Parasols and Fans

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

So out of interest, how many of you carry a parasol and fan. If so what type do you carry, Feather, Lace or paper? Also if you have a good link for such things that would be awesome. I bought a parasol made of lace similar to this one on ebay but I am not sure I like it or if if looks good for a lady of the court. . I also have a black lace fan that I got a few years ago but really would prefer a feather fan that would look good with my dress.

Any suggestions on where to get them or how to make them (Get stuff to make fans)?

[gem]

I love the Renaissance Tailor's fan tutorials, particularly the flag fan and the folding fan.

How accurate do you have to be?  The lace fans and parasols might have a Victorian touch to them that you might not want.

On the old forums, somebody had a link to some *fab* paper parasols that didn't look overtly Asian.  I hope I saved it!  (Gem scurries off to hunt that down....)

Woot!  I saved it.  Here it is:  Thai parasols.

[Master James]

Here is another location to get parasols that are more period if you care.

http://www.margaretroedesigns.com/parasols.html  She also has a link from there to a history of the parasol if you want to read it.

[Lady Rosalind]

Hobby Lobby has some paper pararsols on clearance! Our queen bought all of her ladies a new parasol for $2 each. Of course, I had already bought three for myself...

[Anna Iram]

Lady Delaney, I just purchased the lovieliest fan from this shop at Scarby:

http://www.featherfans.net/


If you have a swatch of your gown she can incorporate it into a custom fan for you as well.  Some are made with a firm feather like turkey(?) set behind the ostrich plumes. It's meant to provide a better, firmer, breeze. Mine is just lots of ostrich. I think they're prettier and it make all the breeze I need.



This is where I've picked up a few parasols. I especially like the Thai parasols but they do tend to be a little heavier. I have one hat is nylon, but in general I find I like the look of paper.

http://asianideas.com/paper.html


I've seen ladies carry lace parasols, though it seems the "norm" is an asian one at faire.

[silverstah]

Here is another location to get parasols that are more period if you care.

http://www.margaretroedesigns.com/parasols.html  She also has a link from there to a history of the parasol if you want to read it.

Woot!  Now I'm glad I picked up the parasol I got at RPFS last month - same design, with a plain unbleached heavy cotton muslin cover, including a case, for $45.   I will admit, I love the durability of the cloth parasols!

[Lady Ann of Draycott]

Dragon Wings also makes feather fans and parasols:

http://www.dragonwings.net/CatalogHomePage.htm

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

That is the one thing I really disliked about the "Oriental" styled parasols is they are paper, and paper gets ruined if it rains. Rains can come all of a sudden, thus ruining the parasol. Plus I really dislike the Oriental designs on the majority of them. Considering that Marco Polo had visitied the orient and trade with the orient was happening during Tudor and Elizabethian times, It would be possible to have oriental style parasols.

I did manage to find 1 waterproof paper parasol rather cheap at $12.00 on line. http://www.lunabazaar.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=27

[Anna Iram]

Here's a page from the link I edited into my reply earlier. I have one of these...the flame parasol. Never had the chance to try it out in the rain. They have a great look to them. More substantial than the rather flimsy china style.

http://asianideas.com/copapa.html

[DonaCatalina]

Lady Delaney, I just purchased the lovieliest fan from this shop at Scarby:

http://www.featherfans.net/


If you have a swatch of your gown she can incorporate it into a custom fan for you as well.  Some are made with a firm feather like turkey(?) set behind the ostrich plumes. It's meant to provide a better, firmer, breeze. Mine is just lots of ostrich. I think they're prettier and it make all the breeze I need.

I second this one! 

[gypsylakat]

question, can you use scotch gaurd or something similar on paper parasols? I've seen it used on tissues and was just wondering if anyone had tried it..

[peggyelizabeth]

I have an asian-style fabric parasol that I got on ebay. I used it in the rain at MNRF last year and although it bled red dye all over, it did keep me dry. I could have sold it many times that day.
Here's a pic of me using it: http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/Peg1.JPG

As for fans, I've made my own feather fan from ostrich feathers, a bamboo rice paddle, some mill work trim pieces and gold paint-with LOTS of hot glue. http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/fan.jpg I also like the palm leave fans that are about $1 at party supply stores.

[cowgrrl]

I have a rain-proof Asian parasol I got at Four Winds Faire this year.  I believe it was around $20 & since I had been looking for one for almost 2 years, I felt it was well worth it.  I carried it at Scarby almost every day we were out there & every time someone (mundanes, playtrons & even cast) asked me where I got it.  The lace ones are pretty but I want something that will protect me from the elements if needed.

So...if you want to make a killing at Scarby, sell waterproof Asian parasols.  You'll make a mint!

[sealion]

I also carry a fabric covered asian parasol. People are always stopping me to ask from which booth it was purchased. My reply: The China pavillion at EPCOT. 

[Lady Christina de Pond]

i carried a fan in my bag but it was so cool out i didn't need it this year and the paper parasol i have would not go with my outfit so i left it at home even though i did seriously think of it.