The Great Pattern Review
Costume Connection
#11012 - 11th Century Man
Sally Norton - Highly Recommended
A very easy pattern. Good for beginners. No problems at all. I added a row of small metal buttons with cord loops to the front for the closure. The man I made it for said it was comfortable to wear.
#11021 - 11th Century Woman
Sally Norton - Recommended
It's easy and does make up into a comfortable and acceptable ensemble. Good for beginners. There aren't any surprises except the pattern runs large. I cut the sleeve for the tunic following the pattern piece exactly. It is not as long and "drippy" as shown in the illustration. The second time I made this tunic I lengthened the sleeve a lot to get the long effect. The closure described in the instructions is a single hook and eye. If you want to be more correct for the period, use an awl to create holes; then hand-sew eyelets and lace up the closure. When you cut out the wimple, cut a reduce the size of the section you'll cut out for your face. It's MUCH too large. I had to cut it down and ended up with a center seam. Sally is wearing the second version in the photo on the left along with the under-tunic and wimple.
Frannie Germeshausen - Recommended
It's a straightforward pattern and does look just like the illustration. I had a major problem with the wimple. I could not get it to work. The instructions are not helpful. It's just this big piece of fabric; I couldn't figure what to do with it. I gave up. Frannie (seated) is wearing the tunic and under-tunic in the photo to the right.
#16031 - Early Tudor Woman
Yvette Keller
I didn't like the sleeves; they have a seam running down the top. It isn't attractive and I doubt that it is accurate for the period. I cut the sleeve so the seam is reversed but, it takes a lot more fabric especially since I also lengthened the sleeve. Yvette and her mother, Patti, are wearing their gowns in the photo on the right.
#17021 - Cavalier Woman
Frannie Germeshausen
The pattern uses modern (commercial pattern) construction techniques, things like interfacing, bust darts (!!!) on the stomacher, etc. Positive things about this approach (for me) meant cutting layouts were included. (I'm often using fabrics that came from remnant places, so there's no way to get more if a mistake is made in cutting.) Negatives mean messing around with interfacing, attaching cuffs in what seemed like an awkward way, and bust darts (!!!). That said, I really like the way it turned out. The bodice has a really pretty line. I'm still messing with the fit of the front closures, but that's more a function of working alone, and at the last minute, than a pattern problem. The skirt was a piece of cake, and also looks pretty, with a small train. I just wish the sleeves were right (I tried to make them fuller without having access to resources like Hunniset, to mixed results). I'd also be happier if the bodice were fully lined, and I wonder about how long the buckram-lined stomacher will hold up.
Pat Shaw - Recommended for beginners.
The sleeves are not a proper representation of the period but, otherwise, I was pleased with the results. I still have some adjustments to make to the neckline; it is too large. Pictured at right.
Loren Dearborn
This pattern is more of an impression than a recreation. This pattern fits pretty well and is not too hard. The sleeves are a bit odd, not as wide as they should be and the sleeve head is to puffy. I used the paned sleeves from Hunniset instead.
#17022 - Cavalier Man
Pat Shaw - Highly Recommended for beginners.
It looks just like the illustration. The instructions and fit are very similar to modern commercial patterns. I did not, however, like the way the pants look. Picture above.
Cathy Raymond - Highly Recommended
It goes together quickly and easily. It's great for a LARP or Halloween costume but, not nearly historical enough for reenactment purposes. Tip: If you make up this costume, the doublet looks much better if you have your guy put a thick belt or sash over the top at waist level.