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.