Braveheart

I started Jude's costume.  He's going to be my version of Braveheart. The first thing I made was his kilt and cloak.  I decided I wasn't going to go for total historical accuracy with regards to his kilt. It will have the look of the old time kilts, but with a separate cloak, instead of the ends of the kilt fabric being tied up on the shoulder.  So to give it the right look, it's sewn like a skirt with big folds. I made bicycle shorts for underneath, and rough-edged socks to hang over the tops of his boots..

I like to start with the inner clothing and work outwards. I made him an undershirt because I didn't like the look of a wide open neck, and he needs the sleeves to protect his arms from the chainmail. The shirt needed to be wet and stained, and allowed to dry crinkled....

Next is his navy blue tunic. It still needs two rows of embroidery around the neckline and sleeves, with tiny studs in between....

At this point I always start to second guess myself and question everything, so I made a test pattern for his leather armour and belt.  I pinned everything on him just to get an idea of how he might look, and to give me more confidence to proceed...

So, there's still lots of work ahead.  And if I'm not happy with how it turns out, I can always make him something else. After all, he does look good in just about everything.