[Edward Rees]

I'm currently assembling my first kit and having stumbled upon this site I think it would be crazy not to avail myself of the obvious knowledge here. So far I've been picking up my kit piecemeal from the Mercenary's Tailor (Allan's work is fantastic and his customer service is even better) and plan on continuing down that road.

I have currently purchased:

http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...ucts_id=50
http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...cts_id=124
http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...cts_id=111
http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...ucts_id=36
http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...ucts_id=43

With the exception of the helmet (on which I still have yet to decide) I'm basically taking a top down approach to crunchy outer shell. The challenge I'm facing is finding good sources for the chewy fabric center.

Specifically, the arming doublet. I plan on making my own and have a fair idea of the direction I'm going to take but I'm unsure as to the level of padding needed. Any direction/commentary would be amazing.

[Mark T]

Hi Edward,

Welcome to myArmoury! Yes, availing yourself of the knoweldge here is a great idea.

Here are three quick leads for starters:

1. Have you done a search of the forums? There are a few threads here about historical doublets and their modern reproductions.

2. One good beginning point is the recent Arming doublet of the 15th century thread - lots of good pictures and discussion.

3. Many folks sort out their arming garments before their armour, as this affects the sizing of armour ... so you might want to make your doublet next and check that everything you have already fits, before buying other pieces (I'm being vague and general here, as I haven't looked at all the links of what you have purchased).

Hope that's of some help!

Mark T

[Edward Rees]

Mark,

Thanks for the direction. I had done a search a little while back and come across the Arming doublet of the 15th century thread and then managed to lose it. Don't ask me how sometimes my computer and I just don't get along. Thanks for linking it.

I realized that I'm building this kit backwards (top to bottom rather than inside to out) only after coming across this site. But, in what is proving to be my M.O., I tend to dive in head first. Make lots of mistakes. Flounder around a while. And finally come out knowing a little something on the subject. I'm currently trying to limit my mistakes and time spent floundering.

-Ed

[Scott Hrouda]

Welcome Edward!

From the floundering will come the learning. That's the way I started and I’m sure the same holds true for many forum members.

Congratulations on selecting an excellent armourer.