Wednesday 20 May 2009

Cover up...

The time has come to think about the cover of the book, and I'm not all sure what direction to choose. It should have something to do with tailoring, preferably - so do I try to find a medieval picture of a tailor's workshop? Or do I use a photograph of modern replicas for tailoring - pins, needles, shears, fabric, spools of thread? As a still-life or in action, with more or less of somebody working visible? Or a collage, mixing a medieval picture with the photograph?

Any suggestions, gentle readers? What would you expect or prefer on a book whose title says something on the lines of "Construction and sewing technique of secular medieval garments"?

8 comments:

Kruliczyca said...

Maybe medieval picture on front cover and mixed pictures on back cover?

Gina-B said...

You might find getting the right medieval picture costs you alot in copyright fees. (and you always have to be careful that another book hasn't alredy used it! I like the idea of the modern replicas - perhaps also with a garment showing a seam? Detailed picture sof this sort of thing seem quite 'the thing' these days. Don't worry, you'll have a flash of inspiration for it, just don't think too hard about it! :)

A Life Long Scholar said...

How about a medieval picture of someone(s) wearing (a) style(s) covered in the book? Perhaps combined with a Medieval picture of some aspect of garment construction in process?

Failing that (if you do run into copyright issues, though why you should for something first published that long ago I don't know), do you know any artists who work in a Medieval style?

a stitch in time said...

Thanks for the input, everybody!
The copyright/reproduction fees is an issue, yes, so the picture must not be too expensive. At the moment, I'm leaning towards a mixed or modern picture. I like the suggestion of a detail picture, too...
I'll play around with a few ideas, and will keep you updated on the results.

Teffania said...

What about a photo trying to replicate a picture of a medieval tailors shop with your replicas? it might be too awkward, but just in case you have most of the items you need lying around and a nice venue available.

a stitch in time said...

Yes, that would be another option that I'm also considering... although most tailor's shops show several people: sewing, fitting, somebody being fitted, someone cutting... and doing a "reproduction shot" is unfortunately a lot of work. (I did before. It's fun, but it takes ages.) For a tailor's shop reproduction photo, I'll also need quite a bit of setup - something like a stall with rods to hang the clothes, a table, bench, ... all things I don't have readily available. But I'm keeping it in mind, maybe something will come up.

Anonymous said...

What exactly would you be looking for? In June, our regional SCA group holds a large War/re-enactment, and one part is a tailor shop. (This is in the USA midwest.) The Tailor shop has a nice period-style table, little stools for the workers, and they handsew a set of garments from start to finish during the week. If you had a sketch of what you wanted included, perhaps we could set it up. It would be fun, and not something that would cost you. eleanordeyeson@yahoo.com

a stitch in time said...

Wow Eleanor, that is a stunning offer! Thank you very much (and I'll be coming back to you via email).