The Great Pattern Review
Eagle's View
#56 - Woman's Chemise
Sally Norton - Highly Recommended
Easy. Accurate instructions. Good for beginners. Looks exactly like the illustrations. The sleeves are not full. It really is designed to be an 18th c. undergarment. If you are going to use it for a Renaissance Faire costume, you may want to cut the sleeves wider.
Sue Huston - Highly Recommended
It was easy to make and looks great. I struggled briefly with the gussets but, finally figured it out. I wear my Chemise as a nightgown.
#58 - Woman's Chemise
Ellie Farrell - Highly Recommended
Straightforward. Simple. Fits perfectly.
#61 - Early Drop Sleeve Shirt
Roonie Uhrig - Recommended
This is a good shirt pattern to modify slightly to make into a Scottish Rob Roy style shirt. Cut the sleeves wider for the blousy effect. Eyelets at the front neck placket are a nice addition for lacing with fabric or leather. The instructions are clearly written and accurate. For the Mountain Man era, make the shirt tail longer so it can hang outside the britches and be tied at the waist with a long woven belt. It works up nicely in Calico, muslin or Osnaburg.
#64 - Authentic American Shirt
Trystan L. Bass - Highly Recommended
Easy pattern. Good instructions (if you just ignore the wierd gussets). Good for several periods and for aristocratic or peasant styles.
#68 - Men's Waistcoat and Vest
Sally Norton - Highly Recommended
I made the 18th c. waistcoat. It was simple and easy. It fits beautifully and looks wonderful. The waistcoat made by Sally is shown in the photo on the right.
#73 - Men's Broadfall Drop Front Breeches
Chris Bertani - Highly Recommended
Easy to put together and fits well, although I found the legs a bit baggy for formal wear. Note: this pattern has no pockets. I've used this pattern (with various modifications) at least five times. Pictured on the right.
Sheri Jurnecka - Highly Recommended
Very good pattern. Good detailed instructions with illustrations. They turned out well. Don't be put off by the roomy seat; that was the period shape. Beginners could probably handle the pattern; intermediates definitely.
Sally Norton - Highly Recommended
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the pattern was to make. I kept waiting for the tricky bits or the hidden problem and neither appeared. I will likely use this pattern again.