Primitive Tips
Children
- they grow quickly and must be clothed appropriately. Be mindful that clothing which fit a month before may not fit by PPR. If nothing else fits, a breechcloth is period correct for boys. There are many patterns for children’s clothing and recommendations on type of fabric available. Even the beginner seamstress can produce a plains Indian dress for a young girl, or a skirt with a chemise shirt. Many traders and participants at rendezvous put out items to sell, and outgrown clothing is a common find (the equivalent of a modern day garage sale). Shoes must have a smooth sole and be either a moccasin or a period correct shoe. Bare feet are always a period correct option! Be cautious about not straying into the Victorian/Civil War Era as it is not appropriate for Rendezvous. A person can go earlier into the Colonial Era and still be correct. Remember, styles stayed around for decades and people in the wilderness were creative, but they did not go forward in time to a different era!
For those who like to sew, or know someone who can sew for you, these patterns are commonly used for Rendezvous:
Missouri River Patterns
Eagle View Patterns
Kannik’s Corner Patterns
If you have enough clothing to get you into the event, you will be likely able to purchase more from the many traders!
A breechcloth is a long rectangular piece of tanned deerskin, cloth, or animal fur. It is worn between the legs and tucked over a belt, so that the flaps fall down in front and behind. Sometimes it is also called a breechclout, loincloth, skin clout, or just a flap.
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