Layer 1 - The Skin layer – Linen Brais, Linen Shirt, and Linen Hose

The skin layer is the first layer that a person in period would have worn but it's often one of the last things a person puts into their garb. I started with the Braes and there seems to be that there are as many different ideas on how to spell the name of the garment as there ways to make it. I found a few pattern construction ideas that just didn't seem to make sense to me such as one that is found in the Midieval Tailors Assistant. However, after looking at how some other peoples ideas I found Randy Asplund's site 

http://www.randyasplund.com/ 

his ideas on the construction of the Braes made a lot of sense to me. Here is an article that he wrote on the subject. 

http://www.randyasplund.com/browse/medieval/chausse1.html 

I set out to hand sew the bottom layer and its really taken some twists and turns along that way. The first try I got the pattern to look exactly the way I wanted but it was a bit small for the intended recipient. I added panels on the sides to widen the legs and I added a panel across the top to raise the height of the waist line. In doing so I lost a bit of the period appearance that can be seen in the above article and throughout that Machevski bible (I'll post a link later). there is a slit on the outside of the leg of the braes that I was not able put in because of the extra panel. This piece is almost done. I'll post pictures soon. 

I have patterned and sewed the basics of the under shirt.  I just have the hemming to do before that is finished.  More info on that later.

"The Project"

I will be making the clothes of a 14^th century European male Gentry.

For may of us we focus on what a person would wear to court, However what did these people wear the rest of the time? How was it worn? How many layers did they really wear? That's what I am discovering on this project. While I was aware of the function of the Braes and Hose the rest of the layers are something that I usually skip. I am looking forward to working through the different layers as this project progresses.  

The original idea for this project is taking a more in depth look at what a Gentleman would wear to court in the early 14th century. I am considering expanding this to what he may have worn on the way to that court appointment.