Birgitte

[Laralelle Susandrea]

I have been wanting to make a Birgitte costume for years. And by years, I mean since I first read the books when I was like 13. Today, it starts!

Everyone knows this picture:

Spoiler: Birgitte

and most people felt that her "voluminous" trousers are harem pants

Spoiler: Harem Pants

which to be honest, they're probably right. But, the thought of a "drop crotch" that you find in most harem pants made me twitch for some reason. I also wanted a different look for the jacket. I did a little (emphasis on little) research and found this:

Spoiler: Bolero Bomber Jacket

Which...drool. I LOVE this so so much. But I found this FREE pattern for the jacket

Spoiler: Gordonia Hoodie

so I'm going to try to change it a bit and to make it work. It's pretty simple, so it should be possible. Sure, why not :sword

For the pants, like I said, the thought of making harem pants made me twitch. I have no idea why, but I accepted that it was just an instinct I should follow. I decided just to make a basic wide leg pant and add either elastic or a drawstring (leaning toward drawstring) at the ankle to gather them. I found this OTHER free pattern from Craftsy for a wide leg pant. I haven't really looked at this one yet. I decided the jacket was more important than the pants. I also found several free patterns for palazzo pants, which I think would also work just fine since I don't want to do harem pants (for anyone following along, there are also several free patterns for harem pants out there).

So, there we have it. I currently have the jacket pattern cut out in muslin and am ready to experiment! Wish me luck.

 

[Leala ni al'Dareis t'al'Caleum]

:joy It's gonna be awesome, Lara!!!!

 

[Dar'Jen Ab Owain]

I am very excited to see.

 

[Merena Orithana]

@Laralelle Susandrea Sedai - I agree. The pants in that picture look more like palazzo pants than harem pants.


However, how would Birgitte be able to fight in either one?

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

Spoiler: Harem Pants

You're right @Merena Orithana , these are more traditional harem pants. I mean, the crotch hangs below the knees!! How does that not make people twitch?

 

[Melearlin Valar]

Ooh keep posting your progress!

 

[Merena Orithana]

@Laralelle Susandrea
It would be interesting to know how/why they were developed... I'm sure it made sense to folks in that time/place!

Time to head to YouTube to delve into historical clothing trends.... :rofl see yall in a couple hours....

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

Ha! Yes, fallen down that rabbit hole before as well. Not with Harem pants, but other stuff...

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

Wow, that jacket is SHORT. Am definitely going to lengthen it slightly, at least so it covers my bust. Even though I'll be wearing something under it, I felt very exposed! I also want to enlarge the cuffs a bit. I thought about leaving them out, but I feel like an archer would have them to keep the jacket sleeves from getting in the way. Other than that, I love the pattern. I am going to get out my brown pattern paper and get to work on lengthening the pattern later on tonight, and I'll also buy some fabric from somewhere off of Mele's awesome list.

Edit:
Figured out how to alter the stuff to make it a bit longer so I don't feel naked in spite of being fully clothed. I also figured out how to sew the damn hood on, because no matter how I did it, it was wrong :facepalm But, it's fine now. I cut it up the middle and worked out a plan for that, so I'm ready to order fabric for the coat, and get started on the pants!

 

[Idine Espanyas]

Oh wow, I can't wait to see your progress!

 

[Kethaana Nia Khamara]

Wow, that jacket is SHORT. Am definitely going to lengthen it slightly, at least so it covers my bust. Even though I'll be wearing something under it, I felt very exposed! I also want to enlarge the cuffs a bit. I thought about leaving them out, but I feel like an archer would have them to keep the jacket sleeves from getting in the way. Other than that, I love the pattern. I am going to get out my brown pattern paper and get to work on lengthening the pattern later on tonight, and I'll also buy some fabric from somewhere off of Mele's awesome list.

That jacket is not really made to shoot a bow. But I guess you can easily wear one of two bracers over the cuffs.
Those buckles on the chest would also hinder you shooting a bow, but I guess you will not actually do that.
I can't wait to see the result though

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

The pants pattern printed a little wonky. Don't know if it's the pattern or my printer, but it took a bit of adjustment. :swordy

Also, literally nothing makes me feel more intelligent or accomplished than when I draft my own pattern or alter someone else's pattern.

And :joy I found an old sheet to use for a mock-up!

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

MY FABRIC CAME IN YESTERDAY!! mg

 

[Ephrem Elpidius]

MY FABRIC CAME IN YESTERDAY!! mg

Really looking forward to seeing end results on this!!! So awesome!

 

[Laralelle Susandrea]

Did Birgitte have pockets? I'm guessing no, because I don't recall anyone having pockets. But I want pockets because....they're pockets.

 

[Melearlin Valar]

I don't think it specified anyone not having pockets, which means I don't see why you shouldn't have some!

 

[Roheryn ni Galghandhrei t'al'Djinn]

People definitely had pockets, I remember Rand specifically putting something in a pocket. So, it is totally canon.

 

[Dar'Jen Ab Owain]

Pockets are a thing. Though how included might be different. We generally think of them sewn into a garment, like pants. Historically speaking, pockets for women's fashion was often a detachable item that was accessible through a slit in a garment, such as a skirt, or hid beneath an apron. You can be creative with how you approach pockets.

 

[Ephrem Elpidius]

Pockets are a thing. Though how included might be different. We generally think of them sewn into a garment, like pants. Historically speaking, pockets for women's fashion was often a detachable item that was accessible through a slit in a garment, such as a skirt, or hid beneath an apron. You can be creative with how you approach pockets.

Vin from Mistborn would love you. :rofl