I need a new farthingale.

[trof]

But I don't know whether to get the Spanish or the French style.

[JoDog]

1. Depends

If you're planning to wear it for summer events, I'd go with the French/bumroll style. Or just wear the bumroll--a lot of Elizabethans I know get away with that in hot weather. That extra layer of cloth could make the difference between enjoying your event and passing out! They're also cheaper (about $20, not counting shipping). But if you're looking to make an investment in something you plan to wear year round and can find a good price, go with the Spanish.

You also may want to put the time period you're looking at in consideration: the Spanish style appeared in the late 1400's, well before the French, which showed up circa 1570.

Bear in mind though, my SCA personna is 11th Cen. Swede, and the closest I've come to wearing or making what you're talking about is a circa 15th cen. Irish "country" dress. But I do know how to make a French hood out of a sun visor, if you're interested.

[LibertyLover]

2. It also depends on where you plan to wear it -

if it's going to be at Pennsic, may I suggest a lovely bog dress for dealing with the porta-johns. But if it's for a coronation or 12th Night, then I personally would go with the French. I've always felt that the Spanish farthingales were too unwieldy. Of course, I have to admit that I'm an early period persona myself - I can't sew worth a damn so straight seams are my friends. :)

[JoDog]

3. Here here!

Personally, I can't understand doing the full Tudor/Elizabethan for camping events like Pennsic. I get that it's pretty and all, but it can be so hard to manuver in a porta potty. And of course, the heat factor. This Viking gal sometimes even switches to saris for the summer.

And the less time I spend sewing garb right now, the better. I'm starting a project to re-create a Danse Macabre mural for an October event. I still don't know how I got talked into that.

Cheers from Northshield!

[trof]

4. I can't believe there are people here who know

what a farthingale is (was?).

This actually started with some research on what 'BVD' stands for.
(Bradley, Voorhees & Day, the New York City firm that initially manufactured underwear of this name for both men and women. It was founded in 1876 by three business men whose surnames were Bradley, Voorhees and Day.)

Which led to 'underwear' in general and then to 'farthingale'.
;-)