Basics for choosing fabric

[isabelladangelo]

I will say this:  I have never spent more than $100 on fabric alone for any of my gowns. Ever.  The vast majority of my gowns cost well under $50 for the fabric.  Sign up for those coupons from Joanns, Denver Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, and Fabric.com.  Right now I have three 50% off ones for Joanns to use this week.  I've gotten notices quickly about all the specials that fabric.com has.   

Also, look at ebay.com once you get use to seeing fabrics and knowing what the fabric content most likely is based on looks.  I've gotten some wonderful deals off of ebay before on fabric (22 yards of blue linen for $35 for example...) and it's a great place to buy if you know what you are doing.  There are a few guides to help those that aren't as experienced with online fabric shopping up on ebay.

Also, check out flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops for fabric.

[Cilean]

First of All Welcome to the Madness. If you are new, then the first thing I need to tell you is really 1 word: RESEARCH!!!


RESEARCH:

#1. Your Time Period- What was worn in the 1400's might not be worn in the 1500's, or styles of course.  Pay close attention, one would not wear early Tudor in 1560's particularly the Upper Crust and Nobility. 

#2. Your Country of Choice- In Italian City States you could wear Linen as outwear, however if you lived in England Linen from what is known would not be used as an      Outer Fabric wool would be your first fabric of choice.


#3. Your Venue- Are you going to be wearing this inside or outside? Will you be cooking? How about walking in dusty or muddy or icky places?? 
Most of Faire people will want something that could be brushed out like Cotton Velvet or Velveteen as well as wools with some 3M Scotchgard it makes the gown easier to care for. If in the SCA and during Feasting Season, I would then use Silks and such, because I will be inside less likely to have my silk taffeta stained from outside sources.


#4. Plan for the entire outfit-
Most people don't figure on the cost of the outfit from the skin out.  Of course this is more for females than for males, however the men have to add more depth into the actual jerkins, so remembering that you have to also have corresponding underthings, to make the outfits work.  We have found even how you put your hair up helps the hats and coifs fit. So while you budget for the outer gown, you must think about Kirtle fabric, Pair of Bodyes fabrics and tools, Farthingale fabric and reed and stockings as well Smock fabric.  All of these are needed to make a complete outfit! 


#5. Your Budget- there are 3 parts to a budget for an outfit that I would give to people who are beginning:

Time

Effort

Money

If you don't have one of the components, you need to double up on the other 2, eg- if you have no time for a gown to be created then you need to expend more effort and money.

If you can't afford anything but dupioni because you found it at $5.00 a yard and it does not have any huge slubs, then perhaps you can add some embroidery to the fabric so that it will look like what you need it to be.  Which means you need to add more time to make the gown awesome, or you could find some iron transfers to make it look like a portrait. So then once you have the knowledge by researching you will know what you will need, when you see 6 yards of wool at Joann's from the 1/2 price bin and then 50% off again?

By researching your outfit then you will know exactly what you need, and what is required to make it a reality.


Cilean

[Seamus Ex Machina]

Thanks to all of you for this thread!  My better half requested and received a new sewing machine for Christmas, with the stated purpose of expanding our (already embarrassing) garb collection.  Your tips are very appreciated.

[LadyShadow]

Thank you for the helpful tips.  I am getting into sewing garb and does it ever make the head spin if you are not very familiar.