REENACTORS NOTES (16th Century): 160 pages: Wow...period color chart with dyed examples, draping and drafting techniques, patterns for reference, sewing techniques including the correct stitches, extant samples, art samples, samples of finished recreations. There are some items that I don't agree with 100%, but overall this book ROCKS! ( )

One of the best renaissance costuming history & how-to book to come out ever! Ok, it isn't perfect, but what book ever is. This book is sorely needed for those who perform and create costumes for English renaissance faires, re-enactments, or members of the SCA who recreate English 16th c. personas.

There is plenty of historical background information, info on dye colors, the types of textiles used and their names, the heights of common people of the times, images of surviving garments with new details, samples of surviving jewelry, how garments were decorated, and lots of images from the time.

Then the two ladies show you the patterns for various garments of the time period, for both men and women. Most patterns are for gentry to nobility, but can be used for merchant/artisan classes as well. There are a number of styles to chose from, and it ranges from the 1530s to the 1600s as fashions changed. I only wish they made it clear which styles went with what time period, as those new to this era will easily get confused. The garments dress a person from the inside out, and even include various hats and headdresses, and even accessories of the period.

The patterns provided have to be enlarged and made uo to fit the wearer, but basic instructions are provided. Some instructions could use a bit more clarity as even I had troubles in a few places. I don't suggest making up the patterns if a person is a complete beginner to making historical costumes, but someone with intermediate skills should be fine.

There are a few photo set how-tos, including the whole gamut of how to fit a man for his breeches (this worked for me very well), how to fit a bodice, and even how to braid a woman's hair to keep the headdresses in place.

I really love this book, and am quite happy it came out. While I had already learned a lot before its release, their information is from years of research, and years of "in the trenches" real-life findings of how the various garments would have been worn by the real life Tudors.

I will admit I don't agree 100% with their findings on some garments (such as their early French hoods), their patterns work, and it does fit the currently available information. They are also ladies who will admit that in some cases, it was the best supposition of what they knew, and that they may be incorrect, or there may be a better way of doing things, and that they are always learning new things. ( )

THE definitive book for Tudor reenactors. Put together by two experts, this book has patterns, diagrams, photographical how to's, lists of appropriate fabrics, pics of original pieces, you name it. There are different patterns for different social classes and times within the era...It's the Medieval Tailor's Assistant for the Tudor period. ( )

Fabulous! One of the best I've seen on this subject, however...she fails to even mention the mysterious white band. ( )