14th century dresses and dyeing

[Ardhoniel]

I want to make a 14th century overdress. I am thinking of a sideless surcote but i can't find much info on them. What other styles are there and how do you make the patterns?

I also want to dye some linen and I want to try some natural dyes. Any suggestions on materials to use for dyeing and what sort of colours they would give would be appreciated.

[stephan]

i cant tell you what products to use but stick to shades of primary colors and you will be well on you way post back with any results

[Ysemay]

There is a fair amount of info on the fourteenth century, below are some links to useful sites.

These are mostly pictures of garb from the era but alot have very useful descriptions underneath.
http://www.briaca.com/art/anglecotte.html
http://www.cottesimple.com/
http://vieuxchamps.com/persona/wgarb2.php

These Show two different type os overdresses from the period with patterns:
http://members.shaw.ca/nessaofthelox/greenkirtle.htm
http://members.shaw.ca/nessaofthelox/redkirtle.htm

While this site shows a variety of outfits with some patterns as well
http://members.fortunecity.com/cadieuxx/14thcentury.html


This Has to be my favourite of all the 14th C dress sites, it is clear and simple, and th same under dress design can be used to make on overdress with buttons that looks stunning!
http://www.cottesimple.com/cottesimple_feminine_silhouette.pdf

This site has lots of good and juicy info on sideless surcoats and how to make them!
http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm

Hope these help!

[Boyd]

There are a number of sites that talk about natural dying and the range of colours is both amazing and surprising.

http://www.textilelinks.com/dye/natinfo.html

Can't help you with the dresses...

[Ardhoniel]

Thanks for the help!