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TUNICA opinions and info requested
#1
Before I sew any tunics out of good linen or wool($$$) I have a few questions for you guys. Keep in mind I am going for a 50BC-50AD ensemble.

1) Please critique the CUT and FIT of these prototypes (I know the fabric is not right, and yes I know I’m really ugly ;-) ) )

Red with no sleeves (flannel)
[url:2vvwcgxe]http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h105/cingetorix/SCA/100_3406.jpg[/url]

Natural with sleeves (free linen so I went for it)
[url:2vvwcgxe]http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h105/cingetorix/SCA/100_3410.jpg[/url]

2) Where online can I get the correct Fabrics? What is the exact color number or name that you order from these folks? Think basic legionary red and natural for right now in both wool and linen.

Thanks guys..
Gaius Marius Cingetorix

M.K.A. J.D. Walker

Rome didn\'t create a great empire by having meetings....
They did it by KILLING all those who opposed them.
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#2
fabric.com for linen, fashion fabrics for wool. I also highly suggest you get Graham Sumners Roman Miltitary Clothing Volume 1 before you cut any material.
"...quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est."


a.k.a. Paul M.
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#3
There's really good wool here, too. Pick the wool flannel, I'd suggest.

http://www.bblackandsons.com/
http://www.bblackandsons.com/store/woolens_flannel.html
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)

Saepe veritas est dura.
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#4
Looks fine to me, though they may be a bit skimpy. Make them WIDE, like square. If it fits like a tent, perfect! Not sure if the short sleeves are correct for 50 BC--sleeveless is always safe. Minor quibble!

Reds were most likely from madder, which gives a sort of orangey shade, like tomato soup. (I've seen people call it "brick red", which leads to the danger of more purplish shades, which you do NOT want!) Most common reds these days are the shades you could only get from rather expensive dyes in ancient times. You can usually get madder red wool from suttlers (suppliers) of 18th century reenactment stuff. I don't think I've ever seen madder red linen, though.

Definitely get Sumner's Osprey books! Happy sewing,

Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
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#5
Looks good, but like Matt said, not wide enough... Make them at least elbow to elbow wide, or wider (wrist to wrist is also nice).

Not sure about sleeves for this period either...

Vale,
Jef Pinceel
a.k.a.
Marcvs Mvmmivs Falco

LEG XI CPF vzw
>Q SER FEST
www.LEGIOXI.be
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#6
Thanks guys. I've already got a copy of Roman Miltitary Clothing Volume 1, but nothing beats the experience and knowledge of the people posting in here. Wider is better, got it. I will try some more on test fabric first.
Gaius Marius Cingetorix

M.K.A. J.D. Walker

Rome didn\'t create a great empire by having meetings....
They did it by KILLING all those who opposed them.
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#7
Salvs, Gaius Marius,
If you go with the selvege(finished edges) of your fabric for the width you'll be about right. I know this varies some but it's a good reference point. If you think it's too wide, it's probably good. Seems funny at first but you get used to it.

Nice balteus, BTW.
Andy Booker

Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs

Andronikos of Athens
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#8
There's also been quite a discussion on military tunics, centred on 1st C AD Rhineland.

http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4675
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
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#9
Think of elbow to elbow as an absolute minimum. Wrist to wrist would be just as good. You should not need sleeves - they will form of their own accord. As Matt Amt said, square is a good shape. When unbelted the tunic should hang to mid calf when standing straight. To hitch it up take a belt or waist tie (not your military belt) and tie it reasonably firmly around your waist. Then hitch the material up at the sides, little by little, one side after the other until the botton edge at both front and back is three or four inches (more if you prefer) above your knees. It will probably be somewhat higher at the sides.
Once you have hitched your tunic up, then you should put on your military belt. Hitching your tunic this way should produce a reasonable impression of the crescentic folds seen on many sculptural representations of tunics, as seen (for example) here:
[Image: mainz002_w.jpg]

Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers.  :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
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