The Great Pattern Review
Costume Close-up:
Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790
by Linda Baumgarten, John Watson, Florine Carr
Gown 3
Jennifer Osterman
I didn't precisely use this pattern from start to finish but, after a gown draping seminar where I drafted my own pattern for the bodice, I used the instructions in this pattern for the sleeve construction, the measurements of the gown skirting and the gown assembly. The instructions are clear. The sleeve and skirting worked well with my drafted gown bodice.
Cloak 10
Jennifer Osterman - Recommended
Could it be any simpler!?! The wool I used was a bit too thick to gather at the back of the hood but, otherwise, this construction worked well. A friend of mine even made a miniature of the cape (sans hood) to wear as a wrap.
Coat 19
Chris Bertani - Recommended (possibly not for beginners)
I used the pattern in the book more as a guideline for modifying the Smoke and Fire SF-201 pattern I frequently use, but the details of the cuffs, collar, and tails were very easy to follow.
Shift 11
Kendra van Cleave - Recommended
This was a really easy item to scale up and put together. The patten is based on the traditional (fabric saving) pattern. It would work well for Renaissance through the early 19th century. It's basically a series of triangles and squares. You might need help picturing how to put the underarm gussets in. Look at pictures in the book. Remember that you're folding a square in half into a triangle shape. I used French seams on all of the seams and sewed a bias strip to the neckline to form a casing.