Yesterday I posted about one of my favorite sites for historical reproduction clothing/fantasywear. Reader Margo contacted me and gave me a resource I hadn’t run across: her line of patterns for Renaissance clothing for both men and women. The women’s patterns are made to fit sizes from 2 to 30. The men’s go from 34 to 56. They cover everything from farthingales to doublets to standing ruffs and French hoods.
The patterns are based on proper historical research, and look quite accurate. What’s more, they come jam packed with instructions for sizing and sewing, technical illustrations, and discussion of the construction and materials in extant relevant pieces from the period.
Even though I don’t actually sew, I’m sort of tempted to buy these patterns just to read the documentation.
If you have any question about her ability or accuracy of research, just take a look at the designer in all her glory:
Then go visit her website.
Margo also tells me she’s starting up a new sister company with patterns for stretchwear for dancers. She plans to cover the needs of modern, jazz, ballet, and bellydancing devotees, and go up to at least size 32. If any of you out there are involved in any of these disciplines, Margo would really appreciate some feedback on what you’re looking for.
Come on, all you dancers! This is a chance to get in on the ground floor and tell the designer what you need, what you want, what you dream of, and what’s wrong with what you can already find on the market. Help a fellow Big Girl help you to live your dreams.
Ohhhh, that is beautiful. I cannot imagine possessing both the patience (all those pearls) and skill to craft such a be-jeweled masterpiece.
I’m happy to see Margo making a business out this. I’m amazed by the number of hobbiest sewers out there that have such talent and drive. For the rest of us, I can only advise you to make friends with them and offer them anything in exchange for their services. As a former SCA-er, someone make me a black and purple hoppelande a la Malificeient from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty because I was tall and somewhat willowy like the villianess. I will cherish that costume forever, and it is better tailored than 95% of my wardrobe.
Comment by Susan — February 17, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
I know it’s not what Margo’s going to be specializing in, really, but FLAMENCO SKIRTS. Do you have ANY idea how hard they are to find in a size bigger than a 4? They’re a simple pattern, really, ankle-length slightly flared with two circle ruffles at the hem, or gored.
*sigh* Enough of my rant. Your stuff looks FAB, Margo.
Comment by Cassie — February 18, 2008 @ 2:44 am
MARGO ROCKS!
Comment by Tarti — February 18, 2008 @ 6:14 am
Gorgeous dress on a gorgeous lady. And this blog is so bookmarked!
Comment by Mabel I Sez — February 18, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Can I add a wishlist to Margo’s site??? Plus-sized riding clothing! It’s so hard to find patterns for breeches, coats, vest etc in anything over a 16.
Comment by Chloe — February 18, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Hmm..Having been on a horse all of three times, I may not be the best person to create riding clothes. I am in touch with many othr pattern designers, though, so I’ll mention that there’s a need.
Comment by Margo — February 18, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Hot damn. I asked my sewing-buff sister to make me some garb – now I can point her here for patterns and hopefully be an incredibly stylish wench for the Faire this fall!
Comment by Nomie — February 19, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
Cassie, Folkwear Patterns: http://folkwear.com/140.html has the flamenco dress AND practice skirt.
Comment by La BellaDonna — February 26, 2008 @ 7:44 pm