For a new doublet, I found some lovely red silk (real, not Duponi) which is a true red (no yellow-orange tint, yay!). Once cut to pattern (I make my own, don't you?), the silk looked a bit bare and, for once, I decided not to get too crazy with the frippery (gimp or trim to those outside the sticher's circle). So what to do? At our local JoAnns, I found a large 3" fleur-de-lis rubber stamp and a Color Box metallic gold stamp pad. Huzzah! Stamping the fabric was easy-peasey and looks very period. I recommend this method for re-creating Renn period stamped clothing, although probably it's not a good plan for velvets and plush-cloth, but for tight-weaves like silk verrrry nice, indeed.
I really like the feel and drape of silk (lined with muslin in this case). Unless you're quite large a mere three yards can easily do a doublet with sleeves, so it's worth the cost of the silk just for the luxury of the feel on your body and the casual, easy fall and drape of the fabric. And it takes stamping quite nicely.
Speaking of stamping, Rubber Trouble (http://rubbertrouble.com/medieval.php) has very economical unmounted stamps suitable for medieval and Renn garb. And stamps are easily mounted on wooden or other material blocks for use.
Of course, you're not limited to rubber stamping. In fact, leather embossing tools are another great method for stamping Renn garb. There's a short titorial here, which also includes tips on pinking and punching: http://www.alyxxndon.com/Alyxx/Fabric_stamping.htm#stamp.
In the great reference book, The Tudor Tailor, by Ninya Mikhaila and Jane Malcolm-Davies, they mention stamping with some examples. There are numerous classes, some at local colleges, about fabric stamping, so you can pick up more hints and techniques as well as get some hands-on experience before jumping into your own project. Or -- do as I did -- and just get right into it on some scraps and then off on the real projects. Stamping is very period and fun!
