Plotting the Next Major Project...another 1570s Suit

So, shortly after being asked to join the Laurels in the SCA a touch over two months ago at Oerthan Winter Coronet* I decided that I needed to attempt a real masterwork project for my elevation.  My last major project, the Brunswick Germans was decent...a good trial run of techniques and getting me closer to my goal of a tailored period court suit, but not an attempted masterwork--if not the use of machine stitching, the choices of non-period fabrics was a bar to that in my mind.  But now, I can actually afford the good fabrics to do it right, rather than working primarily from stash.

So, I decided to poke around, and see what I could find for inspiration.  This was somewhat complicated by wanting to find something I could/would actually wear, but other than the Germans I have been playing with.  Eventually, I ran across a certain portrait--one Sir Edward Hastings at the age of 29, in 1573.  It is absolutely gorgeous, and I will probably do a Featured Garment post on it sooner rather than later.

ART UK 597951

Fly-by-Night Airship Jacket: Putting it together

Alright....this is part two of my posts on the Steampunk jacket, dubbed the "Fly-by-night" (no idea  why) Airship jacket.  Or, just airship jacket.  It was inspired by several things, the late Victorian military tunic or jacket, a particular image of Colonel Mostery (a Victorian era swordsman and fighter), and probably a couple other things I can't remember.

Part I, roughly covering the drafting, can be found HERE.

For those who haven't been following along on the Matsukaze Workshops FB page (which you totally should!), this project took much longer than it should have--a full year due to several setbacks.  Trouble sourcing enough nice buttons for a reasonable price (since I needed around 40 matching buttons!), lack of sleeve then lining materials (I later found my lining material in a pile of stuff), running out of leather dye....  And of course, because it is a steampunk project rather than a historical one, it was lower on the priority list--so it didn't get worked on as much.

The Other Next Project; Wild Irish

I'm also starting another project this week--just waiting on thread.  I've been planning it for quite a while...even bought the fabric almost a year ago.

 And that is: 16th Century Wild Irish.  I figured it is time, especially since I wrote the article on 16th century Irish clothing more than a few years ago.  The outfit is really quite simple; the basis is the leine of golden yellow linen, the inar of red wool, and that is essentially all.  A fringed woolen brat is also a requirement, but I made mine a good 4.5 years ago (and use it every day).  No shoes, pants, or hat required.

Fly-by-night Lancer's Tunic: Drafting

My latest harebrained scheme--a steampunk jacket in the form of a late Victorian Lancer's Tunic.  Now, there isn't much of a difference from drafting a body coat of the same system, but there are some.  Therefore, I decided to throw together a rough tutorial (images probably won't be the best) of the cutting system.

As mentioned, the tutorial is somewhat rough, and missing a few steps for the pictures--apologies for that.  But since the project is now finished, I decided I should probably publish what I have.

The system is roughly the same as that for my Frock Coat drafting tutorial--same author and company, but for military tunics.  I do recommend reading the Frock Coat Tutorial first, before continuing.--just for clarity.