Actually I didn't see the post other than this one. The research idea and then swap/draw would be kinda cool. As long as hand sewing was a minimal part of the criteria, then a full project should be able to be completed. Also if we are going for historical representation as oppose to complete authenticity, you would still achieve the objective of teaching people how to do appropriate garb within a time limit. Some aspects are going to have to be over looked like materials and modern construction.

I personally would not have a problem with any time period. You could however limit it to 12th-16th century or something like that, maybe pick a culture any century.