Why Hello There! This week we are going to dive into some of my favorite books to get you started in 16th and 17th Century costuming, as well as some deeper dives into research if you are ready to take your costuming to a deeper level. My resources presented this week are based in my knowledge of Western European fashions. I really started trying to understand 16th century clothing in a historical context back in 2008. My fascination with this time period's history pulled me into deep research on what the clothing was like to better understand the period which would give birth to my world as I knew it. The Tudors, Reformation Movements in Europe, Colonization of the Americas, Suppression of Native Peoples, Humanism, Shakespeare, and more. Not all of this is feel good history, but it is essential to understanding how the Western Hemisphere became what we are today. If you have stuck with me reading this so far, grab a cookie and tell me what your favorite cookie is in the comments :-) Now that you have had a huge historical conversation laid at your feet to research, shall we discuss some of the books? Textiles and Clothing 1150-1450 by Elisabeth Crowfoot, Frances Pritchard, and Kay Staniland Published through The Museum of London and Boydell Press. ISBN 978-1-84383-239-3 This book discusses more of the medieval to early renaissance textiles and clothing found in excavations in London. The book is a bit dense for casual reading, but well worth the effort. Many of the sewing techniques do carry through to later time periods as well. The Tudor Tailor by Ninya Mikhaila and Jane Malcolm-Davies (additional work by Caroline Johnson) My copy is through Quite Specific Media from 2006. ISBN 0-89676-255-6 This was my first book on 16th century clothing which has only fanned the flames of my love affair with this period. I would stay it would not be my first sewing book. I came to the book with some sewing experience already which made it easier for me to understand and use. The authors are also alive and active. You can reach out to them directly with questions for help. I did this with a gable hood several years ago. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkAt3lXnjggdsUXQvdYSIw The Modern Maker by Mathew Gnagy ISBN 9780692264843 Mathew has long been a costuming hero of mine for several years now. In his books he clearly explains garment patterning and construction from the perspective of a modern tailor understanding his historical forebears. Vol 1 focuses on a masculine doublet. Vol 2 is a mix of masculine and feminine shapes. Vol 3 deep dives into sewing techniques. You will love these books I'm sure. Check out his YouTube channel and website below. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrCLs5xbcxdfVJjE7aB8-1A Patterns of Fashion 3-5 by Janet Arnold, Jenny Tiramani, and the School of Historical Dress. Published through Quite Specific Media and The School of Historical Dress in London. The Patterns of Fashion series is famous in the historical costuming community for the detailed patterns, notes, and construction details from surviving garments in collections across Europe. These three books have sections addressing this time period in particular. Even if you are new I recommend them because the more you look through these books the more you will slowly pick up and learn. The first 4 books in the series are out of print, and being expanded/ revised by the School of Historical Dress, which has been continuing with Janet's work since her death. Purchases directly through the school help to fund their ongoing research. http://theschoolofhistoricaldress.org.uk/ Drei Schnittbucher: Three Austrian Master Tailor Books of the 16th Century by Katherine Barich and Marion McNealy through Nadel und Faden Press. ISBN 978-0-692-47245-3 This incredible book is probably more intermediate to advanced in its nature. It includes major research into sumptuary laws in Austria and the Holy Roman Empire, textiles, and actual tailoring manuals from the time. https://youtube.com/channel/UCottAiHUgOCGsbJ79N2sgsA Moda a Firenze 1540-1580 (Both the Eleonora di Toledo and Cosimo do Medici editions) Published through Pagliai Polistampa in 2005 These books are possibly the best accademic research you can find for 16th century Florentine clothing in English. The books are bilingual and have been out of print. Some sellers in Italy do have access to reprints if you do some research through. Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd by Janet Arnold Published through Maney. Originally published in 1988, My copy is a 2008 reprint. If you are looking to do late 16th century English, this is going to be brimming with academic research for you to look into. Obviously this is targeted towards the upper classes of the time, but does discuss the artisans involved in creating each portion of a gown. Thank you for watching and happy reading, Maridith