Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Some say the Age of Miracles has come to an end but I say differently. In this thread I hope to show, mayhaps with some tongue in cheek, how great patterns and a company that has really done their homework can turn anyone, who is willing, into a major contender in the Living History realm. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 All right then, since I believe any good Captain should lead by example...our first make over will begin with me... This was my first coat, done up for a weekend in Salem, over Halloween about two years ago... Oh btw, tis Cheeky in the black at the far left of the frame and Cheeky's twin in the center in red. As you can see... well the coat was cut from a period pattern (although NONE of the Captain's clothing is made using Kass's patterns, (they are all taken directly from Cut of Men's Clothing by Waugh) the crewe's clothing will be... as the patterns are very well researched and based from existant garments when they are available) and the outer fabric was 100% wool, BUT that was as far as it was correct. The waistcoat, boots, and awful wig are only the start of what wasn't correct. I wish I had a better detail shot but the narrows wear trim, although in the right places, is made up of baby blanket satin binding, and Ren. Faire embroidered ribbon. The waistcoat is made from white satin brocade with a silver cross design...tis way too short for the period and does not boast sleeves... and even though the sword is well and good for GAoP, notice how it does not sit properly when worn... Well fortunately thanks to the twin in red, I was introduced via email to Reconstructing History and Kass McGann. She in turn introduced me to folks like Foxe, Gentleman of Fortune, Blackjohn and other folks "in the know." I take my hat off to them all! Their advice has helped to bring The Archangel Crewe to life... For exampl if you have a question, Reconstructing History is willing to take the time to answer. If you ask Reconstructing History to look over your kit, Kass does. Reconstructing History is willing to listen to your needs and works to provide a solution or the item in need .... The coat is period correct in all its fabric...100% black outer wool, lined with 100% silk. The garment is entirely Prick Stitched (something Kass provides instructions for in each of her patterns and it is a period correct stitch as well,) and the coat has the raw edges, left unhemmed, The silver metallic lace is applied in all the proper places and there is embroidery in between each "bump" in the design. 100% wool Coat lined with 100% linen, 100% Silk Embroidered Sleeved waistcoat trimmed in fringe, 100% 3.0oz linen shirt, ... Reconstructing History even helped track down the shoes. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Reginald Killingsworth Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 :) OUTSTANDING CAPTAIN STERLING! Allow me to be frank at the commencement; You will not like me...™
Ransom Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 A fine, imposing figure you be, Captain. The black coat is my personal favorite! Cheers to Kass for all her hard work. And yours. ...schooners, islands, and maroons and buccaneers and buried gold... You can do everything right, strictly according to procedure, on the ocean, and it'll still kill you. But if you're a good navigator, a least you'll know where you were when you died.......From The Ship Killer by Justin Scott. "Well, that's just maddeningly unhelpful."....Captain Jack Sparrow Found in the Ruins — Unique Jewelry Found in the Ruins — Personal Blog
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 Thank you and we are still moving forward, continuing to improve... And tomorrow my next Make Over victim, I mean crewe member, will be.... Everybody's favorite rogue, Rats O'Reiley, our own ship's surgeon, Dr. Jacob Reiley "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Rateye Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Me thinks a bit of pay back is about to be unleashed by our good captain. RATS!
Cheeky Actress Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Fear Not, Jacob...He will do you justice! It will be quick and painless...you'll see. (Lilly who swallows hard in anticipation of her own make over experience) Member of "The Forsaken"
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 Not the best photo background by far... but one which shows the coat better "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
CrazyCholeBlack Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Captain, are the raw edges of the brown coat left unhemmed as well as the black coat? This is a detail I have never heard of previously. It comes as a great boon to me, honestly hemming the bottoms is my least favorite task. The black coat is especially beautiful, the trim is outstanding. I already had plans to purchase the RH patterns but seeing that fabulous coat has sealed the deal. I only hope my limited skills can do them the justice your work has. I look forward to seeing the other Crew makeovers. "If part of the goods be plundered by a pirate the proprietor or shipmaster is not entitled to any contribution." An introduction to merchandize, Robert Hamilton, 1777Slightly Obsessed, an 18th Century reenacting blog
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 The most common treatment of hems and edges from the period would be raw for wool and turned in for other fabrics such as silk... unfortunately it is hard to come across good wool now adays to get away with raw edges... the black coat I was fortunate enough... the brown I was forced to turn in or it would not survive more than one or two wearings... but both coats are entirely prick stitched by hand as was common for the time. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Rateye Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Did someone say Prickiddy Stitch? Oy Captain! I also noticed the pockets on most of our coats have very simple pocket flaps, rather than the elaborate curves and such as seen in Revwar etc??? Though the brown coat pic had a very sharp variation??? Rats
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 Did someone say Prickiddy Stitch?Oy Captain! I also noticed the pockets on most of our coats have very simple pocket flaps, rather than the elaborate curves and such as seen in Revwar etc??? Though the brown coat pic had a very sharp variation??? Rats Aye Rats from what I've seen pocket flaps during the GAoP started out any where from nonexistant to plain simple flaps, like my brown coat, to very elaborate and complicated affairs... the simple curved flaps on the original coat I sent you pictures of, are quite the common style for 1720s-30s at the tail end of or just after the GAoP. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Patrick Hand Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Before Kass gets too embarresed with all the praise...... I can draft my own patterns, but I have heard such good reviews of Kass's patterns, that I want to buy one just for the historical background,..... SO what pattern would anyone suggest as her best example?
Capt. Sterling Posted September 8, 2006 Author Posted September 8, 2006 You mean we have to chose one??? I am most partial to the frock coat... "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Gentleman of Fortune Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Pat In another thread I made a similar argument. I can make a pattern myself that I feel is "correct" but just the info that comes along with the pattern from RH is worth the money alone. Plus, the pattern fee includes a lot of hand holding from Kass herself which, again, is invaluable. Opening up her pattern package is like a little mini Christmas as its packed lots of info. I own most of the male patterns now that RH does, trousers/slops, early justaucorps, later justaucorps, and short jacket. I think that you would be best served with the early justaucorps as it doubles as a waistcoat too! greg Come aboard my pirate re-enacting site http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com/ Where you will find lots of information on building your authentic Pirate Impression!
Rateye Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 I'd pay that just to 'ave me hand holded... helded.... Ah forget it, I better get back to work! RATS!
kass Posted September 8, 2006 Posted September 8, 2006 Oh Rats... I'll hold your hand anytime, darlin'... Seriously, thank you all for the lovefest! Pat, Greg, you guys really make me feel like I'm doing something for more than just beginners in the hobby. I'm one of those people who believes you never stop learning. And I've learned so much from you two since I've known you online that I feel like my patterns are returning the favour. Hector, Lilly, Rats, and the Crew of the Archangel, I may have made the patterns and gave you tips and pointers on your outfits, but YOU did the work! That's not my miles and miles of prick-stitching, kids. That's YOURS!!! You <sniff> sure know how <sniff> to make <sniff> this ol' pattern drafter proud! <mad sobbing ad nauseum> Seriously, guys, thank you! If it weren't for you people, I wouldn't have a company. You're just bloody brilliant! It's a pleasure to make patterns for you. I am at your eternal service... <curtseys low and exeunt> Building an Empire... one prickety stitch at a time!
Rateye Posted September 11, 2006 Posted September 11, 2006 Indeed my dear! What more could a scoundrel want!? However I'm still wondering when my makeover pics are going to appear??? I'm almost scared Rats
Capt. Sterling Posted September 13, 2006 Author Posted September 13, 2006 Sorry folks, haven't forgotten you, just getting through a bad bout of something... I promise to get back to this thread as soon as I am able... "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Capt. Sterling Posted September 19, 2006 Author Posted September 19, 2006 Ah where was I? Oh yes, with this scary...oops... grand chap.... Rats. . Well to his credit, Rats has come from a rough background, a scoundrel, killer, and nary do well sort...hmmm he sounds like a pyrate! and his clothing, the rough and tumble kind, did well for his less than humble beginnings... although buckled shoes without buckles?!?! Produced a ...ahem ... walk far from an attractive swagger... how does the lad expect to charm all those lovely lasses?? In the above photo Rats, sans shoe buckles, has been blessed with the addition of Cap'n Pete Straw's coat... My compliments to Cap'n Pete for providing our dear Rats with at least one vestige of decency at least for the photo! Well Rats has been offered the position of surgeon aboard The Archangel... and after "Stealing" a new suit from the elderly Dr. Easterly, our good doctor has now cleaned up quite well! I am happy to present to ye all Doctor Jacob Reiley.... Aye the fellow needs a proper wig, but look, he's already attracted the most delightful lass at the fair! All kidding aside, Rats' new coat was entirely prick stitched by Rats himself.... which included sewing the lining to the coat, which can be a time consumming task. He did a brilliant job and deserves to look so dapper! By RF2, Rats will have his kit complete, including the "aged and bloodied" look of a surgeon in action. Stay tuned... In the meantime, our next make over will be the Captain's Daughter... Mistress Sarah Sterling. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
CrazyCholeBlack Posted September 19, 2006 Posted September 19, 2006 Aye Captain Sterling yer crewe be the best dressed by far. Tis a pleasure to see the fine images. The good Doctors coat is it perhaps wool? It apears to be the fabric I myself am in search of for some finery. I would be in yer debt to know where twas plundered. "If part of the goods be plundered by a pirate the proprietor or shipmaster is not entitled to any contribution." An introduction to merchandize, Robert Hamilton, 1777Slightly Obsessed, an 18th Century reenacting blog
Rateye Posted September 21, 2006 Posted September 21, 2006 'ere you go Chole! http://www.periodfabric.com/default.htm This is where 'ol Rats procured his textiles for his jack. They had it shipped in about three days and were great to work with. If interested you can call and ask about swatches to be sent. they also have more than what is on the web. So give em a call and tell em what you'd be needin'. Here's to ya and thanks for the compliments! I geuss our good Captain Sterling's influence tends to rub off. Even on the likes of me. Thanks again to you Sir! Take care Rats!
CrazyCholeBlack Posted September 21, 2006 Posted September 21, 2006 Dear Rats, I am truely in your debt Sir. I'm afraid my obsession with fabric might be showing just a bit. I have been known to feel people's clothes on random ocassions when I like the fabric. Sadly the internet does not allow this. "If part of the goods be plundered by a pirate the proprietor or shipmaster is not entitled to any contribution." An introduction to merchandize, Robert Hamilton, 1777Slightly Obsessed, an 18th Century reenacting blog
Rateye Posted September 22, 2006 Posted September 22, 2006 Like me good Captain says, that's why we're here! I'm sure we've all been there, kicking ourselves. But if I can help someone avoid an expensive mistake, why not do it! Take care! Rats!
John_Flint Posted September 27, 2006 Posted September 27, 2006 Methinks that this be just the place to get me fabric for to make me coat...
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