Somehow, my husband agreed to go to a Ren Faire with me, AND to go in costume, so long as he could go as a Viking.
So I made us some outfits.
His was made following the classic medieval construction.
So I made us some outfits.
His was made following the classic medieval construction.
Mine is a mashup of the bodice from Simplicity 9595, the skirt from Simplicity 8161, and the chemise made in the same way as his Viking tunic. I made it a while back for a Regency outfit, but modified it so that it would go with my dirndl (shortening it and adding a ruffle at the hem). But it still works here. Thankfully, this garment was made and worn the same way for centuries, so I'm covered. Not that I'm going for perfect historical accuracy, but getting in the ballpark is fun.
Simplicity 9592
Getting this pattern to work took some time. First off, my size is bigger than the pattern I own: the pattern ranges from 6–12, and in the end, I realized I needed a 14. Second, the pattern is not that sophisticated and probably works like a dream for women with no boobs, but that is not me.
So I ended up making FIVE muslins! I started off trying to use my high bust, a size 10, and adjusting for more bust room, but that was a disaster. I traced out a new pattern, expanding to get a 14. At that point, I also added a side seam to the front pattern piece to give me more fitting options, as the original was one side and front piece together. Then I kept making muslins and adjusting the fit. I attacked the princess seams first. They were way off. Then the straps and the general fit of the torso.
So I ended up making FIVE muslins! I started off trying to use my high bust, a size 10, and adjusting for more bust room, but that was a disaster. I traced out a new pattern, expanding to get a 14. At that point, I also added a side seam to the front pattern piece to give me more fitting options, as the original was one side and front piece together. Then I kept making muslins and adjusting the fit. I attacked the princess seams first. They were way off. Then the straps and the general fit of the torso.
Comparison of Original and Adjusted Pattern Pieces
I thought I was done and made up the bodice in the beautiful blue linen that I got from the Linen Lab (a new shop to me, which turned out to be amazing).
It was acceptable, but then I thought, why not add some boning and see what happens? And amazingly, it helped a lot. It is also more comfortable.
It was acceptable, but then I thought, why not add some boning and see what happens? And amazingly, it helped a lot. It is also more comfortable.
Simplicity 8161
I used this pattern for the skirt of my outfit, and I actually mocked up the bodice as well. It would have worked with a few muslins to adjust the fit, but I didn't want sleeves or to wear a stomacher.
The skirt was easy to construct. It's just rectangles. The pleats are easy to make, as is the waistband. Too bad I can't measure very well. I made it up, it looked beautiful, and I tried it on. About 3 inches too small at the waist. So I ripped out the end pleats of the front and added a new waistband. It worked well enough.
The skirt was easy to construct. It's just rectangles. The pleats are easy to make, as is the waistband. Too bad I can't measure very well. I made it up, it looked beautiful, and I tried it on. About 3 inches too small at the waist. So I ripped out the end pleats of the front and added a new waistband. It worked well enough.
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