The Houppelande is fairly easy to cut out and put together and I can recommend it. It probably would be a bit difficult for a beginner. The pattern assumes that you have more than a basic knowledge of sewing and what has to be done to finish a garment. The collars do not seem to work for the neck openings but, I made two styles using the collarless faced openings. I altered the men’s basic style with the bagpipe sleeves by not sewing up the front opening. I faced the opening all the way down to create a 15th Century dressing gown and added a matching fabric belt. I also made the Houppelande with the lined batwing sleeves with no problems except trying to even the hem as the cut and weight of the cotton damask I used caused it to stretch past what I had anticipated. The pattern does warn you about stretching and suggests hanging the unhemed Houppelande overnight, but, given the weight of the amounts of fabric in the design, I’d suggest about a week, especially if you are using a heavyweight fabric such as velvet.
Rated 3 out of 5
Betsy Dickenson –
I made three different Houpelandes using this pattern and was very pleased with the results. They were authentic in look, even down to the hand made buttons. The pattern historical notes are intresting, as are the lined illustrations depicting the works of fine art from which the designs are derived. I would NOT recommend these patterns for anyone who is not an experienced sewer. The directions assume more than basic construction knowledge, etc. and do not give explicit instructions. The bottom line: if you have good sewing skills and knowledge you will be thrilled with the results. If you do not fit the above description you will be lost.
Tara LaBella –
The Houppelande is fairly easy to cut out and put together and I can recommend it. It probably would be a bit difficult for a beginner. The pattern assumes that you have more than a basic knowledge of sewing and what has to be done to finish a garment. The collars do not seem to work for the neck openings but, I made two styles using the collarless faced openings. I altered the men’s basic style with the bagpipe sleeves by not sewing up the front opening. I faced the opening all the way down to create a 15th Century dressing gown and added a matching fabric belt. I also made the Houppelande with the lined batwing sleeves with no problems except trying to even the hem as the cut and weight of the cotton damask I used caused it to stretch past what I had anticipated. The pattern does warn you about stretching and suggests hanging the unhemed Houppelande overnight, but, given the weight of the amounts of fabric in the design, I’d suggest about a week, especially if you are using a heavyweight fabric such as velvet.
Betsy Dickenson –
I made three different Houpelandes using this pattern and was very pleased with the results. They were authentic in look, even down to the hand made buttons. The pattern historical notes are intresting, as are the lined illustrations depicting the works of fine art from which the designs are derived. I would NOT recommend these patterns for anyone who is not an experienced sewer. The directions assume more than basic construction knowledge, etc. and do not give explicit instructions. The bottom line: if you have good sewing skills and knowledge you will be thrilled with the results. If you do not fit the above description you will be lost.