orbiculi - officers only?

[Crispvs]

I actually emboidered the designs onto my fourth century tunic (and was immediately told by everyone here that they should have been woven in).
The tunic I copied was found in Egypt and had a wide body (slightly wider than elbow to elbow) and very narrow forearm sleeves which turned out to be more or less skin tight, but surprisingly comfortable. The clavi on the original tunic ended in an elongated hexagonal teardrop containing a plant motif. A sinuous vinescroll motif ran along the inside for the length of the main part of each clavus and upward curving tendrils projected out from the outside of both sides of the outside of both clavi along their entire length (apart from the teardrops). The orbiculi were in fact taabulae but each contained a circle, within which was a figural motif. On the skirts of the tunic one contained an eagle and the other a warrior. I was unable to see what the figures on the shoulders were, aside from the fact that they were squares, containing circles, which contained figures of some sort. There was not enough left of the sleeves for there to be anything left of the cuff bands.
I hope this helps a little.

Crispvs

[Crispvs]

I forgot to mention,
Given the width of the tunic it is quite difficult to wear it in such a way as to stop the tabulae on the skirts disappearing into folds in the tunic.

Crispvs

[Theodosius the Great]

Given the width of the tunic it is quite difficult to wear it in such a way as to stop the tabulae on the skirts disappearing into folds in the tunic.

Yes, I hadn't thought of that :roll:

My tunic will arrive tomorrow (probably). It's 3 feet by 3 feet (without the sleaves). I hope the sleaves fit (they're only 4 inches wide from shoulder to elbow and a bit over 3 inches wide from elbow to wrist.)

You're tunic sounds very authentic from your description, Crispvs. Do you have a picture ?

[Crispvs]

I copied my tunic from a photograph in a Cristie's catalogue. These catalogues give the height and width measurements of the items to be auctioned and so it was quite easy to work out the measurements to get all of the details right. I do have a couple of photos but I do not have access to a scanner. My computer skills are pretty basic as well so I am not sure how well I would do with a photo hosting service even if I did manage to get the photos scanned. For all those here present who have described the photobucket process to me before, I am sure I will master it some day, but it doesn't seem to have registered with me so far. I am currently trying to master silver inlay. Perhaps in a few years time I will get the hang of computers as well.

Crispvs

[aitor iriarte]

Theo, what I did was to look for real designs on tunics (a matching set is the best choice, as Crispus did) and then ink them from a re-sized photocopy. Then I scanned them and modified colour and details using Photoshop.

Ah, and the skirt orbiculi or tabulae don't disappear among the folds...

Aitor

[Theodosius the Great]

Very clever technique, Aitor

Although I think I'm missing a step : how does the pattern transfer over from paper to tunic ?

You mean while the ink is still wet on the paper you press it onto the orbiculi :?:

[Robert Vermaat]

I think Aitor had them pressed onto the tunic using the same technique as printing a text to a T-shirt. Aitor, am I right?

[aitor iriarte]

That's it!
Not as durable as embroidering but much cheaper and you can repeat it 'ad nauseam' on new tunics.
8)
Aitor

[Carlton Bach]

That's it!
Not as durable as embroidering but much cheaper and you can repeat it 'ad nauseam' on new tunics.
8)
Aitor

How does that work? The only way to print on cloth I am aware of requires you to bring the shirt to a printshop. Can you print out your own transfer decals? If so, what kind of ink and paper do you use? I'm impressed by the outcome, BTW - very real-looking tunic.

[aitor iriarte]

Carlton, T
There are special transfer sheets fro colour copiers. They can be applied on cotton by ironing (if you use a special ironing tool for stamping T-shirts, you'll get a better result). Anyway, there are better and more durable industrial techniques used for T-shirts, but you need a minimum quantity of ipressions to cover minimally the costs!

Aitor

[Crispvs]

My tunic is a good deal wider in the body than yours but the tabulae are about the same distance from the side seams as the orbiculi are from yours. I have positioned them exactly where they were on the original I copied, which means that there is a wider gap between them than on yours. The wider body also means more folds in the skirt when belted (particulary if like me you are on the thin side). It's a shame that the one I copied was the most complete as it had clearly been a bit wider than some of the less complete examples which were auctioned the same day were. I could really have done with a more or less complete narrow tunic to copy to better suit my frame!

Crispvs

[Theodosius the Great]

Aitor, it sounds like an easy process.

I just buy the transfer paper and print out the design then iron it onto the tunic (?) .

Now I just need to find color pictures of actual roundel designs.

Can you please recommend a book or website with ample pictures I can use to proceed ?

Theo

[Robert Vermaat]

Actually,
I can print the design I want and go to my local copy shop (actually it's a photographer). They copy my paper on to special paper and press it on the linen I bring with me. All I need to do is cut out the orbiculus from the linen and stitch it to the tunic.
Or at least, that's what i will do, next tunic... 8)

[Lucius Aurelius Metellus]

Does anyone have any close-up photos of original orbiculi with their matching clavii in order to do this project? :wink:

[Robert Vermaat]

I have many copies, but all B&W.
For others, check your own forum :lol: :lol: , I posted a couple of links and pictures in an answer to Theodosius..