This pattern is straightforward and easy to understand. I had little fabric to make the skirt, so I simply gathered it to the bodice as a large rectangle instead of using the skirt pattern pieces. I put two wood buttons at front and back of the tops of the shoulders that string winds around to close, and made a similar button ‘zipper’ to go down the front of the bodice in the Flemish style. It is very comfortable and flattering and among the better of the Ren Faire-ish patterns out there. I recommend more interfacing on the bodice than the pattern does so you can have a smooth look. It’s not a historically accurate pattern by any means, but it is a very fun costume.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cassandra O’Connor –
Super easy instructions, though it’s not super-high on the authenticity detail. My beefs: darts, lack of interfacing, not enough fabric in the skirts, and that apron is silly. All of these are easily remedied. The blouse can be easily modified for longer sleeves; eliminate the elastic. The roll-brim hat is very silly; I made mine half the diameter the pattern specifies and it still looks overwhelming. The cover picture doesn’t really display this hat to its full (ridiculous) potential. Did middle-class women actually wear these hats? I thought this style was a guy hat. The French Hood is quite pretty, but not appropriate for a peasant costume. I’m just wearing a snood with this outfit. I have objections to the tied-shoulder sleeves; they have a distinct fantasy medieval feel. The very itty bitty sleeves on the more formal over-gown are entirely too short and have no over-sleeves, though both of these flaws are easily dealt with. The outfit is very comfortable to wear, with a flattering silhouette for a larger lady like myself. I enjoyed sewing it all.
Rated 4 out of 5
Cathy Raymond –
This is Simplicity’s basic Renaissance dress. View B is, judging from the cover illustration, meant to be the standard 1530’s Tudor gown. The pattern is not historically correct. It’s a simple pattern; I had no problem altering it to make it more acceptable and I have no great skill at pattern drafting. I took in the bodice substantially and altered the sleeve shape.
Juliana Aldrich –
This pattern is straightforward and easy to understand. I had little fabric to make the skirt, so I simply gathered it to the bodice as a large rectangle instead of using the skirt pattern pieces. I put two wood buttons at front and back of the tops of the shoulders that string winds around to close, and made a similar button ‘zipper’ to go down the front of the bodice in the Flemish style. It is very comfortable and flattering and among the better of the Ren Faire-ish patterns out there. I recommend more interfacing on the bodice than the pattern does so you can have a smooth look. It’s not a historically accurate pattern by any means, but it is a very fun costume.
Cassandra O’Connor –
Super easy instructions, though it’s not super-high on the authenticity detail. My beefs: darts, lack of interfacing, not enough fabric in the skirts, and that apron is silly. All of these are easily remedied. The blouse can be easily modified for longer sleeves; eliminate the elastic. The roll-brim hat is very silly; I made mine half the diameter the pattern specifies and it still looks overwhelming. The cover picture doesn’t really display this hat to its full (ridiculous) potential. Did middle-class women actually wear these hats? I thought this style was a guy hat. The French Hood is quite pretty, but not appropriate for a peasant costume. I’m just wearing a snood with this outfit. I have objections to the tied-shoulder sleeves; they have a distinct fantasy medieval feel. The very itty bitty sleeves on the more formal over-gown are entirely too short and have no over-sleeves, though both of these flaws are easily dealt with. The outfit is very comfortable to wear, with a flattering silhouette for a larger lady like myself. I enjoyed sewing it all.
Cathy Raymond –
This is Simplicity’s basic Renaissance dress. View B is, judging from the cover illustration, meant to be the standard 1530’s Tudor gown. The pattern is not historically correct. It’s a simple pattern; I had no problem altering it to make it more acceptable and I have no great skill at pattern drafting. I took in the bodice substantially and altered the sleeve shape.