alright so i've nearly convience two of my guy friends to go to Garf in the spring ;D and both dress in Garb. Yesssssssss sweet loving victory
but anyhow i also know both of them are kinda on a budget and don't have a lot to spend on garb. so anyone got any suggestions how to garb them both for cheap
Male or female? Male, you can sometimes find (or make) t-tunics at second hand stores, scrubs, a belt, voila!
Female, make a simple skirt, petticoat & chemise - no patterns necessary; a wide belt in lieu of a bodice & belt, voila! Make a pouch or convert a purse for either gender.
Thanks for the idea's Taffy I think I can get both garb for fairly cheap that way
Look for the threads about thrift stores. Lots of quick, easy, cheap ideas for making starter garb.
For the women look for the peasant blouses (elastic around the neck, worn off the shoulder type) and broomstick skirts at the thrift store. No sewing involved! Also look for a straw hat and some pretty scarves.
For the men, look for a linen looking button up shirt with the big wide collar. Yes it has buttons on it but pair it up with a hefty belt and a scarf or two and it'll be just fine to get your friends "in the mood" for fest.
Thrift stores are the best. Also check resale stores - they may be more expensive but will often have sales going on. One more thing - does your faire have a garb rental booth?
A pretty vest can be used for a bodice in a pinch.
Yeah they have a rental booth at Garf but i'm not sure how keen the guys are renting costumes but that is an option
All the suggestions are great!!
For someone attending Faire for the first time or dressing up for the first time, putting something simple together to "get a feel" for wearing garb makes all the difference for the enjoyment of attending a faire.
Then, the person begins to get serious about having permanent garb made for them. That is where the saving up of the money for such a transaction. Weeing others dressed in a similar style, watching them have a good time developing a character, etc., makes a garb purchase that much much more worthwhile.
Hi Lady Christina. My name is Shannon. I'm here in southeast Michigan. I bet I could get you a basic outfit for under $30.00 per person (either a skirt & a shirt, or a pair of pants & a shirt)
I have mugs, a few belts, and the occasional vest. Most are natural fabrics, and have been washed, so they drape naturally. If you're interested in something particular, I'm willing to take its measurements so you know.
http://community.webshots.com/user/shadowcat546
Congrats on rounding up more faire-buddies to go with. They won't regret it.
For pants, try scrubs or lounge/pajama pants. Just be sure they are cotton and not fleece or flannel and a neutral color.
The one suggestion I have regards belts. I've had some luck over the last few years purchasing Medieval, or Renaissance looking belts, really cheap at places like Walmart, or K-Mart. I've had the most luck in the women's belt section, but I, occasionally, find a good deal in the men's section. The belt I wore last year with my noble garb, which is also one of the belts I wear with my current pirate garb, was found on sale at Walmart for only $3 and I've yet to have anyone say that it doesn't look period. I have several belts that either my wife, my children, or I wear that I've purchased for under $10 from one of these stores, that we use with our current outfits.
I agree with many of the others about loose white, or light solid colored button shirts, with a wide collar. I also love Trillium's idea about pajama pants. I've never though of this, but will have to check it out for myself. I'm glad I read this thread!
Quote from: Lady Christina de Pond on September 10, 2009, 01:15:59 PM
alright so i've nearly convience two of my guy friends to go to Garf in the spring ;D and both dress in Garb. Yesssssssss sweet loving victory
but anyhow i also know both of them are kinda on a budget and don't have a lot to spend on garb. so anyone got any suggestions how to garb them both for cheap
I can't tell you but typically if you put the cost together you are speaking of about $250.00 = 2 skirts, a Smock and Bodice. No for around $60.00 to $90.00, you can make all 3 of you skirts, bodice and smock.
Okay you ask me how can you do this?
Check this out!
Shirt/Smock pattern free and easy:
DawnPages
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/shirt.htm (http://www.reddawn.net/costume/shirt.htm)
Or this one from Jen Thompson's Comica:
http://www.festiveattyre.com/research/chemise.html (http://www.festiveattyre.com/research/chemise.html)
Or the Smock Generator
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/smockpat/ (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/smockpat/)
Corset Generator from Drea Leed:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/ (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/)
How to make this into a bodice
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/index.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/index.html)
Here is how to make a kirtle or undergown for Elizabethans
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/gored.html (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/gored.html)
Another Kirtle description:
http://freespace.virgin.net/f.lea/kirguide1.html (http://freespace.virgin.net/f.lea/kirguide1.html)
Here is how to make a 6 Gore Skirt Pattern:
http://patternsthatfityou.com/frskirtcl.htm (http://patternsthatfityou.com/frskirtcl.htm)
Okay so Joann's has a great sale now they have tons of coupons for 40% off plus 1 50% off sale this week. So if you pick up some cotton twill for skirts and check out what is on sale at the moment I bet you could by checking online with the other stores we have and such? I bet you 3 could make up some AWESOME garb and for the least amount you can.
I am making an Elizabethan at the moment, my Fashion Fabric is $25.00 and my Forepart and Sleeves are $21.00, so for my outer ensamble it is $46.00.
My hubby's outfit is $6.00 yes you heard me SIX BUCKS. Fabric was free and lining and buttons cost $6.00. My son's outfit was made from 2 drapery fabric which I picked up from Ross for $1.00 a piece!! I have a friend who picks up table cloths and dyes them for cheap.
So if you look around patterns go on sale for $1.00 a pattern, you all have all winter to make these things, and really once you make your first one it is addictive! So please? try!
Cilean
ohhh wow thank you all for the ideas I'll try them with the guys when i get back from vacation