Outlander Wardrobe and language

**terry dresbach** · 10th September 14, 09:24 AM

Totally outside of my jurisdiction, as we have a top notch armorer, but I would be VERY surprised if our lead actors sheath was a $100 anything on this show.

**duke_19_62** · 10th September 14, 09:31 AM

@terry dresbach, if I win the walk-on part in the Watch-and-Win Sweepstakes, will I be able to wear my own Great Kilt? (Macneil of Barra Ancient tartan) I assume not.

**Mechamaniac** · 22nd February 15, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

Mind you, none of these anachronisms or otherwise ill-fitting elements are in any way interfering with my HUGE enjoyment of the series. But I do take note of them, generally after watching an episode for the first time.

Some anachronistic dirks here:

The guy to the right of Jamie (background, with horse) has what looks like a brass-mounted version of the dirk Colum wore at the Gathering; handle style is closer to 1800. Jamie's & Dougal's dirks are more mid-to-late1600s, though Highland thrift could argue for hand-me-downs in decent condition. The other guy, center foreground -- can't see his well enough.

I'm looking for a good waistcoat like the ones shown. Has anyone dealt with this place before?

http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/Waistcoats.html

**Dale Seago** · 22nd February 15, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mechamaniac

I'm looking for a good waistcoat like the ones shown. Has anyone dealt with this place before?

http://www.sutlers.co.uk/acatalog/Waistcoats.html

Not familiar with those folks. The jacket and waistcoat I'm wearing here were made for me by Barkertown Sutlers,
http://www.barkertownsutlers.com/

**Mechamaniac** · 22nd February 15, 06:40 PM

Nice, thanks! And is that a jabot or cravat as well?

**Liam** · 22nd February 15, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

Not familiar with those folks. The jacket and waistcoat I'm wearing here were made for me by Barkertown Sutlers,
http://www.barkertownsutlers.com/

Great looking outfit , Dale. Also great to see you posting again.....

**terry dresbach** · 9th September 14, 12:23 AM

A lot of the audience is complaining that they can't understand it NOW with the accent you are hearing.
And they are not en faire pirate boots. They are accurate reproductions of French Military bots, made by a historical cobbler, for us.

**Lodrorigdzin** · 9th September 14, 01:30 AM

Originally Posted by terry dresbach

A lot of the audience is complaining that they can't understand it NOW with the accent you are hearing.
And they are not en faire pirate boots. They are accurate reproductions of French Military bots, made by a historical cobbler, for us.

Interesting blog, terry. Love your observations about the costume choices for Geillis Duncan. Of course she would have to look "out of time", a woman who brings her contemporary sensibilities to clothing choices in the 18th century.

About the knitting, to your knowledge, in the period, did they do "modern" knitting, such as we know it or a form of scandinavian nalbinding?

**terry dresbach** · 9th September 14, 02:20 AM

Not a lot of evidence survives. We know they knitted. Do we know how every single person knitted? No. Can we say that one person (Mrs. Fitz) made herself some bigger needles, because she had a particular style she wanted to do? Sure we can.
We don't use polyester or plastic, there is no velcro on the show. We KNOW those things did not exist. So we make sure they are not in there. The same way we don't have anyone turn on an electric light. But human beings are a diverse lot, and there is room for a lot of experimentation. Once we confirmed knitting, then as far as I was concerned, we could take the creative leap.
Another note. At that time in the production, no one from above (way above), wanted a lot of historically accurate parts of costumes. Like fichus. But I had an actress and a character running around in a freezing castle, exposed in a way that might kill her or get her branded a whore. Everyone LOVED the knit pieces. Sometimes you have to dance carefully on the edge of the razor. And the knit pieces opened the door to fichus, which she now wears as a result.

**figheadair** · 9th September 14, 03:03 AM

Terry,

Welcome to the forum. It's very interesting to get the background first hand.

I am particularly interested in the choice of tartans, which I know were designed for the show, as the colours are not typical of the period. I guess that this was a conscious choice but wonder why no attempt was made to reflect extant patterns of the time and did the decision also extend to the choice of fabrics that include what appears to be tweed and kilt cloth with no selvedge?

Peter