I would like to try to craft (or get my mom to craft ) or perhaps purchase some Medieval/Rangerish "pants." I don't really know anything about what was actually worn during that time period, though. And I don't want to wear leggings.
What do y'all use? How were they obtained? Are there any good patterns out there?
Thanks.
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
I just make simple drawstring pants most of the time, suitably modified for the female form. Lately though I've been adding in a kind of lace up fly. It makes necessary functions rather easier in a lot of ways.
Pretty much any pattern will do, unless you wish to be very period accurate in some way. There are the Thorsberg trousers, a very popular choice with a lot of folk, and others too.
Andy suggested taking apart a pair of sleep pants or something similar and using them as a pattern.
Here's a quote from his website:
"Pants- natural fabric, drawstring or button. No zippers, no modern cut/style, no modern pockets or elastic. I found some lightweight drawstring pants at Wal-Mart years ago. I took them apart, ironed the pieces out and that is my pattern."
That being said, there's nothing ruling out using your own creativity. I once got a garment from a ren faire that was nothing more than a piece of fabric sewn in a particular way with a drawstring that could be used as a shirt, pants, tunic and probably a couple more things I've forgotten. Granted, it was a pain in the butt to use, and I didn't really like it, but it was a creative concept.
>>"I once got a garment from a ren faire that was nothing more than a piece of fabric sewn in a particular way with a drawstring that could be used as a shirt, pants, tunic and probably a couple more things I've forgotten. Granted, it was a pain in the butt to use, and I didn't really like it, but it was a creative concept."
I've been trying to find a pattern for this for awhile but they don't make them anymore apparently, and the website owner has never responded.
It is an interesting design concept, simple draw-string pants would be your best bet though.
Faolan
Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay.
You know little of the lands beyond your bounds.
Peace and freedom, do you say?
The North would have known them little but for us.
and of course you can't go wrong with sweatpants. After donning tunic, jerkin and highboots, you really can't see that much anyway, but good luck no matter what you do, and of course, take pics! Remember, this guy didn't need pants, and he did pretty good!
"Well, what are you waiting for? I am an old man, and have no time for your falter! Come at me, if you will, for I do not sing songs of dastards!"
Sweatpants are, as Ken said, a great, instant fix.
That being said, they're not very durable, as the sweatshirt material they're made out of wears easily, and won't hold up like wool or canvas/heavy cotton duck will in the elements and the dirt. I'd vote for doing it right the first time once you get around to making them, and go with the historical designs and fabrics. It'll save you the headache down the road.
A good inexpensive way is to buy or use an old Karate gi pants, preferably a few sizes larger. Dye the pants brown, green or grey, add some leather knee protectors and away you go.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I like the drawstring pants idea. I'll let y'all know how it goes if it ever does.
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
It's a dangerous thing, stepping out your door...
You step into a road and if you don't keep your feet there is no telling where you might be swept off to.
Oh another quick fix for pants until you can make/buy better pants are scrubs!! the pants are light weight, and under a tunic you can't tell.. and they really are durable. You can buy them at Walmart. They come in a variety of solid colors.
“From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.â€
It should be noted that if you are in a northerly temperate climate where you are likely to get cold and or wet, that cotton and leather are not good for keeping you warm, wool even when wet will not get as cold as the other materials, a survival quote i remember "cotton kills"
Also wool garments treated with lanolin a pretty waterproof.
best
Peter Remling wrote:A good inexpensive way is to buy or use an old Karate gi pants, preferably a few sizes larger. Dye the pants brown, green or grey, add some leather knee protectors and away you go.
If you get the gi pants they make specifically for Judo or Jujitsu, the knees are already reinforced (a handy feature for grappling-centered martial arts AND adventuresome rangers)
) or perhaps purchase some Medieval/Rangerish "pants." I don't really know anything about what was actually worn during that time period, though. And I don't want to wear leggings. 
I added the drawsting.
