I took a class on making 14th C. English women's stockings. We used fabric draping to get the fit, and then used some basic pattern drafting to transfer the pattern to paper. The instructor stated that we currently have no real evidence as to how stockings were made pre-16th Century, but this method of fabric draping seemed the most logical. As I am not an advanced seamstress or textile historian, I will have to take her word for it. In any case, I need socks.
March 1, 2003 - I have finally gotten around to starting the construction of my stockings. |
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| The pattern looks kinda funny, but once sewn the stocking fits good. | You have to pin the sides together very often because the nature of the pattern does not allow for straight lines. You have to readjust the pattern every few spaces so that the finished product will conform to the curve of your calf. |
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| The leg part of the stocking. You can see the curve for the calf. | How the leg piece looks when worn |
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| With the toe piece | As worn with the toe piece, without the sole stitched yet. |
March 2, 2003, 2 a.m. - Both stockings are done. Just 12 hours after I started. Considering all the camera breaks I took, the visitors I had and dinner, I'd say it took me about 8 hours, maybe less. The only thing left to do is hem the tops. I'd show a pic of both stockings together, but the batteries in the camera died. I'll post them eventually. |
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| All pretty and smooth | Back seam. |
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| Instep. | Other side. |
March 30, 2003 - I wore the stockings to an all day event and decided on a couple of changes. The top part definately needs to be smaller, and I think a 1 1/2"+ hem on top would solve the problem of it folding over the garter.
