Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ren Faire Costume - Is That a Codpiece on Your Breeches Or Are You Just Happy to See Me?



So I've sewn and stuffed the codpiece. It's hysterical. And speaking of funny, I always find it amusing when I hear complaints about how revealing clothing is "these days." What days? Waaaay back during the Renaissance, men were showcasing their "packages" and women were pushing up and baring most of their bosom, even if they were wearing layer upon layer of clothing.

So, here's the pattern pieces for the codpiece. Not much to say about those. If you want a less-3D result, you would go down a "cup size" or two by reducing the "princess seam" curve on the front. I told Reko that it turned out more 3D than I realized. It didn't seem to bother him. But he's a guy. ;-)



Here's a semi-side shot. I haven't done anything to attach it yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the brass eyelets. A pair under the waistband on either side of the fly and one pair at the bottom of the fly. The leather ties will lace through them. I'm glad *I* won't have to pee while wearing this. Oh, and here's a tip. Make buttonholes BEFORE you stuff the legs if you want any maneuverability while sewing them.



I cut out the puffy shirt last night and will sew it later today. It's very simple so it should go together quickly. Ignore my iron-cleaning rag under the board. Ewww.



After the shirt, I'll be starting the doublet. My second fabric finally arrived yesterday. I'm thinking of using fusible horsehair canvas (which I have) on the torso pieces of the doublet to make them really sturdy. Back in the day, doublets were actually stuffed with real horse hair and other stuff. But I'm still thinking on this. It could be overkill. I'll test on a scrap first and think about it some more. Opinions?

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Also in the mail, my order from the last BMV sale arrived. I didn't renew my Club BMV membership because I don't think I ordered enough patterns last year for the 10% additional savings to pay for the cost of the membership. But that won't stop me from continuing to order patterns during the $2.99/$3.99 sales. It's so much more convenient to order online, knowing that the patterns are in stock in my size, I won't be spending any gas or travel time, and I won't be tempted by impulse buys in the store. I'd rather pay $1 more per pattern to avoid all that and have them delivered right to me in a few days. I really wish Simplicity would have these sales on their website.

So, what did I buy?



Vogue 8689 - I love the seaming on this blouse, plus the multi cup sizes. I've had this on my wish list ever since Vogue released it, waiting for one of these BMV sales.

Butterick 5429 - it's a wardrobe pattern but I bought it for the top, which is a cute twisty neckline.

Butterick 5619 - another wardrobe pattern which I bought for one piece — the jacket. I'm not sure if I'll actually make it, although it's a good candidate for the Jacket-A-Month Sew-Along. This is one of those patterns I bought for bedtime reading. ;-)

Butterick 5436 - I could easily draft this, but why bother when it's only 3 bucks? This will be a good birthday present in July for my sister, who loves to cook. I'm sure I'll make another scrub top for her too, as she always begs for those. I also love this plus-sized model. I think I own every Butterick pattern she's modeled for.

Butterick 5616 - I already have a similar TNT jeans jacket pattern so I have no idea why I bought this except that the illustration drew (hah!) me in. The text description is "very loose fitting." Not a good sign. But the drawing *is* cute, isn't it?

Butterick 5610 - love this and will definitely make it soon. If soon means March, because I think I'm booked until then.

20 comments:

  1. Adorable patterns! I have been wondering if the BMV club is better than just waiting until my local fabric shop puts patterns on sale, but I'd probably buy MORE patterns if I did it online LOL...

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  2. You're killing me! I know absolutely nothing about Ren-wear, is the cod-piece worn inside or out? Inquiring minds want to know!

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  3. @Gigi - Codpiece worn outside, which is why they're decorated and all fancy. They were also used for pockets with the top left open, but I decided men already can't keep their hands away from that spot, so I wasn't going to encourage it. ;-)

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  4. The codpiece is hysterical! We totally need to revisit that fashion statement! I just took away a pair of my husband's jeans because they had a big hole in the crotch near the bottom of the zipper. All he really needs is a brightly colored, festive codpiece to wear with the jeans and then he's good to go!

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  5. How do you get to know when the pattern sales are? Not that my dearly beloved would think I *need* more patterns, but I'm sure he'd agree that I *deserve* them, right?

    That Ren Faire costume is turning out amazingly!

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  6. Very funny post, but seriously the breeches look incredible. Great job. Also, like all the patterns you bought and I totally agree, much easier to order.

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  7. Did you giggle while you sewed the cod piece. It's just funny. I also started buying my patterns on line so I wouldn't buy more material I didn't need.

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  8. You continue to amuse me, especially with this costume. I guess Reko likes the more "3D" look. It looks DD to me. You have done an amazing sewing job and a good job of pattern buying.

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  9. I stopped by to get a sneak peek at "my" muslin, and was stunned by your fab ren-wear. This costume is going to be gorgeous — such finery. Our modern clothing is pretty mundane when compared to the rich textures and colors of that kind of clothing. (Of course, people who were earning the equivalent of my income back then were probably sporting burlap and dirt.)

    Could you add a codpiece to my shirt?

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  10. I am really enjoying watching your progress on the costume. Re: the codpiece - I'm learning a lot too! lol

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  11. As others said I too am enjoying this costume. The codpiece is hilarious! I guess after this there isn't much you haven't sewn!

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  12. Oh, too funny! I wonder what we would think if we saw someone wearing this codpiece today?

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  13. So true about historical clothing being revealing! Back in the empire period, some ladies wore those lawn dresses wet so they'd look like Greek statues!

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  14. Cod pieces - don't they say a lot about male insecurity? I also bought 10 patterns during the sale. Couldn't resist - the AUD $ was above the US$ and even with postage costs they were cheaper than the shop price here. I also didn't have to wait (we are a season behind).

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  15. That codpiece is hysterical! Very fancy. :)

    You picked up some great patterns - I also picked up a bunch during the sale - who could beat those prices?!

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  16. Heeeeheehee! Funny! Love your patterns!

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  17. Vogue was on sale with the other brands? Oh that's a good sale.

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  18. Hi Debbie..you are doing a fabulous job on the Ren costume...it looks great!

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  19. That is so sweet of you to make this costume for your son's friend - it is looking so fabulous! Really, you've done a stellar job on everything. And the codpiece? I can't stop laughing. ;)

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  20. The codpiece you made is actually pretty modest. Some of the examples from the time were just fabric phalluses, others were (to us, at least) comically huge. My favorite example was an elephant's head...wait for it...with trunk...and a bell on the end.

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Thank you for each and every comment. I appreciate them all, but I have to be honest and let you know that I'm usually bad about answering questions. I hope you understand that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

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