The gown and kirtle pattern are both excellent patterns for the intermediate seamstress. I would recommend this to be the first major project for someone who has made basic tunics, pants and other simple garb. The directions provided are clear and often accompanied by line drawings. I’ve found that the sizes on the pattern are for the most part accurate to actual size. I really appreciated the inclusion of period pictures and references that were used to come up with the overall design for both the kirtle and gown. These will let the individual decide for themselves how the garment would have looked in period and if you wish to create it for that look (for those who choose to be historically accurate whenever possible) or to modify the length, decoration or other appearance. The pattern pieces are made from heavy paper, not tissue and have clearly marked information on each piece. Over all, I can say that I will be using both the kirtle and gown (or robe) many times in both the long and medium lengths. Sizes run from the regular ones up to 26. I wear a 22-24 and cut the larger size 26 for myself just in case it ran a bit small. I’ve taken it in to my normal size really like the fit. Patterns from Reconstructing History are not cheap, but are backed with the designers research and made from quality products so I feel I got my moneys worth.
Rated 4 out of 5
Cilean Sterling –
I am a Size 20 and I made this up without a toile, my first mistake, it was a little large I could have used the 18 or perhaps the 16 for a closer fit. The Sleeve was huge, I will have to redo this due to the size. I do recommend this pattern but always make a toile up!!
Rated 3 out of 5
Trystan Bass –
I’ve only used the loose gown pattern, & I have mixed feelings about it. This is a simple garment, rather triangular shaped, historically accurate, & not hard to make. What’s useful is having the large, awkward shapes in paper / drawn out for you & they meet up well. But the sleeves are ridiculous, I have a lot of experience with 16th-c. sleeves & couldn’t get these ones to work as drafted. Yet I’ve used the body pieces, with or without sleeves, to make many loose gowns that are great items of my period wardrobe.
Karen Bradley –
The gown and kirtle pattern are both excellent patterns for the intermediate seamstress. I would recommend this to be the first major project for someone who has made basic tunics, pants and other simple garb. The directions provided are clear and often accompanied by line drawings. I’ve found that the sizes on the pattern are for the most part accurate to actual size. I really appreciated the inclusion of period pictures and references that were used to come up with the overall design for both the kirtle and gown. These will let the individual decide for themselves how the garment would have looked in period and if you wish to create it for that look (for those who choose to be historically accurate whenever possible) or to modify the length, decoration or other appearance. The pattern pieces are made from heavy paper, not tissue and have clearly marked information on each piece. Over all, I can say that I will be using both the kirtle and gown (or robe) many times in both the long and medium lengths. Sizes run from the regular ones up to 26. I wear a 22-24 and cut the larger size 26 for myself just in case it ran a bit small. I’ve taken it in to my normal size really like the fit. Patterns from Reconstructing History are not cheap, but are backed with the designers research and made from quality products so I feel I got my moneys worth.
Cilean Sterling –
I am a Size 20 and I made this up without a toile, my first mistake, it was a little large I could have used the 18 or perhaps the 16 for a closer fit. The Sleeve was huge, I will have to redo this due to the size. I do recommend this pattern but always make a toile up!!
Trystan Bass –
I’ve only used the loose gown pattern, & I have mixed feelings about it. This is a simple garment, rather triangular shaped, historically accurate, & not hard to make. What’s useful is having the large, awkward shapes in paper / drawn out for you & they meet up well. But the sleeves are ridiculous, I have a lot of experience with 16th-c. sleeves & couldn’t get these ones to work as drafted. Yet I’ve used the body pieces, with or without sleeves, to make many loose gowns that are great items of my period wardrobe.