I need a costume! :0

[FaeHollow]

I just was hired to work at TRF at I am supposed to provide my own costume. I don't know much detail on it yet just what was in the contract. I am a pretty poor college student but want to look really good. I have been told I am n the german court.

Where is the best place to get an amazing costume for a fair price?

Also any links to german renaissance costume are appreciated too so i can look for ideas.

Anyone around here sew really well and can get me on a payment plan lol!

I heard you can rent them from TRF but part of me wants to keep my costume.

[Merlin]

Don't rent your costume... especially if you are cast.

Can you be more specific than "german' on what you are looking for?

[FaeHollow]

I don't know much yet! lol I was told "German court" thats whats on the contract.  So I assume its renaissance german noble dress. I'm going to have more info on July 11th but I want to start looking at stuff and prices so I can know what I should be asking about and how much I need to start putting aside. I just know I want a flat hat with feathers on it lol I love those things!

[flidais]

Here are a few pics and dress diaries for german gowns.....drool

http://crimsonvision.net/cranachmag.htm
http://www.keradwc.com/2004/0103_w12/index2.htm
http://www.alyxxndon.com/Alyxx/SaxonDiary.htm


And a couple of places that sell german gowns.  I've never ordered anything from either place so I can't give you any advice there.  I can say though that they are a little expensive. 
http://www.sofisstitches.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=104
http://www.verymerryseamstress.com/german.htm

I think those big flat hats with all the feather are really cool.  Havn't been able to find anywhere that sells them. 

Good Luck and have fun. 

[Merlin]

I would go with a chemises under a Renaissance Bodice and find a long full skirt. You should be able to put something together for under $200

[bellalye]

Having performed in the company at TRF for several seasons, I say wait.

At orientation you will recieve a large handbook detailing many costume resources, looks, etc.  I know that your group leader will have lots of information to help you out, and that there are many stock costume pieces recycled for the German court every season.  There are also several costumers who work with/are on cast who will probably be willing to make a costume for you at a very reasonable price.  Patterns from Reconstructing history (http://www.grannd.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GS&Category_Code=reconstructing-german ) have often been used in the past, and also from here http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/women39s-german-renaissance-by-period-patterns-n.html

I know that this young lady (in the gold) ordered her gown from castle garden creations, she should also be in your court this season (although I do not know for certain)


http://98.130.184.182/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=25

Also, a company I have heard of, Ophelia's, also makes a german gown.
http://www.opheliasonline.com/german.html

if you have any questions, pm me, I'll point you to the right folks/in the right direction.  But do not worry, you will get plenty of info from the cast and crew.

toodles!

[Margaret]

First off, congrats on making the cast!

I would also say to make your own garb versus renting too - it will fit much better and you can make it how you want to.

As Bella said, you may want to wait to dive into anything for a bit and get more information on how the faire wants the German Court to look.

If you can't wait one more second to start looking (Believe me, I COMPLETLY understand this!!  ) you can start researching some fabric stores in your area and on line, start asking people about patterns and such and start looking at portraits.  However, don't get your heart set on anything just yet until you find out the requirements of what the faire Costume Director wants you to have.

[FaeHollow]

Thanks guys!

I am just researching to make my job easier later on so I know who is good to sew for me and what German gowns look like so I have some basis of making a decision and talking to the people who have to approve the costume. Also so I don't get this costume handbook or whatever and go OH LORD WHATS ALL THIS. I tend to get overwhelmed by packets of information. It mostly boils down to I want to be as ready and well researched as I can before we start so I know somethings and don't go in there knowing absolutely nothing about anything German! lol. I love research when I want to do it... for my college classes... not so much lol

[Celtic_Fae]

Thanks guys!

I am just researching to make my job easier later on so I know who is good to sew for me and what German gowns look like so I have some basis of making a decision and talking to the people who have to approve the costume. Also so I don't get this costume handbook or whatever and go OH LORD WHATS ALL THIS. I tend to get overwhelmed by packets of information. It mostly boils down to I want to be as ready and well researched as I can before we start so I know somethings and don't go in there knowing absolutely nothing about anything German! lol. I love research when I want to do it... for my college classes... not so much lol

You might want to go on MySpace and talk to the Landsknechts on German dress, accent, mannerisms, etc. They're a professional acting troupe out of the Tampa/St. Pete, FL area.

[FaeHollow]

thank you for the suggestion!

[Celtic_Fae]

thank you for the suggestion!

They're good people. If you message them, tell Fritz that King Charles V's consort Kathryn sent you. Hopefully he'll get the hint.