Elizabethan Costuming

by Janet Winter

This book shows how to design and construct the basic garments that were worn by the different social classes in Elizabethan England. It describes the history of clothing during the 16th century, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0963022008
• ISBN13: 9780963022004
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Other Times Productions
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding for the beginner or Theatrical Costumer

This book is great for beginners, or those who want to recreate the generic impression of Elizabethan costume for the stage or renaissance festivals. The sections on converting modern patterns into period shapes is very useful for beginners and those who don't have much experience in drafting patterns. This is a great starter book, then graduate to Janet Arnold and The Tudor Tailor.

Very good beginner book! Everything you need to start

The best investment you will make in your costuming library.As a person who has trained new folk for many years, I recommend this book to all because it is easy to understand, gives you an overview of who wore what when, and how to easily create your own versions of everything from your first simple chemise to complicated hats. It tells you about period colors and fabrics, jewelry, embriodery, acessories, and includes a comprehensive measurement template in the back. Its not going to hold your hand step by step as a simplicity pattern will, but if you have a little common sense and left-brained talent, you can make this stuff with ease. As for the corset/bumroll "oopsie", I think this is all in translation of the drawing. I never understood that they wish your bumroll to go UNDER your corset. That just doesnt make sense.You will eventually graduate to the Janet Arnold books (which are incredible, but terribly complicated and advanced), and other resources, such as the elizabethan costuming homepage, http://costume.dm.net/. Remember when reading these (negative) reviews that in all communities, there are fashion trends to watch for, and self-appointed "experts" who find themselves "more period than thou". I say get started with this book, make a costume, go to faire and have fun! You will learn as you go and interact! I just wish this book was more available.

good for almost everybody

I have been doing re-creation costuming for almost 15 years. This is the book I recommend to people wanting to do Elizabethean costuming. It has some simplified patterns for beginner and lower level sewing skills and some ideas for more complicated ensembles for those that are more experienced or more brave. It is no where on the same detail level of Janet Arnolds books, but for the average "seriousness" of people wanting to do passable Elizabethean, it totally fits the bill.

Best Practical Resource

This is probably the best practical resource for Elizabethan clothing I have come across in years of searching. If you want easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on how to construct your own garb for men, women, and children, this is it. It even covers what types of fabrics are apropriate for different classes. Previous sewing experience is, as usual, helpful, but is not really required for good results.

This book helped me make a great costume for my first faire.

I was quite impressed with the easy to follow instructions in this book. I have only a little bit of sewing experience and with this book I have successfully completed my 5th costume! The best part is that you don't need sewing know-how to create a masterpeice from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to look authentic at Faire!!