Nobility on a dime

[isabelladangelo]

I've seen this come up time and time again so I figured I'd just start a topic regarding how to sew the nobility gowns and outfits without wasting money.  I've done an entire noble Italian gown in H/A cuts for under $25 - that includes the trims and ornaments.   Nobility clothing does not -necessarily- mean you need to spend more.   What it does mean is that you need to pre plan more.

Ebay -Although not as great as it was a few years ago, you can still find some decent deals for fabrics if you aren't too picky.  I've recently received four yards of linen for $5; I bought 4 pieces of the 4 yards which brought the total plus shipping up to an exorbitant $30.95.  Yeah, I know, really breaking into the wallet there.     Linen is mostly used for lining in H/A upper class clothing but, if it's white and it's embroidered, it's easily used to make jackets and other articles for the upper class.

Etsy - The selection is completely random but it can be good.   

Fabric dot com - I <3 this store so much.  Just last year, I managed to get their green shantung silk for $1.95 a yard.  (You can see my Mom donning her 18th C gown made out of the green silk, here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/5886323654/in/set-72157627064157194/ )  Sign up for their coupons and their deals of the day.   Their selection changes weekly so be wary of that.   

I have only once paid more that $15 a yard for fabric.   Most of my silks, I've gotten for around $6 to $8 a yard.  Since most people don't need more than 5 to 6 yards for a single gown, you are talking about under $50 for your average noble gown when it comes to cloth.   Trims I've found at yard sales, the stores above, and at various other craft/fabric stores.  Unless the trim is handwoven, don't pay more than $3 a yard.   Ebay is EXCELLENT for finding large lots of miscellaneous deadstock trims in large quantities.   I recently got over 40 yards of trim for $13.  It's all from the 60's and 70's but has designs that are perfect for later 16th c.

If you want to create a noble outfit, look at the paintings!!!!!   I cannot stress this enough.  See what ornamentation they really used and what fabrics they used to get a better idea of design.  Grandma's damask tablecloth might look better being turned into a doublet than the pretty poly sari stuff from Joann's.  (In fact, it normally does and Grandma's tablecloth is probably natural fibers!)  Some things may be time consuming but how many hours during the day do you sit there watching TV?   How hard is it to pick up a pair of scissors and make pinking marks on your new sleeves while watching the SciFi (yes, I know, they changed it, grr..) channel?   Some things may take time but you'll better because of it. 

[DonaCatalina]

Check your local Goodwill or thrift store for materials. Occasionally they will have cotton brocades in yardage lengths that were leftovers donated by upholsterers. I have found some that way in three and four yard sections.
A friend of mine found brand new in the package linen tablecloths that came from who knows where. She bought all they had in 2 colors and made a lovely linen German gown.

[The Lady Mercedes]

Hahahaha good timing! The new issue of Renaissance Mag has an article on this! I'll read it & check here often for sure!

[morganne]

Thrift stores or yard sales... some curtains make excellent noble garb.  I also have a tablecloth that could easily be made into a very nice noble outfit.  (Although I like it as a tablecloth, so it will probably remain one. 

[Rani Zemirah]

Once my beautiful couch is no longer fit to sit on, the back panel of fabric will become a new doublet bodice for me, unless I have enough from other areas to piece together a frock coat.

[Betty Munro]

Keep your eyes open for used up Leather couches.  When you cut it up and flip the leather over you end up with a very pretty suede.  I guess it wouldn't make a noble gown, but a really killer non H/A bodice!

[DonaCatalina]

Keep your eyes open for used up Leather couches.  When you cut it up and flip the leather over you end up with a very pretty suede.  I guess it wouldn't make a noble gown, but a really killer non H/A bodice!

or even a noble's hunting doublet and trews!

[isabelladangelo]

Keep your eyes open for used up Leather couches.  When you cut it up and flip the leather over you end up with a very pretty suede.  I guess it wouldn't make a noble gown, but a really killer non H/A bodice!

Actually, the Queen herself has a leather pair of bodies.  And there is the infamous leather doublet that is extant.

[Marietta Graziella]

I bought delicious green cotton velvet curtains from IKEA! 2 panels, 72" long, 45" wide for $30.  I made a pretty Irish gown from one panel and still have the other for making sleeves or something else.