/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>8606224
Why does this one make me laugh?

A bunch of itas from my lolita comm are infesting my local reenactment group events. Old folks from the reenactment groups are really pissed.

>>8606237
Do you have a secret funny bone for picnics?

How does one find a group and get into this hobby? I doubt there's any local groups considering I live in AZ though

Does anyone have any recommendations for books about or featuring historical renecactment?

So far I've found:

This Victorian Life: Modern Adventures in Nineteenth-Century Culture, Cooking, Fashion, and Technology by Sarah A. Chrisman

Victorian Secrets: What a Corset Taught Me about the Past, the Present, and Myself by Sarah A. Chrisman

Man of War: My Adventures in the World of Historical Reenactment by Charlie Schroeder

How to Be a Victorian: A Dawn-to-Dusk Guide to Victorian Life

Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from an Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz


Now I haven't read Chrisman's books but some of the reviews make me hmmmm. Apparently in her first book she talks about feeling superior to re-enactors, gets mad and talks about wanting to become physically violent because she wore an antique silk dress outdoors which gets damaged in the rain and on a public bus, etc.

>>8606292
We Make History operates in Arizona. I don't have any experience with them personally but they do a lot of diverse events (different time periods, dances, balls, festivals, living history demonstrations, etc.)

>>8606292
Start by looking up historical societies in your area, if you can. Go to their events, network, you may find people who are interested in the same thing you are. Look online for Facebook groups and see if you can find people in your area.

Unfortunately there aren't as many 'civilian' historical events in the US as there are in Europe. But you just have to network and network to find likeminded people.

>>8606224

>hair showing beneath wig
>red dress not remotely the color scheme/design that would have been used
>their faces

I love this...for all my nitpicks, just looking at this pic makes me want to chill with them and yet shove my history minor everywhere.

we have the greater bay area costuming guild in norcal, and i've been meaning to go to an event of theirs.....but i'm rather intimidated and don't have the wardrobe to fit many of the events, though i'm working on building things up atm. it doesn't help that most of the events are in the north bay, so a 3+ hour drive for me.

anyone here a member of gbacg?

>>8606327
The girl in the red dress wasn't attempting to make a historical replica gown. It's from a shop she owns that sells costumes & accessories described as a blend of 18th century style and modern design.

100% I wanna have a wardrobe with southern belle style dresses in it. Where the hell do I get them from? Do these groups have a seamstress that makes them for them, or do they have a good manufacturer they get them from?

>>8606260
Wow she looks stunning and poised!

>>8606362
>Do these groups have a seamstress that makes them for them, or do they have a good manufacturer they get them from?

Most people make their own historical clothing or have a friend in the group make it for them. Sometimes you can find decent finds on Etsy but for the most part these pieces are made from mass-market patterns that aren't historically accurate.

>>8606358

Ah that makes sense! Compared to the color schemes of the other two I thought they were going for a more historical take, but I suppose the cooler in the bg should have clued me in that this was more casual. :)

>>8606362
get ready for lots of underwear, anon....well, at least if you mean civil war era southern belle dresses like pic related...lots of starched crinolines if you're talking 1850s, and ginormous hoops if you're talking 1860s.

>>8606298
This may help you form an opinion on Chisman http://www.vox.com/2015/9/9/9275611/victorian-era-life

>>8606600
To be fair, that article leaves out everything in the book that shows her unpleasant side.

>We live in a world that can be terribly hostile to difference of any sort. Societies are rife with bullies who attack nonconformists of any stripe.

Yet in the book she (all mentally and as part of her book narrative, of course, because she wouldn't confront people to their face)

>berates women at a casual historical re-enactment gathering for not using antique fabric or historically sourced fabric like she does
>makes snide remarks about people who claim to be interested in Victorian re-enactment but don't buy a bunch of antiques like she and her husband do
>talks terribly about a random old woman who dared, dared! to walk into a public restroom expecting to use it when Chrisman was changing into an outfit
>wore an antique gown and antique, falling-apart petticoat outside on a rainy day and mentally imagined inciting violence against a bus driver who picked up a long strip of fabric trailing on the ground behind her so she wouldn't trip which, because the fabric was soaked an already falling apart, caused it to rip
>goes on a tirade because some guy with a grumpy looked at her corset
>complains anytime someone asks her about her clothing or bicycle

She talks in the article about people telling her to get out of town, but if her behavior in the book is any indication, any hostile reaction to her is due to her own rather nasty reaction or at last projection to others. A book basically saying everyone in her town is meanie-weenies for daring to look at someone dressed strangely or ask her questions probably didn't help things.

>>8606362
Don't wear one. You're basically supporting white supremacy and the Confederacy.

>>8606237
Because the fabrics are horrible and ruin the aesthetic

>>8606745
G8 b8 m8

>>8606739
>wearing an antique gown and petticoat without taking the 1001 proper precautions
>ripping it
This hurts my heart. I don't understand how someone could treat something so old and beautiful, that they must have paid out the arse for, so badly?

On a sort of unrelated note, I've wanted to get into historical reenactment/period dressing for years now but I simply can't afford to as well as wearing lolita. One day. One day I won't be a poorfag and will dress in beautiful Rococo and Edwardian outfits.

>>8607208

>>8607212

>>8607213

>>8607215

>>8607217

>>8607219

>>8607222

>>8607225

>>8607226

>>8607227

>>8606381
The thumbnail looks like a Vermeer

>>8607231

I hope this doesn't should stupid but what is the costume college like?
Can anyone share some stories?

>>8606298
I second Confederates in the Attic. Great book.

I haven't watched any, but the BBC has made quite a few shows on living history:

Tales from the Green Valley (2006) Victorian Farm (2009) Victorian Pharmacy (2010) Edwardian Farm (2010) Wartime Farm (2012) Tudor Monastery Farm (2013) Secrets of the Castle (2014) 24 Hours in the Past (2015)

>>8607268
I've never been but from what I've read of costumers who went, it's hit or miss. I do remember one person saying that her particular college was so clique-ish and full of catty drama that it killed her passion for costuming and even though she'd already done some professional work she dropped it all and pursued a different career.

>>8607268
Do you meant the annual event/convention, or attending college for costume design/tech?

>>8606552
I was thinking more of the I guess casual, you can call it? ones. Not the "going to the grand ball" style dresses, but the more relaxed style which probably come along a little later than the 1860s.

>>8607665
the dresses pictured are day dresses.....off the shoulder bodices (the ones with the v shaped neck and maybe tiny cap sleeves) are for evening/balls. this was a typical "casual dress" in the 1860s. poof was extreme.

>>8607268
>>8607650
not the original anon, but i'd like to know how CoCo (the event) is......it's in CA and i theoretically could go if i joined GBACG, but i don't know a ton of people in the historical community.

>>8607665
also post 1860s you're looking at the early bustle era, starting with the elliptical hoop, then a grand bustle.

>>8608037
It looks like great fun. I'm sure you'd meet people. Some of the classes seem very useful, too. I have not attended yet, but I want to.

>>8608034
I might be thinking of early 1900s then. I'm garage with years, I'm sorry.

>>8608080
you might be thinking natural form (which came after the 1st bustle period) or maybe edwardian......but neither of those really scream "southern belle", so i'm really confused as to what kind of dress you mean. can you posta pic of something like what you want? then maybe i could tell you what to search for.

>>8608183
Natural form is closer to what I was thinking about. I probably have my terms wrong, where I grew up "southern belle" style things were dresses with off the shoulder necklines that often were floor length, or off the shoulder necklines and a bell shaped longer skirt.

I had a photo saved somewhere that had the exact type of dress I liked but I'm struggling to find it. Once I do I'll post it and hopefully I'm not a total idiot.

>>8607222

Just passing by, but I've always been so fascinated by those long pleated strips of fabric (pardon my ignorance, I know nothing about historical clothing). What are they called? How the fuck do they even work into the pattern? Is it dark magic?

>>8608407
that gown is a sacque back robe francaise. the pleated panel in the back is pretty easy to insert....it's just one big long set of stacked pleats, no magic or anything anon.

>>8608407
>>8608421
me again....found a helpful pic of a pattern that should explain it! the leftmost pattern piece here has a big bit that gets pleated into the central back seam. does that make sense, anon?

>>8608426

Bless you, anon! That makes a lot of sense, actually. I wasn't sure how the patterning would work by looking at the worn pictures, but seeing the pattern helps a lot. Thanks a lot!

>>8608432
no problem anon! i know i went through a similar wtf moment before i made one.

>>8608276
>I probably have my terms wrong, where I grew up "southern belle" style things were dresses with off the shoulder necklines that often were floor length, or off the shoulder necklines and a bell shaped longer skirt.

I think the problem is that the popular culture idea of a "Southern Belle" dress basically comes from old Hollywood, mainly Gone with the Wind.

>>8608276
As a warning, Natural Form is super structured. Pic related is literally the simplest dress I have on here from that time, its just cotton/muslin and is still pretty complicated. You will need a corset, chemise or camisole, petticoats, drawers, bustle, corset cover, stockings (which are like silk or wool OTKs), it just kind of piles on. The dresses themselves are also absolutely peak Victorian froth and are pretty hard to find decent seamstresses to make them. I'm seeing very very few good reproduction gowns online. Most are either completely off in construction, are severely lacking in understructure, or are just terrible fabric choices.

I think Civil War era is probably the easiest to find seamstresses for, but you still have the issue of cheaper shops churning out gowns based on Simplicity patterns. Later Victorian is also gaining popularity, though mostly its botched up with fantasy elements for steampunk or goth stuff.

>>8607208
>can't afford
I thought this too, but if you start 'inside out' by making the underwear yourself and working outwards, you can get a working wardrobe pretty quickly.

>http://www.thesewingacademy.com/compendium/
There's some good stuff on this page about reenacting, and if you scroll all the way down there's a PDF article called The True Cost of Accuracy where she breaks it down into a chart and shows cost based on going full farb/ita, buying, or making each piece. There's also a sort of timeline on how to budget out your fabric purchases to get a first wardrobe set. The Best Bet Wardrobe article is good too and points out what items you need to focus on.

I know its all for Civil War but its applicable to almost all eras. The shape of what you're making is different of course, and if you're going Rococo obviously avoid the cottons if you want to be accurate. I'd say practice with the working class styles first, since they're nothing but the fancier gowns stripped down and made in cheap fabric.

>>8608407
>>8608426
If it helps, anon, the way the pleats seem to flow out from the dress without a visible side seam is that there's a little cord inside on the waist. Its kind of like those little interior cords on a bathrobe. You lift the whole back half up and tie it around your waist, and then drop the back down. The front fits nice and tight, and the back hangs loose. There's an article out there somewhere with a woman showing how she gets dressed into one, but I can't find it for the life of me now.

>>8608597
I think you're right. I have pretty much 0 knowledge about fashion, so I most likely have a twisted view of what it really is.

>>8608696
Hmm. That's closer to what I was thinking about, but I most likely have my time wrong. I'm probably thinking of later on in the years, closer to 1900s rather than 1800s. I'll keep digging around and start reading up on stuff so I can get the correct name of what I have pictured in my head. Thank you for the help, sorry I'm kinda stupid lol

>>8608724

Thanks a lot, anon! It's okay if you can't find it, but I'd be so interested in reading that article!

>>8608711
Thank you anon!

>>8609248
Does this help?

>>8609927
I have a few others. Sometimes its good to see the silhouette, because the trimmings are all up to personal taste where the silhouette is the real fashion back then.

>>8609882
If you check out the opening scenes from Dangerous Liaisons on YouTube you can see Glen Close being dressed in one, which will show you just how it goes on. The lining holds the front of the dress close to the body and the pleated back hangs loose behind kind of like a cape.

Here's a pretty good tutorial on how to drape a back like that. http://koshka-the-cat.blogspot.de/2013/01/a-sacque-or-robe-la-francaise-tutorial.html

>>8606213

where are all the slaves?

>>8606448
I love that couple so much, I wish I could learn more about them.

>>8612638
Its a sex thing.

>>8612640

Not anon you replied, but explain?

>>8610694

Bless all of you anons, bless you.

>>8606448
>>8612638
Not a hater but I find it a little obnoxious to talk about living a Victorian life and then selling books on Amazon and running a Facebook about it. I'm curious to read the book to see if she even acknowledges how they handle:
>Medicine
>Menstruation
>Soap
>Computers
>Phones
>Family Obligations
>Voting
>Plumbing

I just hate it when people ignore all the things about the past that were shitty. I like reenactors who are trying to preserve something and live in that time now and then but this is a whole other level of picking and choosing only the prettiest, most quaint parts of the era. Live however you want I guess but don't claim to be living and authentic life and dear god I hope they don't get a child involved into this.

>>8612973
> picking and choosing only the prettiest, most quaint parts of the era
lmao isn't this what a lot of lolitas do, though? (I say this as a lolita.) So many lolitas are wannabe lifestylers. Obviously she's into the romanticism of it, just like lolitas. Is she trying to say that this is a superior way of life and it was a better era for all?

>>8606739
>>We live in a world that can be terribly hostile to difference of any sort. Societies are rife with bullies who attack nonconformists of any stripe.

Implying that there was somehow a better mindset in the Victorian era? I'm now imagining an urban-dwelling middle class Victorian women saying "I love pre-industrial England so I decided to live in it."

>>8612989
No loli refuses to drive a car or take the bus because they aren't loli. Also it's based on a subculture of kawaii and fashion that's super far removed from the historical period it was inspired by.

>>8612998
Well yeah, but my point is that she's romanticizing what appeals to her, similar to what lolitas and LARPers do - it's not a literal 1:1. While I think her attitude is silly and unfortunate, she doesn't seem to be attacking people, and even if she were, she's just one crazy Victorian-era-loving lady. IMO there's nothing wrong with admiring her dedication and enjoying the photos.

>>8613012

see

>>8606739

>>8612638
read their books. you'll be unpleasantly surprised.

>>8612990
I wonder if she is at all capable of recognizing that the only reason she is able to live in her fantasy faux Victorian world is BECAUSE she was born in the modern era. The modern era gives her the ability to live comfortably in a different way that wouldn't be possible in the past for anyone except the ultra wealthy.

>>8612990

It's funny, because you essentially described a large part of the romantic movement. Go back to nature, industrialism causes more harm than good, etc.

>>8612989
There's aesthetic choice and there's major lifestyle change. Even if someone went full lifestyle lolita, its still kind of falling under aesthetic choice since you're not refusing to take part in the modern era, you're just choosing a certain style for it. Lifestylers have an appreciation for older things, but in more of a "I collect teapots and have a fluffy pink rose-festooned bathroom" way rather than "I won't use modern lightbulbs or toothpaste". I grew up in a Victorian-obsessed reenactor family and seriously, my mom's house looks like a prissy classic lifestyler lives there. It looks lovely and movie-Victorian, but the stove is electric, the fridge is definitely not a block of ice in a cabinet, theres a brand new washer and dryer in the back closet, and the big fancy buffet in the living room is concealing a 55" TV.

>>8613418
I know this sounds pretty baity, but this chick is white, right?

>>8613715
Ayup

>>8606233
..I would join this group because who doesn't want to travel in a pack dressed like mourning widows?

I really wish civilian reenactment was more of a thing. I still have all my museum duds but the only groups out here are connected to battles and seem to think oddly of a woman joining with no connection to one of the soldiers.

>>8617086
I am part of a military focused group but I just pick and choose which events to go to. I even enjoy just going and walking around, seeing how people set up camps, etc. When people bring things to sell it's even better. I'd prefer to do less battle-oriented events but I figure this is better than nothing.

What period are your museum duds from?

>>8613715
She also compared her 24/7 Victorian schtick to being transgender. So, yeah.

>>8616358
I would join with you, because that looks like tremendous fun. Also, traveling in a flock like that makes them look kind of creepy, but in a fun way.

>>8617517
Mostly 1860s, a little bit of 1870s, and one or two 1940s outfits. The museum itself is in a circa-1860s house so that's what we did the most, though our Christmas event was 1870s to suit it being the classical Victorian Christmas event people want. The 1940s stuff is from a few years ago when we did a big town anniversary festival and my brother and I were running the classic car show. We were supposed to dress as someone from town history, so we kind of cheated and went as our grandma and great uncle (since they're a prominent family anyway)

bump

>>8608696
Any links you can give? I love Victorian era so much and I can't find anything that isn't mired by goths and steampunks.

>>8606213
God I miss Lyze. Anybody know where she's gone?

>>8620121
No idea. I miss her two, we shared a lot of similar sentiments about history...

The last updates I remember her posting were about her flight attendant job, she didn't seem interested in dong costume/fashion anymore. Then she deactivated her tumblr.

>>8606245
Has science invented an ita repellent yet?

Less talk Lady Anonymous, more posting historical dresses.

>>8620265

>>8620267

>>8620268

>>8620272

>>8620273

>>8620277

>>8620278

>>8620282
Enjoy some Orlando.

>>8617086
If you get into historical dance there are frequently dance events for some era's (most often colonial and regency).

>>8620285

>>8620289

>>8620294

>>8620297

>>8620300

>>8620294
I get what they were going for when they made that robe a la francaise huge in the movie, but it just looked stupid.

>>8620301

>>8620304

>>8620303
Tilda Swinton's character changed from male to female so I can understand why they made the robe a la francaise extravagant. The character had to adjust to the female fashions of the time and etiquette which was evident in the period of the film.

>>8620312

>>8620315

>>8620320

>>8620321

>>8620325

>>8620329
I'm going to stop posting for now. Enjoy this GIF of Lady Orlando fanning herself.

>>8620047
Yeah the neo-victorian thing has kind of botched stuff up. Its been a while since I've looked but give me a bit and I'll try to dig some up.

>>8606226
what era is this? i think its really pretty. are there any historical reenactment groups in texas?

>>8620404
18th century.

>>8620047
Truly Victorian sewing patterns are fabulous. Very well designed and easy to put together. Pinterest is also full of historical clothing research.

>>8620766
seconding truly victorian...everything i've made from their patterns has gone together like a dream. i also really like the laiughing moon victorian corset pattern, but i know not everyone does.

Everything this woman does is just amazing.

>>8620766
I've heard Reconstructing History has good patterns in multiple eras but I haven't tried them myself.

Are the costumes from The Duchess historically accurate? Because I really, really love them and would love to recreate a few. I adore the hairstyles in particular.

>>8621091
Very accurate, and so gorgeous.

>>8621057
I haven't tried Reconstructing History either. I've heard really good things about JP Ryan's patterns for 18th century. People seem to love them.

>>8620774
>I will never be able to dress up at Versailles

damn it

>>8621409
Once a year they have a big old party where you're allowed to dress up in costume. I'm going to do it one day. if you dream it you can do it.

Anyone know of any any wardrobe pattern sets for men's regency? I know there are a couple pattern sets with multiple pieces for women's wear, but a quick look around didn't turn up anything for men. If I can spend a bit less than $100 for patterns for a full outfit, that'd be nice.

>>8621844
I'm the anon that mentioned Reconstructing History and I know at one point they had a men's Regency suit. Its why I looked at them in the first place, because a friend had bought an original military jacket from that era and wanted a close approximation of the proper pants for it for a planned photoshoot before the jacket went into a collection.

Would you say the regency era as a good place to start being it seems one of the lesser complicated styles if I were interested in sewing a dress? A petticoat and chemise as undergarment along with dress or is there more to it?

>>8621817
Yeah, but only certain areas of the palace and grounds are open for the masquerade. Queen's Bedroom, etc, not included.

>>8621884
You really need the period undergarments for it look right (as with every historical era pre-1960s) but the gowns and spencers are a bit less intense or complex than some other periods.

>>8621091
so so accurate!

>>8621057
i have an RH pattern, but haven't used it yet. definitely worth the $ though.

i've used the JP ryan men's 18c frock coat pattern (the earlier one, not the narrower bottomed one), and while i like it, it's only one size (44 chest) so i had to remove like 3 inches from each of the front panels to make it fit. it's a damn good pattern for military jackets though (pic related).

i've had a look at her 18c gown pattern and was less happy with it.....the bodice sides are cut as one piece with the skirt panels, which is kind of weird and just wouldn't work for me (i'm shortwaisted), just to let you know.

>>8606224
That guy should cosplay Boticelli.

>>8621997
ah forgot to mention the JP ryan robe francaise is actually sold as a pet en l'air jacket that needs to be lengthened to be a full overgown, so that's one more personal annoyance with it.

Shameless self posts!

>>8621997
me again. shameless selfpost. this is actually the simplicity antoinette pattern that's now out of print, but is almost exactly what's in janet arnold's patterns of fashion robe francaise pattern. it went together really easily too.

(pardon the sequins/rhinestones.....it's a takarazuka styled gown)

>>8622010

So what are you pet peeves for historical costumes in movies/TV shows/general mistakes people tend to make?

Those weird pigtail-like ringlets that appear in god knows how many "18th century" movies/shows/halloween costumes have been haunting me lately.

>>8622026
pet peeve of the moment is that godawful brown fabric in the leaked outlander costume photo. also when the designer says she's doing the costumes "zomg historically accurate" but actually isn't a costume historian and is doing kind of a crap job of keeping it historical.

>>8622010
>>8622025
Huh. You're actually rather decent looking. Shame you're an asshole.

>>8622026
Metal eyelets. Most commonly used in medieval/historical 'inspired' garb.

Ew.

What do you guys think of the costuming in the Poldark?

>>8621884
Yeah, Regency womenswear can be relatively easy and inexpensive, compared with other periods. You need less trim and less fabric, and generally less expensive fabric, than you would for Georgian or Victorian. There are also a lot of really good movies for inspiration.

Sense and Sensibility seems to be the go-to pattern line for Regency stuff. You still need proper underwear, but the Regency underwear is pretty easy if you just want short stays, which are also very comfortable. If you want long stays, Laughing Moon makes a Regency corset I've heard good things about but not tried.

>>8621884
Gotta make some short stays but they're pretty easy! If you like them you could probably wear them casually as well (provided you wear a chemise/ undershirt). They're short like a bra... without elastic. Pretty comfy.
Folkwear also has a regency design that is (apparently) decent. They have a historical version and a simplified modern version.

>>8622026

Showing up to reenactment events in some dress and a corset on top. It's like the ultimate reenactment ita.

>>8622167
Dropped pic

>>8622137
Oh and make sure you make the undergarments first so you can use your measurements (with the undergarments on) to make the dress!

>>8622122
>>8622137
since you anons seem to be pretty knowledgeable about regency stuff.....the thing that's kept me from trying it is that the empire waists are unflattering unless you're super tiny. like, everyone looks pregnant all the time.

i'm kind of terrifed that a regency gown would make me look like a house....i can't really wear most of the flowy clothes that are popular right now for this same reason. any advice, anons?

>>8621891
Yeah, true.

>>8622010
Are you the one who works in Williamsburg?

>>8622172
You would weep at my facebook feed right now. So many ill fitting corsets over top of clothes that are not at all period accurate. and those same people are giving me advice on stuff I'm working on (which isn't even meant to be historically accurate but rather historically inspired). And their terrible hair choices aren't helping their cause any in my book either.

>>8621997
I recognize that jacket!

>>8622194

Regency gowns without gathering directly below the bust don't look like maternity wear. If you need a little extra help, you can wear a full length corset instead of the short stays.

>>8622026
I could use some broad and general peeves, but seeing as we're of a like mind here, i'll go with a specific one:

Lack of coifs hats. people covered there heads for various reasons throughout 99% of history. I understand that modern Hollywood discourages obscuring the stars face, but what about the background folks? Same for reenactors.

Visible, obviously modern boot tread is another. For reenactors, its forgivable. For film productions, take five minutes to edit that shit.

>>8622056
:(

>>8622167
Seconded

>>8622528
Up until recently. CW is not doing well financially and a ton of us got laid off.

>>8622167
>reenactment ita
I think the term is farb.

>>8622808
At least you got paid man. My gig was all volunteer with the promise of eventual museum internships, which I ended up moving before I got it.

>>8622890
Well, I lucked out having a few unique skills and backgrounds. I've worked at a couple living history museums, and im hoping to go back to Jamestown Settlement soon. Pic relatred, but military

>>8622079
so I'm kind of new at this...what do you do instead of metal eyelets?

>>8622967
Sewn eyelets.

>>8622621
thanks for the advice anon....i'm mostly worried because i have a 38" bust and 42" hips...i don't think a long corset would really help. i have an hourglass figure, but empire waist stuff seems to always make me look preggers.

So what are some of your favorite documentaries, TV shows or movies that feature re-enactment?

I have a soft spot for the Civil War re-enactment subplot in Family Tree.

>>8623335
I didn't like the book Austenland but I loved the movie. Maybe it's because of Jane Seymour.

>>8623350
I watched it for JJ Feild and Jennifer Coolidge. And the light teal dress Keri Russell wore was really nice.

>>8623350
Austenland the book was cringeworthy and teaboo level.

>>8621318
I'm doing a JP Ryan pattern now, and just finished another one. The instructions are incredibly easy but they leave a little bit to the imagination regarding finishing (topstitching, etc) so you need to improvise. A lot of what is included can easily be found online in tutorials (waistcoats, shortgowns, petticoats). I would suggest looking online first for simpler garments if you are trying to be thrifty.

>>8622933
I keep telling myself I'll eventually leave my cushy office job to go work in a living history museum but I know full well that leaving my current job for a museum job will potentially leave me in financial ruin. When you really enjoy something it's totally worth it... right?

Anyone have experience with Janet Arnold? If so, how user friendly are they in terms of resizing and assembly? I probably don't need intense resizing (I assume the pattern dimensions refer to each original extant garment, and I'm fairly small and short) and I'm an experienced seamstress, but if they're a massive hassle to use I may just buy preprinted.

>>8623842
hey anon....the image in >>8608426 is a scan of one of the pattern pages in one of janet arnold's books. the patterns are indeed based on extant garments. i haven't tried making up an actual pattern from her little gridded ones in the book, so i'm unsure about sizing. the books are pretty inexpensive on amazon every so often, so might just be worth buying one. they're very good for research even if you don't end up using her patterns.

>>8622933
Holy shit Gropey I think I've met you. I have a pic of almost this same exact scene. It might have gone down with my old computer, but if I can find it I'll post it. We stopped there a while back and I distinctly remember having a pretty long conversation with the guy doing the munitions display (presumably you?) afterwards. I used to be at a museum a few hours north of there but moved and its killing me cus the oldest thing here is from 1840.

>>8623998
Thanks. That is a high level of detail, so it looks quite useful even if only used as a reference. The first volume is only $30 on Amazon, so I'm going to give it a try. Maybe I'll muslin one of the bodices and see how it goes.

>>8624029
I met him on a school trip years ago before I found /cgl/. Admittedly, I was more interested on the gold rings in his nose and ears, and was shocked when he not only told me the history, but that there was art of Dutch soldiers with septum rings in the museum.

If anyone's looking to pick up some historical pre-printed patterns, Truly Victorian, Laughing Moon, Folkwear, and Reconstructing history are all 20% off at Vogue Fabrics, in store or online. I mention it just because I rarely see these on sale. They don't have every pattern, but there's a decent selection.

>>8624029
>>8625001
God damn that was so long ago. I was fresh out of highschool, and Jamestown was my first professional museum job in 2008... Pic related, chunks of broken knife I was forging pulled out of my face back at Jamestown.

>>8625766
How old are you in this pic? Your face doesn't look as mashed up and boxerish and your more recent pics.

>>8606224
Cute picture. Makes you really want to get into doing chill stuff in historic costumes. Especially with the guy they look so more relaxed than what I see at lolita picnics.

>>8607213
Is there a specific term for what the woman in green is wearing? I really dig the more utilitarian simple look. Is it just clothing for a different occasion? Like riding/hunting vs home wear?

>>8622194
>>8623293
I'm not experienced/ knowledgable at all, really! Second anon, don't take me too seriously because I could be wrong! Just some reading/ googling since I enjoyed the aesthetic after seeing some costume dramas. If you have a decently small ribcage I think it's all right! I'm dd and (34"-27"-41") and I think I look pretty good in empire cuts (I am tall however). If you have a large chest I think it can look quite nice as well, it's defined under the bust and accentuates them (come on, wasn't everyone checking out lizzie's chest in the bbc version?- just talking aesthetics here, I don't know much about accuracy)- it's not like a trapeze/ sack/ shift dress which is basically a sack (especially when they're high cut). People seem to mix them up (empire cuts and actual sack dresses).

>>8626806
thanks anon....i have a 32" underbust, so maybe there's hope for me! i agree that the busty ladies in costume dramas do look darn good, so maybe i'll have to give the whole regency thing a try. it's certainly tons cheaper than 18c gowns.

>>8626737
Looks like she's wearing an 18th century riding habit to me.
Here are a bunch of close-ups: http://reine-de-coudre.livejournal.com/207694.html

>>8626939
She looks damn fine, thanks.

I guess now I know my coveted aesthetic is riding habits.

>>8626946
Riding habits are pretty fabulous in most periods. I think this one is the same pattern as that brown one, but in a different color with some embellishment.
http://americanduchess.blogspot.de/2014/03/1740s-riding-habit-waistcoat-and-shirt.html

Any advice on where to find a decent justaucorps pattern or how to modify a more run of the mill modern coat pattern? It's for cosplay so historical accuracy is fine to err on, I'd just rather not have to make a pattern from scratch as I'm not really all that comfortable in my ability to do so /:

>>8627294
i know i've seen a few....check the patterns of time website for the period you're interested in (it's an aggregator for period patterns, so it has many brands of historical patterns)

found some interesting living history pictures. In Greenfield Village in Michigan they do (or at some point did, I don't know if they continued it) a "mourning" living history presentation every year where visitors can tour a house in mourning.

Has anyone ever gone on--or participated in--a living history cemetery walk? There's a bunch of them in my area and it sounds interesting.

This thread is amazing. I've been wanting to make a historical outfit as a break from making cosplays. Thank you, anons.

>>8629703

>>8629703
Several. Did "Voices of the departed" in Saint Louis 1-3 portraying various pirates and adventurers back home in NOLA, and various events in both Williamsburg Va and Plymouth Ma.

>>8629703
I'd like to, since I love mourning attire and even inherited a set, but cemeteries skeeve me out.

>>8622808
Ah that's unfortunate. I'm currently out of work but unfortunately where I live there is only one place that would let me no dress like a slave but I'd rather not work as a waitress.

>>8634670
Am I right to assume you're black then? From what my black interpreter friends tell me, the way most living history museums "disneyfy" and clean up that particular bit of history can be very tiresome.

Speaking of which, have you ever seen "Ask a Slave" on you tube? Its the professional interpreter of lady Washington's personal house slave at Mt. Vernon, answering real questions the way she REALLY wanted to answer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1IYH_MbJqA

>>8606245
I really don't understand people wearing lolita to reenactment events yet get angry at people not wearing lolita to lolita meets.

>>8638132
Devils advocate here, but to be fair most reenactments are open to the public where lolita meets are not. There's always people in tshirts and shit gaping at the reenactors. You can't even really just show up in period gear either without being attached to a group in most cases.

>>8638477
Different anon, I've been to some pretty expensive historical balls and such being invaded by crappy cosplayers and itas. It's really embarrassing.

>>8636387
watched every episode, although i have stuff to do...whatever worth it.

>>8639106
Oh. Well that sounds pretty shit, sorry dude. I thought anon meant like the battle camps. My town tried to have a ball like that once for our 150th anniversary thing, luckily it didn't get invaded but we still had people showing up in questionable 'historical' attire. Like there's 4 of us in 1850s ballgowns, a handful with either Ebay potato sack dresses or Simplicity southern belle outfits in glitter satin (this was before that somewhat decent pattern set came out), one old lady in a nightgown-like colonial dress she made for the Bicentennial, and a bunch of people inexplicably in renaissance faire garb. I mean this was years ago and one of my first events, but I had the thought to at least look up some original gowns and try to match up what I bought color and trim wise.

>will never have a friend to do a Trianon picnic with

why live

>>8643609
raging at the obviously visible stays from the back.....also why is green gown girl's bodice half undone (at the top) in the back? is that a zipper?

/irrational 18c rage

>>8643843
They're probably wearing purchased or borrowed clothes. The white dress wasn't custom made to wear with those stays, the green dress may be too small in the upper bust. In the alternative, they did DIY but they're not quite up to par for skill level and historical construction and fit.

Do any of you have experience with late 16th century clothing? I want to make an Italian working class dress, but most of the costumers I've seen use wool. The faires and events I go to are all in California and are so hot. I know that I can get wool in different weights, but is there any other material I can use instead? Would linen work as a "fashion" fabric for this type of dress?

>>8645889
A nice linen should be fine. (Linen was typically used during that time period for smocks and various accessories... the poorer the person the coarser the fabric. I'd go for something just below handkerchief for working class.

>>8645889
Make sure all your inner layers )shirt/chemise/camisa and partlet and even lining are linen, not a hint of cotton, just linen and you may be able to get away with wool depending on how you respire. I tend to be on the high end and can manage it in warm muggy environments.
>>8622194
it's all about that waist (terrible pun). I just did a workshop today that happened to cover why so many regency skirts kind of fail. I'm about to do a big (but scaled) pattern demo on my website for skirts from 1800-1900 so hoping to cover how the different waist lines after the hang as much as fullness and fabric choice.
One major secret is to not just sew the skirt front with no gathers but to make sure you gore the skirts and sew them in the right order. Also to cut the skirt waist in a deep curve at the front and the bodice in a slight curve up to centre front. It all acts to smooth the fabric. Also a single pleat maybe at the side but those bodice wrap around to side back for a reason to aim pleats the the back. It's a very late Regency look but in self striped sheer cotton totally pretty.
>>8621091
Semi accurate! Not quite as nasty as the real deal, softened for modern sensibilities. So just imagine a bit more frizz. Let's put it like this- it's highly recognisable with you turned up in the time with that hair you'd be looked at weirdly. Frizz has not always been a bad thing.
The costumes are a mix. I can spot modern fit in a lot. Again the litmus is would people of the time be weirded out. The movie that really meets this for the time is Dangerous Liasons. It's insane. And easier to spot how little contemporary fashions played on it now that we have the distance of a few decades.

>>8606213

>>8620783
Love this, recognised it straight off. I think she is friends with a number of my lj friends. Just never crossed paths enough. But that fit and proportion is divine. She did a circa 1880 court gown that had the epic long point over the very fitted smooth tablier that is so iconic and insane on the inside. Reinspired me to a) think about Costume College for real (my site was the go to for 16C german women's garb- The Frazzled Frau) and I live an entire ocean from even LA..... so.. then b) I do actually apply for a CoCo scholarship and now c) get my freaking Worth Sunburst gown done. It would be the ideal event.
Not sure on cgl tradition re posting our sites but here is the dress I mean at the museum:
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/82607?rpp=30&pg=4&ft=charles+frederick+worth&pos=93
I have everything ready, I just keep chickening out due tot the cut work. The beading, fine. He made a copy and the Kyoto Costume Institute has it now. But it's pink.
>>8608432
As another anon pointed out Patterns of fashion has several examples but so does Cut of Women's Clothes by Nora Waugh. The two together show what basic shapes work and how to adapt them. I can make a francaise with just 3 yards of fabric for the robe, but it's crazily similar amount for the petticoat!
>>8608276
Natural form and both bustle periods got me started this epic journey :) One good this is everything is flat lined. It has to be in order to be taken in so carefully to get a super close fit and still be able to move! So learn some seam tidying (occasional narrow ribbon, often the edges were pinked and sometimes hand basted. Also with the reliance of a narrow waist seam allowances were heavily clipped so keeping that all where you can see it and prevent potential stress tears is best.

>>8606213

>>8608037
I've been wanting to go for years. Also media costumes and cosplay do get a look in. There are a lot of social activities and people plan themed meet ups a year in advance.

Um, so this thread had a lot to offer... reply spree ended/

>>8648644

>>8608037
I've been wanting to go for years. Also media costumes and cosplay do get a look in. There are a lot of social activities and people plan themed meet ups a year in advance.

Um, so this thread had a lot to offer... reply spree ended/

>>8636387
My thing is that I have worked as a living history slave in the past. Actually around Northern Virginia at a couple of places... including Mt. Vernon. For me it's not only the disneyfication... but also the wardrobe. I know a couple of tour companies that don't have any slaves but you just put on colonial garb and walk tourists around Old Town Alexandria... either as a ghost tour or just a "look at these people's houses a founding father used to live here!"

Honestly the fact that I'm not white is the biggest reason why I don't do historical reenactment events. I just make dresses heavily inspired from historical periods and wear those for other things.

>>8622025
>>8622010
You're like a background character from Beauty and the Beast come to life. Awesome!

>>8622056
you know him?

bump

Also kind of a bump... but also curious.

Anyone have a good 18th century cloak pattern? I am willing to purchase one, I've seen mixed reviews for paper patterns. I don't believe I need a full pattern if it is just a circle cloak. I'd rather do it based on an online tutorial/pattern. A lot of the guides online link to a page that is no longer available at The Hive.