Thank you to those who attended Part I last night!
We didn’t *quite* get through everything we needed to. You should all have gotten a copy of the measurements needed for sewing. Please remember it is FAR more accurate if someone else measures you! Let me know if you have questions.
For part II, on Saturday Jan 30th, your HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT is to GET FABRIC, then WASH, DRY and IRON it (if you’re using cotton and pull it right from the dryer as soon as it’s done, then fold it NEATLY you might not need to actually iron).
Even though we discussed several varieties of fabric, since this is a beginner class, if you don’t already have fabric you want to use, I recommend cotton or cotton-blend broadcloth for pants and tunics/tunic dresses, since it requires little or no additional finishing beyond basic sewing. This is easily obtained at JoAnn fabrics, and you should choose one you like the FEEL of, remembering that washing it will soften the fabric over time.
TUNICS/TUNIC DRESSES:
HOW MUCH TO BUY depends on how LONG you want your tunic/tunic dress. Measure from the top of your shoulder to however long you want it to be. Add 6 inches, then double that total. (you can divide by 36″ to get yards, when in doubt, round UP. It is always easier to make something shorter later than it is to lengthen it! Also, remember that you’ll loose a little length to the fact that you’re probably wearing a belt, and it will tend to puff up over the belt line.
Example, I want a tunic that goes from my shoulder to mid thigh, which is 36″. 36+6″=42. 42×2=84 84/36=2 1/3 yards.
PANTS:
Generic Pants need 3 yards of fabric (Jess & Jessica might want to do 2.5 yards)
Pants will require either elastic (enough to go around waist and ankles with 1″ overlaps – I suggest 1″ wide for waistbands, 1/4 or 1/2″ wide for ankles) or drawstring (3 yards should be enough for both waist and ankles)
CLOAKS:
Wool or wool blends, or polar fleece (not period but easily washable, fairly durable, and nicely soft, plus requires less finishing)
3 1/3 yards of 54-60″ wide fabric is perfect for a half-circle cloak with a hood.
IF you want to line your cloak, do NOT get a modern lining. Look for a heavier weight cotton, linen, or even polar fleece (for a wool shell), and again get 3 1/3 yards
MANTLES/HOODS
Since there was significantly less interest in this, it will be put off to another class.
Please note that I had to cancel an appointment today because SNOW, so we may need to start slightly later than planned on the 30th if I can get it rescheduled.
PLEASE let me know if you have any questions!
Also please let me know if I missed copying anyone on this email
Jenna