Pattern problem for 15th century doublet - help!

[LadyC]

I recently purchased a pattern from Reconstructing History for '15th century doublet and hosen', no.RH003
[https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh003-15th-century-doublet-hosen.php?s=&c=22&d=29&q=3&p=72&w=21].

I am attempting to make up the doublet but the pattern layout does not actually show the pattern pieces that are in the envelope, and doublet making up instructions are not for a doublet with a 'v' at the back neck, which is actually what is in the envelope. Thus I am confused and irritated. I have emailed the company but they are closed until January.

The doublet was meant to be a Christmas present for my lord and master so is a great disappointment.

Has anyone else purchased this pattern and tried to make the doublet? It is exactly what I have been seeking but has been a nightmare to make up and I am now stuck with a doublet with no collar as the instructions are impossible to follow. I have The Medieval Taylor's Assistant and may have to re-create a pattern, which is VERY annoying, and would have saved me £20 if I had done that in the first place.

Any input will be appreciated. Thank you.

[Phil the Grips]

I've never made that pattern up but I do know that Kass is very keen on supporting customers who have bought her patterns and replies to emails very quaickly, however she is on a cruise at the moment so offline for the forseeable.

[LadyC]

Thank you! I saw that the pattern seemed to have two stars out of a possible five on the web site and I wondered why?

Looks like I may just have to wait till January to finish the item. Appreciate your quick response to my post. regards

[Marcus Woodhouse]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems. My wife bought this pattern in order to make one for me but we passed it on because it confused her so much (but I'm sure there was a V neck collar in the pattern we had) and it was far too northern for what I portray. Ironically a lot of the doublets she has made for me do not have a collar at all so your would have been perfect for me. Not that this does you any good. Sorrry.

[Jackie Phillips]

Sorry, I didn't see this earlier.

I've not used the pattern, so I'm not sure what the problems are, but I've made hundreds of v-necked garments and could probably talk you through what you need to do to insert it onto the body. I'm around today, if it's not too late to get it done, my number is 07979 991694.

Jackie

[LadyC]

hi Jackie, thanks so much for the sound advice and reassurance you gave me on the phone. I shall get the thing finished as best I can and look for an alternative pattern for a well-fitting doublet for my lord and master, as this pattern is not going to fit him.
At least I used a cheap fabric for my tryout of this doublet and have not wasted expensive fabric this time!

Have a lovely Christmas and I hope your baking turns out delicious! thanks again, Lady Cristobel

[LadyC]

Thanks, Marcus, for your response. At least I know now I am not the only one with an issue here. I appreciate your useful feedback.
Have a good Christmas! I wonder if anyone will post a reply that actually recommends a GOOD 15th century doublet pattern! This is the second one I have bought and it's becoming expensive.
regards
Lady C

[Marcus Woodhouse]

I could photocopy you something but my focus is on mid to late 15th Century Italian and only those sell out traitors of Savoy would wear anything so disgustingly Frankish as the doublet you are making. However should you wish to adopt a more cultured manner of dress that will leave your barbaric northern cousins speechless at your outlandish style and good taste I would be happy to help.

[LadyC]

oooh, I'd like to see some pictures of you in your stunning doublet! Do send me a link!
thanks
LadyC

[Sophia]

Lady C,

If you still have my number give me a call - I don't have a pattern to offer you but can definitely talk you through the whole fitting process from an entirely non-professional point of view (have used MTA, paintings and TT to create doublet patterns).

Thinking of the Baron's physique there are some fitting quirks he has in common with Peter.

All the best,

Soph

[Churchmouse]

Hello there, and a happy new year to you. I can understand how frustrated you feel! I can highly recommend Petty Chapman's 15th century doublet pattern - it has no instructions as such but is so easy to follow. It comes in many chest sizes and apart from individual physical differences, will fit most figures. I would always recommend that a toile is made first in, say, calico using the pattern as your basic shape. If you wish to contact me via PMs then please do so and I would be happy to pass on some tips and wrinkles that I have learned over the years. As a costumer myself, I applaud anyone with the courage and good financial sense to have a go themselves!

[LadyC]

hello churchmouse, tell me more about the Petty pattern and how I might get hold of it. I am experienced sewer, so should be able to work out how to construct the doublet as long as the pattern is a sensible shape.

I appreciate your response, look forward to finding out more about this option.

regards, Lady C

[LadyC]

hello again churchmouse - I googled Petty Chapman and the medieval pattern section of their website is under construction!!!

So I shall continue my search for the perfect medieval doublet pattern, many thanks!
regards, LadyC

[Churchmouse]

Sorry that your search was unsuccessful - can anyone supply contact details for Dave Rushworth whom I know sells them? Maybe you can reach him through either TORM website or Histrenact? Otherwise, Caliver Books in Essex has a supply of patterns, although, you may have to order. Good hunting!

[LadyC]

oh yes, churchmouse, his details are on the site. I will follow up, thank you!!
regards, LadyC

[Scottish Lady]

Have PM'd you, but not sure it got sent properly, can you let me know. Jude

[LadyC]

hi Scottish Lady, I have PM'd you back, hope you get it. Look forward to meeting you soon.

Lady C, tarot reader extraordinaire

[LadyC]

hello Scottish Lady, I sent you a PM yesterday but it is still sitting in my Outbox. How about Thursday next week, 2pm at Bruce Miller's? They have nice sofas and good cappuccinos!

regards
LadyC

[Scottish Lady]

Got your PM. Something strange happening, because the PM I sent you originally just sat in my Outbox as well. See you Thursday.

[Strickland]

Ah yes of course Petty Chapman! Thanks to this thread Ive rediscovered an old source! Have pm'd him myself, but no reply as yet. Has anyone else had any success??

Thanks!

Neil

[Strickland]

Bit of a bump on this, is Dave hard to get hold of/busy chap? Have pm'd but is it worth a call instead? Need some patterns fairly quickly!

Neil

[LadyC]

no worries, Strickland, I have one of Petty Chapman's patterns from five years ago but couldn't make it fit.

I am very disappointed that Reconstructing History have not responded to my pleas of nearly a month ago.

nuff said......

[Strickland]

Might I ask, LadyC, what size it is and if you are willing to part with it??

Thank you!

Neil

[Mad Mab]

no worries, Strickland, I have one of Petty Chapman's patterns from five years ago but couldn't make it fit.

I am very disappointed that Reconstructing History have not responded to my pleas of nearly a month ago.

nuff said......

I think they were away over the winter which could be why you've not had a response. Think they might be back now.

[Phil the Grips]

Kass took a month's break on a Cunard liner so has been offline over Christmas.

[Strickland]

Well, cant fault them for that!!! Thanks for the info!

Neil

[LadyC]

yes, I know they are away, but they sent me an email saying they were away 19th Dec till 4th January, which is two weeks ago....

I don't grudge anyone their cruise, wish I was on a cruise instead of freezing in Scotland....

[Mad Mab]

yes, I know they are away, but they sent me an email saying they were away 19th Dec till 4th January, which is two weeks ago....

I don't grudge anyone their cruise, wish I was on a cruise instead of freezing in Scotland....

If they've been away for a month, they're probably still trying to catch up. I go away for 1 week and it takes me at least 3 to work out what the heck is going on.

[Grymm]

Go sign up here and ask
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ReconstructingHistory-Patterns/
they don't post here ( LivingHistory.co.uk)
emailling them again might help too.

[Strickland]

Finally got some patterns (Petty Chapman) from Caliver, doublet and hoes. Made me smile though as they are exactly as they were, or appeared to be, when I bought them many many moons ago! Sweet! Now for many entertaining evenings cursing and stabbing my fingers with needles!!!

Neil