As I prepare for my favorite event, World Banner Wars, I am going through my garb bucket and seeing what needs to be done.
Sadly, my sewing machine has decided not to work, so nothing new can be made. Bummer, I had some cute things too.
Also, very spiffy, I will be joined at WBW by Jodi, and get to show her the Amtgard dress. Lots of fun.
Weather on 10 day forecast is looking good. Almost perfect camping weather. There looks to be a slight heat wave,, making it mid 80's during the day mid 50's and 60's at night. Perfect Amtgard weather. Lets hope the sun stays out and there is no wet weather, and not only does that make garb needs double, but its messy, and hard to have a good fire pit in that kind of weather, and it just cuts down on the parties.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Current Sewing Projects
As it comes closer to WBW time. I need new garb as my Court garb, after many years of service, is just starting to fall apart. And years of staining are taking a toll as well. So I have started a few new projects. Photos will eventually turn up.
Italian Ren Peacock Dress- For me, Sapphire blue velvet, amethest purple crinkle satin, and I will get a nice green for the arms, and gold trim. And maybe make a fan to match...... Oooooooooo, So far the bodice is cut out except for the under lining. Trip to the fabric store!
Italian Corset. Going to experiment with rope/twine boning... I hear good things, and it'll work well with this style of dress. Need canvas.
Elizabethan Corset bodice. Needs to be quilted together.......then again with the rope boning.... who knows.
Flannel Underdress...... with extra ruffles added. It gets coooooooooold camping in winter.Will make a nice toasty warm underoos. All cut out and assembled, need lace to make extra girly (shut up I like being girly on occasion)
Rose Pelcon/Overtunic. A current trend in Amtgard is a fleece over tunic. Mine will be rose velvet, lined with fleece. Nice change from the wool cloak, especially during windy weather. Drafted my own pattern for this one.
Fleece Hood. For the days just my head needs warming...... maybe.I just discovered this fleece, might be turned into a caplet, might not.
Blue Bodice. Sexy pirate bodice. Needs to be sewn together, and boning... trip to hardware store.
Velvet Doublet. Not for me. But all cut out.Needs Cotton lining though.....
Flannel Shirt. Again not for me. All cut out, but I ran out of white thread..... fabric store run!
Cotton Shirt. Still not for me. Again..... ran out of thread.
Pirate Vest. Drafted pattern to make the wearer happy. Mock up/lining looks great. Need brocade for this bad boy.
On the horizon... no pun intended.... is a Pirate Coat.
Then....... Steampunk for me........ must get corset to re-do measurements, and gather fabric.
Italian Ren Peacock Dress- For me, Sapphire blue velvet, amethest purple crinkle satin, and I will get a nice green for the arms, and gold trim. And maybe make a fan to match...... Oooooooooo, So far the bodice is cut out except for the under lining. Trip to the fabric store!
Italian Corset. Going to experiment with rope/twine boning... I hear good things, and it'll work well with this style of dress. Need canvas.
Elizabethan Corset bodice. Needs to be quilted together.......then again with the rope boning.... who knows.
Flannel Underdress...... with extra ruffles added. It gets coooooooooold camping in winter.Will make a nice toasty warm underoos. All cut out and assembled, need lace to make extra girly (shut up I like being girly on occasion)
Rose Pelcon/Overtunic. A current trend in Amtgard is a fleece over tunic. Mine will be rose velvet, lined with fleece. Nice change from the wool cloak, especially during windy weather. Drafted my own pattern for this one.
Fleece Hood. For the days just my head needs warming...... maybe.I just discovered this fleece, might be turned into a caplet, might not.
Blue Bodice. Sexy pirate bodice. Needs to be sewn together, and boning... trip to hardware store.
Velvet Doublet. Not for me. But all cut out.Needs Cotton lining though.....
Flannel Shirt. Again not for me. All cut out, but I ran out of white thread..... fabric store run!
Cotton Shirt. Still not for me. Again..... ran out of thread.
Pirate Vest. Drafted pattern to make the wearer happy. Mock up/lining looks great. Need brocade for this bad boy.
On the horizon... no pun intended.... is a Pirate Coat.
Then....... Steampunk for me........ must get corset to re-do measurements, and gather fabric.
Garb Alert
So was walking through the evil blue box of doom... aka Walmart. And in the plus sizes, there are some nice peasant tops for sale....... in colors. If you need to stock up, or just a special treat. Go get you one.... or several.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
And on to colors
Ahh hhh hhh hhh hhh hhh hhh hhh hhh Colors. How do we live without them???
Simple.... we don't. Colors are everywhere in Amtgard. In every part there are heraldic colors being used to denote Kingdoms, Parks, People, Companies, Households. Everything.
So what colors to wear.
My rule is....... whatever I look good in and no one cares if I am wearing that combo (which is a very small, population). Like I know I look good in jewel tones, and bright colors, as well as black (and a black bodice make a waist seem tiny especialy at night. However, I know I look horrible in pastels, and I look dead in most shades of yellow. So guess what colors I wear, and which I avoid. I also tend to stay away from why, as it attracts dirt and any other staining substance on earth.
As for the combonations. Again, unless someone really raises a stint, its pretty much wear what you want. IF someone raises a snit.... go add another bit of color if its that important. If you happen to know a company's colors, its generally polite to assume that dressing your self head to toe in those colors when you aren't in that company.... it won't make you friends. If you want to show support for your company, by all means wear their colors with pride. Expecialy at an IK event where you might want to band together, say World Banner Wars.
However, this "where what color you want" idea DOES NOT APPLY TO BELTS.
If you don't know what color belt you are allowed to wear... its black. Or brown. That's it. White is for knights only.... if you wear a white belt and aren't a knight, be prepared to take it off. Red is for squires, again, you might be asked to take it off. So, repeat after me class..... "I Will wear a black or brown belt until I know what color I may wear"
And in this case, the definition of a belt is "something worn around, or near the waist/hips" I don't care if its leather, a scarf/cloth. If it is visible from 10 feet away, its a belt. (in case of a pants falling off emergency, using a white peice of rope to stay decent is acceptable, until the malfunction is fixed.)
Simple.... we don't. Colors are everywhere in Amtgard. In every part there are heraldic colors being used to denote Kingdoms, Parks, People, Companies, Households. Everything.
So what colors to wear.
My rule is....... whatever I look good in and no one cares if I am wearing that combo (which is a very small, population). Like I know I look good in jewel tones, and bright colors, as well as black (and a black bodice make a waist seem tiny especialy at night. However, I know I look horrible in pastels, and I look dead in most shades of yellow. So guess what colors I wear, and which I avoid. I also tend to stay away from why, as it attracts dirt and any other staining substance on earth.
As for the combonations. Again, unless someone really raises a stint, its pretty much wear what you want. IF someone raises a snit.... go add another bit of color if its that important. If you happen to know a company's colors, its generally polite to assume that dressing your self head to toe in those colors when you aren't in that company.... it won't make you friends. If you want to show support for your company, by all means wear their colors with pride. Expecialy at an IK event where you might want to band together, say World Banner Wars.
However, this "where what color you want" idea DOES NOT APPLY TO BELTS.
If you don't know what color belt you are allowed to wear... its black. Or brown. That's it. White is for knights only.... if you wear a white belt and aren't a knight, be prepared to take it off. Red is for squires, again, you might be asked to take it off. So, repeat after me class..... "I Will wear a black or brown belt until I know what color I may wear"
And in this case, the definition of a belt is "something worn around, or near the waist/hips" I don't care if its leather, a scarf/cloth. If it is visible from 10 feet away, its a belt. (in case of a pants falling off emergency, using a white peice of rope to stay decent is acceptable, until the malfunction is fixed.)
A word on fabrics
In the beginning.... there were fig leaves.
Then natural fiber cloth
Then after a really looooooooooooooooooong time, man-made fabrics.
Let us discuss them.
I love natural fibers, they last wonderfully, and are readily avalible. Now I also love my strechy pants, and tank tops with elastic, and all other kinds of modern fabrics. But some do, and do not have a place in garb. If I am wearing a skirt for everyday walking around, working, helping with Feast etc... I am willing to say that 99% of the time, that skirt..... is cotton, or a very heavy cotton blend. Why? Its durable, and if i am helping with feast and i get to close to the flames, or need a quick pot-holder..... guess what, cotton works well. If I though about trying that with a synthetic fiber skirt..... it would melt..... into my hand. Or say I am near a fire, and *oops* get to close...... cotton scorches..... synthetic melts. Now, many of my shirts are synthetic, and that's fine. I can easily keep that away from the fire, or have a layer of cotton in between. So think about where you are going when you pick (if possible) the material an item is made out of. Its called Logic.
..... Unless its really cute, then screw logic and look cute! But be careful
As for outer wear such as cloaks, there are many options, wool, fleece,velvet, canvas, just to name a few. I have a pure wool cloak that was given to me by my mother. this cloak is 27 years old, and it still looks great. Also, it is warm! I have been in rainy events where I am all warm and dry in my cloak, while others in cloaks are soaked to the bone, and cold. However, if this cloak had not be passed to me, it would be exspensive to create, but in the end, worth every penny. I have hear the merits of polar fleece cloaks and tunics made by the amazing Linden (this woman is amazing in everything I have seen her do!), and I am planning to make myself a tunic in that style soon. But polar fleece can get hot, and melts when exposed to high temperatures, like fire. So they all have their yeas, and drawbacks.
Then natural fiber cloth
Then after a really looooooooooooooooooong time, man-made fabrics.
Let us discuss them.
I love natural fibers, they last wonderfully, and are readily avalible. Now I also love my strechy pants, and tank tops with elastic, and all other kinds of modern fabrics. But some do, and do not have a place in garb. If I am wearing a skirt for everyday walking around, working, helping with Feast etc... I am willing to say that 99% of the time, that skirt..... is cotton, or a very heavy cotton blend. Why? Its durable, and if i am helping with feast and i get to close to the flames, or need a quick pot-holder..... guess what, cotton works well. If I though about trying that with a synthetic fiber skirt..... it would melt..... into my hand. Or say I am near a fire, and *oops* get to close...... cotton scorches..... synthetic melts. Now, many of my shirts are synthetic, and that's fine. I can easily keep that away from the fire, or have a layer of cotton in between. So think about where you are going when you pick (if possible) the material an item is made out of. Its called Logic.
..... Unless its really cute, then screw logic and look cute! But be careful
As for outer wear such as cloaks, there are many options, wool, fleece,velvet, canvas, just to name a few. I have a pure wool cloak that was given to me by my mother. this cloak is 27 years old, and it still looks great. Also, it is warm! I have been in rainy events where I am all warm and dry in my cloak, while others in cloaks are soaked to the bone, and cold. However, if this cloak had not be passed to me, it would be exspensive to create, but in the end, worth every penny. I have hear the merits of polar fleece cloaks and tunics made by the amazing Linden (this woman is amazing in everything I have seen her do!), and I am planning to make myself a tunic in that style soon. But polar fleece can get hot, and melts when exposed to high temperatures, like fire. So they all have their yeas, and drawbacks.
Where to find.....
Shopping for garb can be much much easier than people think! This time of year is great for getting your garb on!
First go to the local mega store chain thing...... We shall use the Wal-mart, though I have found goodies at Target and Kohls too. Start browsing, good garb comes to those who have plenty of time.
Get you a pair, or two of undershorts/pants/whichever you need. I MEAN IT!!!! These bad boys are always in stock, and go on sale often too, best time to stock up is in January, when everyone's resolution is to work-out more. Wander towards the underroos area, there is a quick and easy bodice solution here! The waist cinchers make half decent underbust corsets, not great for lacing, but you get the look quick. Then, and I know it seems weird, go to the swim wear, and look at cover-up, these make great undershirt. Yes, they are see through (why you grab a few tank tops too) but in the summer, they are perfect, cover skin yet not heavy fabric. An they pack into bags easily. Skirts have become easier to find with the trend of peasant skirts being around. grab you a few. Ones that has elastic is best, so it can be moved to the waist or hips as needed without requiring a belt or new fastening.
See, why you gotta love summer when garbing. It gets better as the season wears on, as many department chain store the buyers for the entire company..... don't beleve in Texas weather, so many summer goodies go on sale and clearance in July and Aug.
Another word on clearance. It is a great place to find garb, especially out of season. Or sometime you get season stuff that is from "last year's collection" and is 90% off. How I got 4 of my favorite skirts that I gave to friends, I worked at Kohls and found 4 excellent black peasant skirts with a decorative border... originally 49.50.... yeah, I got them for 4.95 each. Why....... they were from last year..... these skirts are now 4 years old, and you know what...... all of us still use them, and they are holding up great.
Shoes can be tougher to find. Granted, I live in sneakers at events, as lets face it, you're gonna be walking a bunch, so save your feet, because when they start to hurt.... life is miserable. So make sure you have a good pair of shoes. Yes, I have a cute pair of ballet flats I can wear to Court. But when the night life begins..... guess who is back in sneakers.
First go to the local mega store chain thing...... We shall use the Wal-mart, though I have found goodies at Target and Kohls too. Start browsing, good garb comes to those who have plenty of time.
Get you a pair, or two of undershorts/pants/whichever you need. I MEAN IT!!!! These bad boys are always in stock, and go on sale often too, best time to stock up is in January, when everyone's resolution is to work-out more. Wander towards the underroos area, there is a quick and easy bodice solution here! The waist cinchers make half decent underbust corsets, not great for lacing, but you get the look quick. Then, and I know it seems weird, go to the swim wear, and look at cover-up, these make great undershirt. Yes, they are see through (why you grab a few tank tops too) but in the summer, they are perfect, cover skin yet not heavy fabric. An they pack into bags easily. Skirts have become easier to find with the trend of peasant skirts being around. grab you a few. Ones that has elastic is best, so it can be moved to the waist or hips as needed without requiring a belt or new fastening.
See, why you gotta love summer when garbing. It gets better as the season wears on, as many department chain store the buyers for the entire company..... don't beleve in Texas weather, so many summer goodies go on sale and clearance in July and Aug.
Another word on clearance. It is a great place to find garb, especially out of season. Or sometime you get season stuff that is from "last year's collection" and is 90% off. How I got 4 of my favorite skirts that I gave to friends, I worked at Kohls and found 4 excellent black peasant skirts with a decorative border... originally 49.50.... yeah, I got them for 4.95 each. Why....... they were from last year..... these skirts are now 4 years old, and you know what...... all of us still use them, and they are holding up great.
Shoes can be tougher to find. Granted, I live in sneakers at events, as lets face it, you're gonna be walking a bunch, so save your feet, because when they start to hurt.... life is miserable. So make sure you have a good pair of shoes. Yes, I have a cute pair of ballet flats I can wear to Court. But when the night life begins..... guess who is back in sneakers.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Garb needs
Here is the list of what I think is the minimum garb needed for a Weekend (Friday-Sunday) Amtgard trip. Notes will be added for different seasons
This is based on my use, as a non fighting female, so alter as you see fit.
First, I check the weather the week before. Then I check when I start packing, Then I check as I do the car load-up. Final check right before I leave. And adjust accordingly.
Two shirts, I like to change into a fresh shirt for Court. Extra shirt(s) are reccomended for summer/fighter, as sweat is stinky.
One Skirt. Bring a fancy one if you want to change for Court, but one will last you the weekend. I personally try to have a new skirt for each day in addition to my skirt for Court, but that's just me.
*Alternate* Wrap pants. I'm not a fan of them, as though they are supposed to wrap around and show now skin, I have seen ladies larger than me who were showing far too much leg.
A Bodice. I like bodices, wait, not I LOVE BODICES. These things are great. They provide great support, yet are fairly comfortable. A well constructed bodice can last for years, as well as be comfortable. We will go more into bodices later. And as long as you wear a shirt underneath, it stays fairly clean and not stink, so can be worn to Court.
For longer events I like to use this formula: One shirt and skirt for every two days camping with one extra of each, pretty garb for Friday night, and Court garb.
Undershorts. I am dead serious. I could survive an event without a tent, but if I realize I left my undershorts at home, I will go get a new pair at Wal-Mart. These things can be bike shorts, exercise shorts, or whatever you want, but you need them. If your thighs touch, which is over 85% of women. You know the pain of the rubbing of skin can produce. Its not wrong to have thighs that touch. Its natural, what's wrong is the pain it leaves behind. Trust me. Also, in the winter, these can morph into underpants, for that extra layer against the cold, because wind up the skirt in summer is refreshing, in winter, its horrible.
Personally, I like having a fancier dress/outfit for Court. Its optional, and depends on things like money for garb, and packing space.
Depending on the weather, bring a cloak/coat. I will almost always bring one, September-April, just to be on the safe side.
Underoos and Socks you need for the weekend. Each should be the same number as the days as you will be at the event.
Shoes. I like sneakers or good walking shoes. Lots of ankle support
Here is the optional part, the toilletries. I enjoy looking and smelling good at events. We all know how horrible it is to get a wiff of Stinky McStinkerson(s) at events.
Hairbrush/comb ... DUH
Leave in Conditioner.... its a needed thing, as the work it saves when you try to clean your hair after an event taking out the tangles. For the fair haired ladies, feel free to use one of those leave in sun cream,as long as you don't need to wash it out after a certain lenght of time. If you can't find that, or it does need washing, lemon juice and water. Smell good and get sun kissed hair.
Tooth care. This can be mouthwash, or toothbrush and paste.
Lip Balm. You can thank me later. Also, as long as its not mint, this stuff can help cover a small scratch. Especially one made from beeswax. *Not medical advice but personal experience*
Deodorant. again, you can thank me later. Also, a travel size of a body spray goes well with this, I suggest something very light and not over powering
I enjoy bringing mascara, as I think my eyes are one of my best features. Its all about knowing what to play up.And occasionally I bing a small thing of eyeshadow(all natural tones of brown/neutral please, unless it is for a creature garb). And a lip stain (really liking the Cover Girl lip stain)
Again, I cannot stress this enough. CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU PACK and/or LEAVE. There are few things worse than having not enough clothes when it rains or is cold, or having cool weather garb during a hot front.
This is based on my use, as a non fighting female, so alter as you see fit.
First, I check the weather the week before. Then I check when I start packing, Then I check as I do the car load-up. Final check right before I leave. And adjust accordingly.
Two shirts, I like to change into a fresh shirt for Court. Extra shirt(s) are reccomended for summer/fighter, as sweat is stinky.
One Skirt. Bring a fancy one if you want to change for Court, but one will last you the weekend. I personally try to have a new skirt for each day in addition to my skirt for Court, but that's just me.
*Alternate* Wrap pants. I'm not a fan of them, as though they are supposed to wrap around and show now skin, I have seen ladies larger than me who were showing far too much leg.
A Bodice. I like bodices, wait, not I LOVE BODICES. These things are great. They provide great support, yet are fairly comfortable. A well constructed bodice can last for years, as well as be comfortable. We will go more into bodices later. And as long as you wear a shirt underneath, it stays fairly clean and not stink, so can be worn to Court.
For longer events I like to use this formula: One shirt and skirt for every two days camping with one extra of each, pretty garb for Friday night, and Court garb.
Undershorts. I am dead serious. I could survive an event without a tent, but if I realize I left my undershorts at home, I will go get a new pair at Wal-Mart. These things can be bike shorts, exercise shorts, or whatever you want, but you need them. If your thighs touch, which is over 85% of women. You know the pain of the rubbing of skin can produce. Its not wrong to have thighs that touch. Its natural, what's wrong is the pain it leaves behind. Trust me. Also, in the winter, these can morph into underpants, for that extra layer against the cold, because wind up the skirt in summer is refreshing, in winter, its horrible.
Personally, I like having a fancier dress/outfit for Court. Its optional, and depends on things like money for garb, and packing space.
Depending on the weather, bring a cloak/coat. I will almost always bring one, September-April, just to be on the safe side.
Underoos and Socks you need for the weekend. Each should be the same number as the days as you will be at the event.
Shoes. I like sneakers or good walking shoes. Lots of ankle support
Here is the optional part, the toilletries. I enjoy looking and smelling good at events. We all know how horrible it is to get a wiff of Stinky McStinkerson(s) at events.
Hairbrush/comb ... DUH
Leave in Conditioner.... its a needed thing, as the work it saves when you try to clean your hair after an event taking out the tangles. For the fair haired ladies, feel free to use one of those leave in sun cream,as long as you don't need to wash it out after a certain lenght of time. If you can't find that, or it does need washing, lemon juice and water. Smell good and get sun kissed hair.
Tooth care. This can be mouthwash, or toothbrush and paste.
Lip Balm. You can thank me later. Also, as long as its not mint, this stuff can help cover a small scratch. Especially one made from beeswax. *Not medical advice but personal experience*
Deodorant. again, you can thank me later. Also, a travel size of a body spray goes well with this, I suggest something very light and not over powering
I enjoy bringing mascara, as I think my eyes are one of my best features. Its all about knowing what to play up.And occasionally I bing a small thing of eyeshadow(all natural tones of brown/neutral please, unless it is for a creature garb). And a lip stain (really liking the Cover Girl lip stain)
Again, I cannot stress this enough. CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU PACK and/or LEAVE. There are few things worse than having not enough clothes when it rains or is cold, or having cool weather garb during a hot front.
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