.
  • The look and fit of the bodice is important.
  • It is important that the gown hug the upper arms tightly. This is against modern comfort and asthetics, but I know from experience it's actually not that difficult to wear. It is difficult to fit.
• I want to be as accurate in materials and techniques as possible.
  • All sewing will be by hand. I hope to use period stitches and techniques here.
  • All pattern making will be by enlarging basic tailor's patterns. I will not be using period tailors for this, although they are available. That is a bit beyond my reach, this time.
  • Materials will be natural, silk, wool, linen and cotton.
    • Kirtle is magenta wool suiting.
    • Lower sleeves are silk taffeta
    • Lining is linen on everything.
    • Interlining is cotton.
    • Gown is black cotton velveteen. I would have liked to use silk, but cost is a factor.