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Faire Garb => Sewing => Topic started by: Squire_Kit on February 23, 2010, 11:22:35 PM

Title: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on February 23, 2010, 11:22:35 PM
Salutations all!

(I'm not sure as to whether this topic should be in Sewing or Garbing, so if I put this in this the wrong place, mods, I do apologise.)

I am looking to create a custom archer's costume for a few events, including my local renaissance festival. However, I am as green as they come when it comes to sewing. I have the curse of being able to draw designs til the cows come home, but have all thumbs that can't sew in a straight line! The costume itself belongs to a character named Shannan from Shawn Lamb's novel, Allon.

http://www.allonbooks.com

I designed the costume to be based roughly in the renaissance period, but with a fantasy aspect as well as Allon is a fantasy world not unlike Middle Earth. For a quick background, Shannan lives in the forest of Dorgirith. She is carefully hidden away from anyone so stealth and ease of movement in her clothes would be essential. However, she and her mentor do operate out of a cave so her equipment (such as her bow) would be short range. As such I have designed the costume to have nothing dangling off of it as not to deter movement as well as keeping things in a utilitarian fashion. Now here comes the part I need help with (and any help would be enormously appreciated!). Here is the costume, along with a few of Shannan's accessories...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Shannan_costume_final.jpg)

Cowl

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Cowl_art.jpg)

It's detachable and rests underneath the jerkin with a beaked hood (as an eagle is one of her companions) ala Raven (Teen Titans), the Sorceress (He-man), or Altair (Assassin's Creed). However, I'm not sure how to go about constructing this. I've gathered a few tutorials from guys who have done the Assassin's Creed hood, but they tend to sew it like a gorget rather than a separate piece. Would it be possible to do a cowl that would rest beneath the straps of the jerkin without shifting about?

Jerkin

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Shannan_art-1.jpg)

The hardest part of the whole shebang! I don't even know where to begin on this one. It's all one piece (all the lines are seam lines) with heavy lacing in the middle (so it would go one like a vest). The longer flaps on the bottom are only on the sides to protect the hips. Fabric-wise I'm wanting to go with leather, preferably a soft, supple leather. But I'd love to hear some opinions on that. The flowing sleeves are purely for aesthetic purposes and are attached to the jerkin itself. Still debating on what kind of fabric to use for them. Suggestions?

Undershirt

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Shannan_undershirt-1.jpg)

Still working on designing it. But it would be simple compared to the rest of the costume. For the fabric I want to go with something breathable, like a cotton or linen blend. It would be long-sleeved, but closely fitted and tapered at the bottom hem (so it would be easier to tuck into trousers). Any suggestions on a good collar to go under the jerkin & cowl?

Trousers

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Shannan_art-2.jpg)

Basic pant pattern. Though my questions here would be, one, what type of fastenings would be most suitable for a forester/archer? (my first thought was lacing, but I find that the lacing keeps coming undone.) Band? Buttons? Toggle? etc. And two, what kind of fabric would be lightweight and breathable, but durable enough to be able to move through the brush of a forest?

Belt

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Shannan_art-1-1.jpg)

I like the two-belt approach (forgive me, I don't know what the proper term would be for two overlapping belts.). It is one piece made to look like two belts, or at least two pieces. The larger piece goes around the back and sides like a waistband while the middle belt ties/clasps in the middle of the body. I am lost on how to make this though.

Quiver- I'm looking at more of a collapsable quiver like the ones the Rangers of Ithilien carry in Lord of the Rings vs. the standard stiff tube.

Arrows - I'll be hand-fletching them. Oh boy!

Bow - I'm still researching it, but I'm fairly settled on trying to make a short self bow.

Hunting knife

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Knife_art.jpg)

As drawn on the bottom of the page. I like the idea of a bone handle on the knife. Does anyone know of a way to create one or in this case, would it be better to buy one from a smith?

Pouch

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Pouch_art.jpg)

decently sized pouch for keeping small dried meats and berries as well as a place for a oil cloth to hang. Would there be a particular pouch to use for this sort of thing or would a standard belt pouch work?

Boots - I'm leaning most towards boots similar to that of Faramir from Lord of the Rings. I think I'll just have to settle for buying these.

Wineskin

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Wineskin_art.jpg)

I know what they look like roughly, but what are they made out of? Hide? Cloth?

And most of all, for this whole entire costume I'll be distressing it! So there's no need for it to be pretty. :)

I thank you for reading through this and as I said before, any help would be greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Tammy on February 24, 2010, 01:50:44 AM
I love your drawings and complete descriptions!! I've not read the books, so I'm not familiar with the character.

I'm planning a new character involved in archery as well...so as I was looking for inspiration I came upon this...
http://digitalart.org/images/artwork/0053000-53422/fantasy/archer-portrait.jpg (http://digitalart.org/images/artwork/0053000-53422/fantasy/archer-portrait.jpg)

The jerkin seems very similar...so I thought I'd share in case it could help you.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on February 24, 2010, 08:08:03 AM
That is actually the jerkin I pulled from. I've been trying to locate the artist who painted that picture as to give credit, but I can't find him/her. I've made a couple modifications, though not many, as the jerkin stands by itself as a great piece. I believe the one in the painting goes all the way around the back whereas mine only has flaps on the side to cover the side of the hips. I also can't tell what the top would look like as it's covered by a cloak, so I designed it to be a tank-top like collar so it can be pulled over like a vest. (Mine will also be a different colour).

But good eyes Tammy! :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on February 24, 2010, 10:16:29 AM
Great idea!!

I can picture the the Doublet part in an Ultra Suede in a dark brown, earthy green, even black. The leggings/pants in a darer tan shade, with the shirt in a darker cream shade or a light olive green. The accessories would loook great in natural leathers or suedes. That would give the ensemble more of a woodsy feel to it.

Good luck!!!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: crazyrennie on February 24, 2010, 11:15:12 AM
Hi there!
Jerkin-Just a thought for you-you could use a deer or elk hide,both are strong yet supple,takes practice to sew them though.

Pants-a duckcloth works well for me(I didn't think it would breathe as well as it does)

Knife-Again opinion smith would probably be best bet

Wineskin-normally made of leather
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: gem on February 24, 2010, 11:27:27 AM
Squire Kit!!  You're back!!  :D

(Ok, no advice on the costume, just wanted to say how great it is to see you again!)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: BamaWoodsman on February 24, 2010, 01:23:44 PM
I don't have much advice to offer but I'll try to help a little.

On the knife, if you want to try to make it yourself, check out www.knifekits.com they have a blade similar to your drawing that you could experiment with various handle materials.

On the leather piece,  if you decide you want to have somebody make it for you, I can whole heartily recommend Gary at Crimson Chain. I've dealt with him on multiple occasions and have several pieces from him that are extremely soft leather and very comfortable to wear even on the hottest days and TnRF or GaRF. They have a large location at GaRF and generally have about a 3-6wk turn around on custom pieces.  Their web site is down but I can get in touch with him easily if you are interested in that route.

I'll also encourage you to come down to GaRF when it starts in April, I should be there nearly every weekend except for when I'm at TnRF, and would be happy to introduce you to Gary and Kit and send you on into the world of leather obsession.  ;D
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Adriana Rose on February 24, 2010, 05:11:55 PM
For the knife, go to the magical world of ebay lol.
Also the drinking skin they are all over the place at faires or try ebay for that as well

The shirt, I would go with a simple yoke shirt. There are patterns from simplicty that are fairly easy to use.

The cowl you might be able to attach the hood it to the collar of the jerkin with some loops or buttons for easy use. It would work or at least it does in my head lol.

The trousers I bet that you could make them with an elastic waist that way there is no fuss with the drawstring.


hope that helps keep us posted on the progress this is going to be a very cool costume when you are done!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on February 25, 2010, 07:48:48 AM
Regarding the cowl (and this could just be because of the lousy one I made), I do find that it "rides up" and bunches after enough head and body movement.  A heavier material (but then it wouldn't sit right -- unless maybe it were wool), or maybe a heavy band at the bottom (leather?) might help -- as might something a little extra wide so it won't ride up your shoulders.  The idea about buttons or some other hidden tie might not be bad to keep in mind.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Elennare on February 25, 2010, 11:55:02 AM
LOVE the design!  And you draw really well. :)

I have 2 thoughts for you, on it, since you asked for help.

1) wine skin.  Do you intend for it to actually hold liquid?  If so, I would suggest looking into buying one.  Most camping stores carry some version of them, for not too much, and they look pretty good.  You will probably want to cover the sports bottle top on it, but that wouldn't be too hard.  The thing you'd have to keep in mind if you tried to make it is: how to seal the sewing holes.  Or, what would you use for a bladder inside it if you don't want to try to seal the holes.  If you don't want to actually use it, none of those are an issue.

2)  On the jerkin, the flaps on the hips.  If you don't make it like a "skirt" across the back (which you said you don't want to do), I would recommend having the flaps meet at the center back rather than leave a gap.  Otherwise you may end up with the thing having really funky lines and putting emphasis on places you don't want it.  You don't have a picture of what you want the back to look like, so this may be your intention already.

...And now that I've typed all of that, I had another thought.  Take a look at patterns, either from some historical company, or the "Big 3" and see if you see anything that is along the lines of what you're looking to make.  That can give you a great starting point for how to make it, and there are lots of people here you can ask for help on modifying it into exactly what you want.

Have fun!  :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on February 25, 2010, 02:54:24 PM
Thanks so much for all of your responses.

I edited my first post this morning to include closer views of each of the pieces since the details in the first picture are hard to see.

Lady Kathleen - (Your name makes me smile. My middle name is Kathleen.  :)) Ironically what you described is almost exactly the colours I've got so far. I've start to amass fabrics and various Goodwill pieces to cut up and they all fall within those colours scheme (although we do have a lot more reddish brown and cream leathers. However, we'll be dying them as well).

Crazy Rennie - That is a good suggestion for the jerkin material. I'll keep an eye out for it. I've heard the "duckcloth" thrown around alot in reference to pants fabric, but what is it exactly?

Hi Gem! Thanks for the welcome! I'll do my best to bring my peasant-mayheming ways back to the forums.  ;D

Bama Woodsman - I would definitely be interested in conversing with Gary just to get an idea of what sort of pricing would go into a leather piece like my jerkin. (I would imagine it'll be a pretty penny...) I don't know if I'll be able to make it down to Georgia, but I am in Tennessee, so I will most certainly be at the TNRF.

Adriana Rose - Aye, I haven't even begun to hit ebay yet. I figured I would start by designing the costume, put the word out here, ask friends if they have anything I could use, then hit the fabric stores/Goodwill. (It's amazing how much leather you can get out of a men's XL coat for a small gal. :) )

For the shirt, I think I may have found a good one at Goodwill yesterday. It's not exactly what I had in mind, but it still has a rustic, unsophisticated feel to it. What do you [all] think?

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2010.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2019.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2014.jpg)

Can you believe the label says 'XS from Gap'?!

I also found a pair of boots that may work (again, they're not exactly what I was going for. But seeing as shoes are some of the hardest things to get custom, I think I'll have to work with what I can get). I'm working on trying to think of how I can cover up the zipper. Perhaps putting a semi-matching suede strip running from the bottom of the boot to the top would work? I'm not sure....I'm also thinking of tying twine around the width of the shoes in various places to cut down on the bulk of it.

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2013.jpg)

Pascal - Thanks for the advice. I've jotted it down in my notes. :)

Elennare - Thanks so much! For the wineskin, at this point, it's just for show. However, I'm always looking to make things as authentic as possible (within budget, of course).

Honestly, I hadn't thought through fully what the back would look like. So your suggestion is quite helpful.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Genievea Brookstone on February 25, 2010, 03:59:01 PM
From seeing your drawing and then seeing your photo, its not very hard to see the garb you drew on you! 

Sorry I have no suggestions, just the comment  :D
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Niennis on February 25, 2010, 05:23:08 PM
What a great find! And look how cute you are :D
It has a very rennie look to it, it almost looks like cloth mail.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: RSLeask on February 25, 2010, 06:07:37 PM
It's definitely hard to do cowl as one of the base pieces of a costume, not an overpiece.  Personally, though, I wouldn't necessarily do it as a separate piece... or at least, a piece of its own (unless you're just looking for ease of making).  You could possibly do one of two things... either a half shirt, or a sleeveless shirt, which should cut down on the shifting of the cowl greatly.  I'd chance to say as a sleeveless shirt, given the outfit and requirements (most of the base would still be hidden beneath the jerkin anyway).  Depending on things, you could even wear it beneath the base shirt, if you're looking to take the jerkin off at any point.  It looks like you've got enough room in the one you put pictures up, that you could do a half-shirt as well, which would add more stability, since it's braced by your arms.  Just don't do full length arms for it... just having short sleeves would be enough, just to tuck around the shoulders.

Simplest thing, obviously, a traveller's cloak with a custom-modified hood to fit the eagle shape.  You get two effects in that case... the "creep out the bad guys" look, and the fluttering cloak like wings of said eagle.  Just something to consider.

Edit:  Oh, and no, I've no idea on the feasability of sewing any of that.  I can barely thread a needle without looking like a heroin addict afterwards... >.>
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on February 26, 2010, 01:11:33 PM
Genievea - Thanks so much! I appreciate the compliment.

Niennis - Yeah, I was thinking about cloth mail when I saw that last photo. It's 100% linen, which was an interesting find considering most modern clothing is usually of a cotton/polyester blend or rayon.

RSLeask - Honestly, the piece I'm most concerned about is the shape of the hood. I drew the triangle-esque bottom portion after references I had seen. However, I'm thinking of making it into a sort of half shirt, or a bib. So you're on the right track! :)

(Oh and don't worry, I hear you on the non-sewing part. I can't sew to save my life. I've taken a few classes and courses in sewing and costuming. I'd have to stay for long hours after class just to get through what most students did in class. Even then it still wouldn't look right!)

Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Dinobabe on February 27, 2010, 06:31:43 PM
For the water skin look at reenactor websites, like for mountainman.  Should be able to find one with a cork top or similar.  The key phrase I used was "leather water bottle".
Try this, scroll to #9.  This one sounds awesome and $60 seems cheap.  Civil War canteens are $30-50.  May as well look good AND be usable (and washable!)!
http://legvi.tripod.com/armamentarium/id118.html
(http://legvi.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/waterbottlepic.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on February 28, 2010, 12:11:11 AM
Ooo, nice find, Dinobabe! Right now I'm actually hunting for a pattern for the wineskin. I have the corks, the twine, the straps, and the material to make it. I just need a decent pattern (and preferably one that could hold liquid).
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: RSLeask on February 28, 2010, 07:32:13 AM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on February 26, 2010, 01:11:33 PM
RSLeask - Honestly, the piece I'm most concerned about is the shape of the hood. I drew the triangle-esque bottom portion after references I had seen. However, I'm thinking of making it into a sort of half shirt, or a bib. So you're on the right track! :)

I've honestly thought about something very similar for my own character.  When I was considering it, I was looking at doing a leather trimming, rather than shaping the hood itself.  Match the full trim to the color of the hood, and you could attach another piece of leather for the "beak", and even accent it by making it a different color than the rest of the trim.

Think it would even help against the hood riding back, as they tend to do.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Dinobabe on March 01, 2010, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on February 28, 2010, 12:11:11 AM
Ooo, nice find, Dinobabe! Right now I'm actually hunting for a pattern for the wineskin. I have the corks, the twine, the straps, and the material to make it. I just need a decent pattern (and preferably one that could hold liquid).

Buy a water bladder and design the bottle around it.  That way it is actually usable!
Like this...
(http://www.sz-wholesale.com/uploadFiles/upimg9%5CWater-Bladder_48499.gif)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Dragonlord on March 01, 2010, 06:34:05 PM
Here is a wineskin bladder that comes with a leather pattern for $5.95. http://www.leatherunltd.com/hardware/findings/findings.html (http://www.leatherunltd.com/hardware/findings/findings.html)

Or if you don't want to make, Potomac Leather (http://www.potomacleather.com/PL_Mugs.htm) has a deerskin bota for $40.
(http://www.potomacleather.com/Web%20Pics/Bota.JPG)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: crazyrennie on March 02, 2010, 08:37:48 AM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on February 25, 2010, 02:54:24 PM
Thanks so much for all of your responses.

I edited my first post this morning to include closer views of each of the pieces since the details in the first picture are hard to see.

Crazy Rennie - That is a good suggestion for the jerkin material. I'll keep an eye out for it. I've heard the "duckcloth" thrown around alot in reference to pants fabric, but what is it exactly?

Squire Kit,
I have also heard it referred to as Trigger cloth-
Sorry I am not much for sewing-but I am trying to learn
Crazy
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 02, 2010, 10:26:25 AM
"Duck" is a heavier and stiffer fabric -- maybe not quite as heavy as canvas, but not too far from it.  "Trigger" is also heavy, but duck is slightly heavier.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 04, 2010, 09:36:27 PM
Oof, my apologies for the lack of reply. I've had a busy past few days. But back to work!

Most of the fabric needed for the costume has been purchased. (We got an absolute steal on quite a few leather pieces at Goodwill which saves a fortune from having to buy the actual leather itself.) Here's where I stand now on each piece (I apologise again as I was hoping to have pictures of the various costume parts before alterations began, but alas, my schedule didn't permit it.) I'm working with a good friend of my mother's who is a talented seamstress. But on with the updates...

Cowl - I've settled on doing Altair's hood from Assassin's Creed (though as RSLeask suggested, I'll be making it much longer at the bottom as a sort of half shirt). The only thing I'm missing is....a pattern. Something roughly like this made out of a natural, but stretchy fabric (I'm embarassed to admit my knowledge of fabrics is very small)....

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/forums/showthread.php/35384-Assassin-s-Creed-Altair?p=481735

For fabric, I'm leaning towards this colour and look. What do you guys think?

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/31.jpg)

Jerkin - At Goodwill, we found a wonderful suede fur coat that featured stitched panels. It gave it a look as if hides had been stitched together. However, it's a very light beige/cream colour, so mostly likely it will be dyed. However, there's a small part of us that doesn't want to cut it up. It's from Hening Furs, which coats similar to it run about $1,500. (We got it for $30! What a steal!) But yes, it's true. We are cutting it up, dying and distressing it all in the name of costuming. However, like the cowl, it's been nigh impossible to find a pattern anywhere near the jerkin I've drawn.

For the sleeves I'm looking at a poly-suede and dying it to match the jerkin. I would've like to have found a natural fabric, but I'm not sure if it can be sewn to get the effect I want. However, that will be later on in the process once we get the jerkin assembled (Right now, the sleeve will be a half sleeve, only attached to the front and back armpit of the jerkin).

Undershirt - As shown in my previous photo post, that one's done! (I may add laces later to the collar, but for now it stands as is.) CHECK

Trousers - Another fantastic Goodwill find! We found a black suede pair of pants (tag: United Colors of Benetton) for less than $10. However, they're about a size 8 and I'm a size 2. The seamtress (as well as my mother) are content to leave the pants as is - nice and baggy. I would like them altered to be a few sizes smaller. Not to be skin-tight by any means, but I think a size 2 to 8 is a big gap. Let's see if I can win the arguement...

Belt - As blessings would have it, we found most of our fabric and accessories at a Nashville Goodwill (all in one shopping ALL in the same place!). We found a few large leather pants, leather skirts, suede jackets, and an assortment of belts. We found one belt that was already worn out with beautiful two-toned red and caramel strips. We'll be using that for the main belt around the waist. Still looking for the larger belt to go underneath.

Quiver
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Quiver6.jpg)(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/Quiver5.jpg)

I would like to do something more along the lines of this....however, I need a pattern. We have all the material. Just need a pattern. (And then figure out a way to modify it as I don't want to copy the design exactly. I just like the idea of a hard bottom and collapsible cloth top (as would be easier for hiding as Shannan would probably to do keep out of sight of enemies).)

Hunting Knife, Bow, & Arrows - I have not made any progress with these yet as I'm looking to make the costume first. Though, as a sidenote, a friend of mine made a clever suggestion of only creating the shafts and fletching, but leave the points undone. That is, with the exception of say, two, with finished arrowheads for photoshoots.

Pouch
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/expence_pouch_patt53.jpg)

I can find basic leather drawstring pouch patterns, however, I am looking for one more like the one pictured above.

Boots - *see previous photo post for boots* I'm working on a few wrap designs at the moment. I haven't settled on one I'm satisfied with (mainly to cover up that side zipper).

Wineskin - I haven't done any searching for this one yet as I'm leaving accessories until last. But I have  taken down all the notes you guys have been leaving. I very much appreciate it!

I think that about sums it up for now. Hopefully I'll have progress pictures soon!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: crazyrennie on March 05, 2010, 09:00:41 AM
Hey there-
First congrats on the Goodwill finds-

Another name for that style of pouch is a Kidney Pouch,maybe help you with pattern location?

CrazyRennie
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Elennare on March 05, 2010, 10:56:47 AM
*so jealous of your Goodwill store!*

The pouch you have pictured looks to be easy to make, no pattern needed.  You'll need to cut out a circle, a half circle of the same diameter, a longer rectangle (match the circumference of the half circle in length), a shorter rectangle for the belt loop, and another small rectange to make the clasp.  And a button.

Sew the long rectangle to the half circle and one side of the circle.  Attach the small rectangle to to "top" of the circle and cut a slit in it.  Fold one end of the short rectangle over and sew to the back, just below where the fold line will be, and then sew the other end to the bottom of the back.  Attach button in front, and, you have a pouch.  Adjust order of steps as necessary if it looks like it would be easier to do in a different order. :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 05, 2010, 03:07:06 PM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on March 04, 2010, 09:36:27 PM

Cowl - I've settled on doing Altair's hood from Assassin's Creed (though as RSLeask suggested, I'll be making it much longer at the bottom as a sort of half shirt). The only thing I'm missing is....a pattern. Something roughly like this made out of a natural, but stretchy fabric (I'm embarassed to admit my knowledge of fabrics is very small)....

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/forums/showthread.php/35384-Assassin-s-Creed-Altair?p=481735

Really nice hood portion -- well, great hood portion, actually!  I don't know that I care for the shoulder part, though.  Looks like the type of thing that will get all twisted up when you move around.  I like how he did the "dip" in the back -- perhaps if it had the same in the front it might help.  Would also make it wider -- kind of like a half-shirt, like you mentioned.

Another possibility would be to have it wide enough to cover your shoulders, but have some hidden velcro on top of the shoulders to keep it from twisting away?  Could let you do some cool things like dipping front/back/right/left rather than leaving a straight hemmed bottom.  Don't know how I feel about dags -- but you could do something nice with that as well.

I've found various patterns, but you'll most likely be best served by making some test pieces with muslin to get it just right.  Cowls are tough.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 10, 2010, 02:53:43 PM
Dragonlord - I have actually just purchased the wineskin filler from Leather Run (the $5.95 one). Although yes, I'd like to go as authentic as possible, I think at this stage I can afford to be a little sneaky...I've got real leather, twining, and corks for the outside. I just wasn't sure how to do the inside (nor the pattern). But thank you so much for that suggestion. It was perfect! I'll let you know how it looks when I get it.

Elennare - I have never been that lucky at a Goodwill store! It was quite a rare thing, indeed. Thanks for the  instructions on the pouch. I'll jot those down in my notes and see if the seamstress and I can come up with anything.

Pascal - I can't think of a way to contact that guy other than to sign onto the forums (which I don't want to do). I've emailed a couple other folks who've done Altair costumes. But to be honest, their hoods don't look as good as this guy's.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 10, 2010, 04:33:16 PM
Haven't tried this one myself, but it might give you a starting point ... http://members.cox.net/moirandalls/cowl.htm (http://members.cox.net/moirandalls/cowl.htm)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: William of Armagh on March 10, 2010, 11:43:56 PM
Greetings, love the drawing for the elf garb. I think it is turning out super I enjoy being the mercenary/ rapier fighter most of the time...
but do have some elf garb...some pictures on Photobucket,  search for-- Adventure-Art --(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz147/adventure-art/adventure%20garb/elfarcher-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 11, 2010, 09:34:10 PM
Pascal - Hm, that's not quite the look I'm going for. But it may give us a base to start with. Thanks!

William - My costume is not for an elf. I gave a description of the character in the first post. But you can also view the book she is from here...

http://www.allonbooks.com

Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 19, 2010, 05:13:13 PM
My my, it's been a few days since I've posted. I do believe it's time for an update!

(I warn you now, dear reader, this is going to be a whopper of a post!) Since leather/suede fabrics are hard to find around here - and fetch a pretty penny - we tend to plow through the local Goodwill's to find apparel. We usually find 1-3 things for what we need. It's frustrating, but normal. This time however, we came up with this many things...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2165.jpg)

Sitting on that bed is roughly $5,000 worth of clothing that we got at various thrift stores for under $100 in TOTAL.

Cowl - No luck on finding a pattern, so we made our own...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2685.jpg)

The bottom part of the cowl we constructed is a half shirt/bib. The top is a simple yoke as shown here...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2698.jpg)

The final pattern for the cowl (out of bedsheets, I believe)...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2700.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2701.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2702.jpg)

Now the final hood will lay differently as the fabric we're using is much heaver than light sheets. Mrs. Elrod opted to go for a more feminine fit to mark a contrast from the Assassin's Creed hood. Speaking of fabric, we did finally find the fabric we're going to use for the cowl. We had a hard time finding a good material as all the ones that gave a good stretch for the hood itself looked too modern. (Jersey knit, cotton) There didn't seem to be any good knit fabrics for us to work with. So we ended up going with a dark brown poly-suede. It wasn't an ideal fabric, but it looks a bit more rustic than the others. So two yards were chopped off and here it is...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2177.jpg)

Jerkin - Here's some closet-ups on the jacket we procured on our last Goodwill excursion. It's a heavy little bugger (and way too big for me). But we're going to be cutting all of it up anyways, which should make it significantly lighter. So here it is folks, the $1,500 coat that we're cutting up in the name of costuming...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2121.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2128.jpg)

For the sleeves, we got a half yard of the same poly-suede fabric we bought for the cowl, except in a sage green colour. (I even went outside to test it against the trees by the porch. It matched! Although it's hard to see in the photo below, it has shades of umber and slate grey in it.)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2176.jpg)

Bracers - Like the cowl we did a custom pattern (cut out of graph paper). Interestingly enough we found out my right arm is a 1/2 inch bigger than my left...these should be finished by next week!

Trousers - In addition to the black suede pants we found last week, we managed to find another, almost identical, pair in dark brown suede. Although I couldn't quite win the argument to cut either pant smaller ("you'll grow into it!" was the cry), I did pull them back a bit for the photo.

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2136.jpg)

Belt - Belts, belts, belts! We've got a few!

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2141.jpg)

The two pictures below are for the main midriff belt. The first is the beautiful two-toned, pre-distressed, red and caramel-striped belt. The second is a dark russet coloured belt with a leather encased buckle.

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2149.jpg)(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2144.jpg)

The rest are extra belts we came across with lots of fringe to use for lacing.

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2143.jpg)(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2146.jpg)(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2147.jpg)

Quiver - I'm currently designing a custom pattern for it. Now was not the time to discover that I can't draw in straight lines...

Hunting Knife, Bow, & Arrows - No progress on this front.

Pouch - Mrs. Elrod found this little gem when she was out shopping...

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2156.jpg)

The beads will be cut off and the strap taken out. Now we're just trying to figure out the best way to put it onto the belt (and whether or not it should have a drawstring or flap for the top closure). We will, most likely, make that decision once we figure out the final configuration of the midriff belt.

Wineskin - Right after I purchased the 1 Liter wineskin bottle from Leather Run, Mrs. Elrod's son found a real wineskin for $1 at a yard sale. Currently we're trying to figure out how to match it to the costume (or how to use the one I bought).

Boots - After having worn these around, the ones featured in the last costume post are definitely the best boots we could have found (though I do wish they were a 7 1/2. They're a half size too small right now. Time to start stuffing some socks!). We're still working to figure out what sort of binding to do to cover up the zipper. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: gypsylakat on March 20, 2010, 01:20:32 PM
I love posts like this, I like seeing how people come up with all the pieces to their garb :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 22, 2010, 02:08:33 PM
Suggestion on the bow -- it's really hard to find a longbow or a recurve bow in thrift stores, pawn shops, etc.  Everything is compound bow nowadays (with the pulleys and extra cables).

Best bet -- Ebay!  Especially if you don't want a shooting bow, just a looker.  Old bows tend to warp slightly -- not noticeable unless you try to use them.  Once they get this twist, they're pretty useless as a shooting bow, but are great as wall-hangers -- look for these on Ebay and you'll probably find a nice looking wooden bow for $20 or under.

If you're looking for a working bow, there are some decent on-line sources ... but you'll pay a little more (maybe $60 to $80 on the low end).

...

Just remembered you had mentioned making a short self bow yourself.  This might be your best bet -- making a self bow is pretty easy if you're only interested in appearance, not performance.  The hard part of making a self bow is the tuning so that both ends bend exactly the same amount -- something you don't have to worry about if it only has to look good.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Steev on March 22, 2010, 03:06:50 PM
Very nice stuff.  You're ambitious and I hope everything comes together the way you'd like.  Excellent goodwill finds- I also hit the thrift stores, especially for web belts to use as lacing.

Regarding the boots, shell out at tandy leather or a similar supplier for a leather punch.  Remove the zippers and punch the leather on both sides of the slit to create side-lacing boots per Minnetonka side-lace moccasins.  You may need to sew a tongue in behind the opening depending on how well the gap closes up.

FYI, side lace Minnetonkas are about $70 but modify nicely- remove fringe, punch extra holes for a tighter lacing pattern, oil the hell out of 'em to discolor and weather.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: DonaCatalina on March 22, 2010, 03:28:32 PM
Wineskin (http://www.silvermane.com/leather_wineskin.html) is something you would be better off buying because of the interior bladder required.

Leather belt pouches and ring belts (http://www.twinrosesdesigns.com/Leather%20Belts%20Bags%20and%20Pouches%20for%20Sale.html)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 23, 2010, 10:06:51 AM
Gypsylakat - Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Pascal - I'm afraid I may have to end up buying a bow. I really wanted to make my own (and yes, it would be a short bow. A long bow would be a bit cumbersome as well as not being correct for the character). But alas, time is running out and my budget is running thin. I did find this the other day that may serve until I can create my own. What do you think of it? -------->  http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/product_info.php/products_id/3796 (http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/product_info.php/products_id/3796)

Do you know of any semi-easy self bow creation sites? I've been looking at a few, but they're quite time consuming and definitely not on the cheaper end of things.

Steev - Why thank you. Aye, it's true, ambition is my middle name. :) Now from what I've gathered and cut so far for the costume, it's going to look quite a bit different from the illustration in the first post. So I'm going to do a second drawing and post it up here before the costume is finished.

While I can appreciate the idea (and I may use it at a later date), Shannan's costume now has no lacing on it. Everything is strapped down. (Currently we're using D-rings). I want to keep that theme running with the boots, but I'm not sure how to tie that in as well as successfully hide the zipper.

Dona Catalina - Thanks for the suggestions! The wineskin, belt, and leather pouch has already been bought and/or made. But I'll definitely keep those links in mind for future projects. :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: LadyStitch on March 23, 2010, 10:18:53 AM
BTW thanks for the bow info. A bunch of us are secretly plotting a ranger outfit for a friend of ours.  He is nearly to the 200 pound weight loss mark. We are thinking of getting him a nice Long bow, and a complete ranger's outfit as a congrats gift. 

Also I love watching your progress on this.  I can't wait to see the finished product.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on March 23, 2010, 10:56:23 AM
Lady Stitch - Thanks, I appreciate it. :)

Long bows seem to be the easier of the bows to find. There's also some really great references for ranger costumes. Here were a few that I stumbled across. Best of luck (and congrats to your friend. :))!

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Human/Gondor/Ranger.htm
http://entropyhouse.com/penwiper/costumes/faramir.html

You can also check out www.cosplay.com and search Lord of the Rings/ranger into their search engine. There's a number of cosplayers who've done a ranger of Ithilien.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 23, 2010, 12:29:27 PM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on March 23, 2010, 10:06:51 AM
Pascal - I'm afraid I may have to end up buying a bow. I really wanted to make my own (and yes, it would be a short bow. A long bow would be a bit cumbersome as well as not being correct for the character). But alas, time is running out and my budget is running thin. I did find this the other day that may serve until I can create my own. What do you think of it? -------->  http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/product_info.php/products_id/3796 (http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/product_info.php/products_id/3796)

Do you know of any semi-easy self bow creation sites? I've been looking at a few, but they're quite time consuming and definitely not on the cheaper end of things.


The Black Bear thing is interesting -- it's a toy bow, but is made of wood and bamboo and it is shortish (40").  Might be a good look -- you can paint the handle part, too.  It looks like the bamboo bow arms are attached to the wooden handle with cord -- you could probably replace this cord with something more exciting (leather? black macrame cord?) if you wanted.  Furthermore, the bow looks a little like a recurve -- which makes it a little exotic.  However, if you've got time and access to a bandsaw or scrollsaw (for the handle), you could probably make this in an hour or so.

There's a nice wooden short longbow (short long?) on ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/25-Wood-Recurve-Long-Bow-Stick-Bow-50-1-4-long_W0QQitemZ260570128315QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3cab309fbb (http://cgi.ebay.com/25-Wood-Recurve-Long-Bow-Stick-Bow-50-1-4-long_W0QQitemZ260570128315QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3cab309fbb).  Very simple, but cheap and the right size.  You could paint it and decorate it also.

Other interesting looking Ebay's are at http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1920s-era-63-wood-LONG-BOW_W0QQitemZ170461177092QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27b0472504 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1920s-era-63-wood-LONG-BOW_W0QQitemZ170461177092QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27b0472504) (would need repainting) and at http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Custom-Archery-Long-Bow-25-35-R-L-w-String_W0QQitemZ380215090445QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item588695dd0d (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Custom-Archery-Long-Bow-25-35-R-L-w-String_W0QQitemZ380215090445QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item588695dd0d).  This last one doesn't look wood -- looks like metal and fiberglass -- but it does have an interesting look to it.

There are low cost Ebay longbows (student models as well -- these will be shorter) all the time, so no need to hurry if you want to consider this as a source.  If you're willing to consider some composite models (fiberglass and wood), then you can find some really neat-looking recurves -- especially low weight (25 pound draw or so) student models.

I have a list of bow making websites somewhere -- I'll dig around and see if I can find it.  You can also google "make long bow"; another great source is in the "Arms and Armor" forum here on Renaissancefestival.com.

Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Elennare on March 24, 2010, 11:14:17 AM
Another option for a bow would be to check archery stores in your area (if there are any).  Yeah, most of the stuff carried now is compounds and modern recurves, but depending on the store they may have some simple/vintage bows for sale as well.  That's how I got mine.  It was pretty reasonable price-wise, and it's a great bow to shoot as well.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on March 24, 2010, 06:24:33 PM
Quote from: Squire_Kit on March 23, 2010, 10:06:51 AM
Do you know of any semi-easy self bow creation sites? I've been looking at a few, but they're quite time consuming and definitely not on the cheaper end of things.


I know I replied already, but just wanted to toss this in.  Making a self-bow is really easy -- tuning a self-bow is what's tough and time-consuming.  However, if you just want a looker, not a shooter, then you don't really have to tune the bow. 

Basically, you'd start with a 5 foot length (or a little less) of 1 by 2 hardwood.  Cut roughly to shape with a Surform file, a coping saw, or a bandsaw.  Sand the edges smooth.  Then, "train" the wood to bend by tieing the ends with a real loose "bowstring" and hanging a weight (like a brick or a knapsack with a book in it) from the middle of the string (support the middle of the bow on something.) 

After half an hour or so, add some more weight.  Repeat half an hour later.  Keep it up until the ends look comfortable when drooping 4 inches or 5 inches.  You're done -- string it up, paint it, wrap some cord around the middle for a handle, decorate it, and you have a decent LOOKING bow.  Don't try to draw it back or shoot it because it hasn't been tuned -- most likely one arm will bend more than the other and not-so-good things can happen.  BUT -- you will have a really inexpensive and decent looking bow.

If you want it to look more authentic, you can glue a shaped bit of linen or cotton fabric to the back of the bow.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on April 19, 2010, 02:12:28 PM
My word, life has gotten busy! This is partially due to this very costume, but other projects have cropped as well. However, the costume is almost done! I'm in the middle of writing blog posts for each piece of the costume from conception to completion. Once I've got those finished I will be posting those up on my blog (which will hopefully finish being redesigned soon!). But here is where things stand now (complete with teaser photos! ;) I will be doing a professional photoshoot next month so there will be better photos of each completed piece.)...

Cowl - DONE!

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_3041.jpg)

Undershirt - DONE!

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2010.jpg)

Jerkin - In progress

It has been cut and fitted, but the final touches are still needing to be put on it (trim, straps, etc.). Rather than lacing it up the middle, we are running D-rings the length of the front of the jerkin with pull-down straps.

The sleeves have been an issue. We may end up going without them. But right now, we're playing with a three-leaf overlay pattern and see how that works.

Bracers - DONE!

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2844.jpg)

Right-hand archery glove still needs to be found. I'm debating on the colour, though I'll probably go with whatever I can find. I'm hoping for either a dark brown or green.

Trousers - In progress

These have been the biggest headache. I vary between a juniors' size 1-3 and unfortunately there just aren't any non-denim or slack pants to be found in those sizes. I think I'm going to have to commission someone to make a custom pair of dark brown woolen hose (ala Aragorn/Legolas in Lord of the Rings). Any suggestions?

Belts - DONE!

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2149.jpg)

Quiver - In progress

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2771.jpg)

We created the quiver from a custom pattern I drew. We're still trying to figure out the tri-strap as wel as some other little sewing details. It's not as reinforced and sturdy as I would like (I'm a little afraid it might rip...), but we can only go with what we can find.

Hunting Knife, Bow, and Arrows - In progress

Er....or rather, not in progress....I'll admit I have not made any headway on these fronts. Pascal, I've got your posts written down so fear not, I have heard you! I've been running around like mad the past few weeks that the accessories of the costume have unfortunately fallen to the wayside.

Wineskin - In progress

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_2648.jpg)

The grey part has been dyed brown (with Kiwi shoe polish!  ;D) Everything is done except for how to attach it to the belt so it can taken off. The other issue is, it's from a yard sale so who know's what has been in that thing. Most of the time it will be for decoration only. But in an event like the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, I want to be able to actually drink out of it. Right now it seems a tad unsanitary....any suggestions?

Boots - In progress

Done, except from trying to figure out how to hide that zipper....I think, for right now, I'm just going to leave it.

Wig & makeup - In progress

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/365-loose-side-braid-hot-long-ha-1.png)

Unfortunately my hair is neither long enough nor think enough to pass for Shannan's. As described in the book, "her dark brown hair was pulled back in a long thick braid." I'm working on getting a wig made that will match my own hair, but thicken and lengthen it to pull off the hairstyle.

As for the makeup, Shannan is supposed to be tan from living outdoors. I, however, am quite the opposite. (At the moment, the jerkin we're using completely washes me out!) I'm going to use my own foundational makeup, but add bronzer for a sun-kissed look. Here's to hoping it works!

And lastly, everything (minus the belt and pouch) need to be distressed and weather. Things still look a bit too new at the moment.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Genievea Brookstone on April 19, 2010, 05:12:35 PM
Hey Kit, Why not just use a pair of leggings?

Or you can do what my pirate- gone -ranger has done and bought some black heavy cotton fabric, tore apart a really tight pair of jeans, traced them onto the fabric and sewed them up.  They came out better than any pair of pants that I have ever made!  I dont have a pic of them though =/
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Kate XXXXXX on April 19, 2010, 08:07:48 PM
For cleaning out the wineskin, try using the stuff they use to clean and sterilize home brewing equipment or baby feeding bottles.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Elennare on April 20, 2010, 12:05:06 PM
When you say "right-hand" archery glove, are you looking for the one to protect your fingers from the string, or to protect your hand from the fletching as you shoot?  i.e., do you shoot right or left handed?

If your left handed (holding the bow in your right), you probably won't be able to find a glove made for protecting your hand from the fletching.  Best bets would be to find a glove and cut it down, or make your own.

If you need a finger protector glove (right handed), I will be VERY supprised if you can find anything but the modern ones.  They will, most likely, have elastic in them and close with velcro.  I can't recall seeing any that didn't, unless you went with a tab instead of a glove.  Color choices seem to be light or dark brown.  Maybe try Ebay and see if you can find something made for SCA?

Making them yourself isn't too difficult, either.  That's what I did.  I took paper, figuring it's stiffness was probably closer to leather than muslin would be, wraped it around my hand in strips until I had the shape I wanted, taped it all together and then cut it into sections that would lie flat.  Once that's done, add seam allowances, cut out your leather, and sew together.  They'll fit you, and be exactly the style you want.  Also, if you have big enough scraps from making other parts of your costume (and if you're making the finger protector if won't take much), they'll match, and you won't have to buy anything else.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Tim T on May 13, 2010, 07:23:51 PM
Squire_Kit-

Any progress made on your Archer? 

I've been watching this thread with a great deal of interest as I'm doing very much the same thing for myself.  I'm still in the planning stages, but my design is fairly close to yours- just a 'guy' version.

Excellent work on everything so far, thank you for being so thorough with your process!

Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: amy on May 14, 2010, 10:43:05 AM
Yeah!  And I will be at TNRF rest of the season... when do we get to see it!!!! 
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Beaudan Tocks on June 22, 2010, 08:57:36 AM
Awesome post...  Can't wait to see the finished product.

Here are some links you may find helpful...
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php)  Check this out for EVERYTHING Archery in the Primitive Style in addition to Flintknapping, Knifemaking... etc...
http://paleoplanet.net/ (http://paleoplanet.net/)  This site also has lots and LOTS of information on how to do stuff
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8440.0 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8440.0)  A leather Jerkin I made for myself last year
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8271.msg172567#msg172567 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8271.msg172567#msg172567)  and the Ren boots I made myself

I hope some of this helps

Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: flidais on June 22, 2010, 11:31:19 AM
I find that wearing a wig can get super hot and uncomfy at faire.  I have chin length hair, and like to have to allusion of more hair.  I bought one of those long ponytails on one of those claw type clip things.  Often the clip is long and looks a little odd.  So I took it off the long clip and put it on a smaller rounder clip.  Most of those ponytails have the hair attached to some netting that slides over the teeth of the clip, so it's pretty easy to switch. 

Then I just pull my hair up in a little ponytail...for me it's like two inches long...and clip the fake ponytail to it.  Usually I wrap it into a bun so it looks fairly naturaly.  If you are going for a long braid, I think if you took a piece out of the bottom of the ponytail and wrapped it around where the clip is attached to you head and bobby pin the end, and then left the rest to be a long braid, it would look good. 

I'll try it with mine and see if it works as well as I'm thinking it would. 
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on December 02, 2010, 12:11:48 PM
Oh good heavens, I can't believe I didn't update this thread. My apologies! I wasn't able to make it the TN Ren Fest this year, however, I did finish the costume for the TN homeschool fair to promote Mom's book (Book 2 is now out!  ;D ----> http://www.allonbooks.com (http://www.allonbooks.com)) Unfortunately, it didn't turn out like I had originally sketched out. (We quickly found out that to do so would require a master leathermaker and money that I don't have. So we settled for what we could do with our Goodwill booty.) So first, I did a 4th sketch based of what the final costume looked like.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DJKcx_dmR3U/TAwmZan9xnI/AAAAAAAAADI/_iud_uVQnMo/s1600/Shannan_final_costume2.jpg)

And the final costume....

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DJKcx_dmR3U/S_BfJnfUT3I/AAAAAAAAACo/3PAw_vX6yoY/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_3181.jpg)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/IMG_3178.jpg)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/12308_120267614656871_100000208991898_293356_7171676_n.jpg)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/12308_120267607990205_100000208991898_293354_7631099_n.jpg)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/The_Lady_Nerd/12308_120267617990204_100000208991898_293357_352670_n.jpg)

- The wig looks fantastic in person, but for whatever reason it looks flat in photos. Still working on that...

- I'm going to be switching out the pants eventually for brown woolen hose (if anyone can tell me where to find some non-modern-legging looking ones, I would really appreciate it!). The pants are just way too big, even with it being darted in the back!

- Need to find a quiver, bow, and arrows still. (I had planned on making them, but I didn't have time before the homeschool fair.)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Auryn on December 02, 2010, 03:00:14 PM
Your outfit is freaking awesome.
I am so glad you updated the thread.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Lady Kett on December 02, 2010, 11:22:44 PM
Outstanding! I'm glad you updated the thread too! And keep us posted with new developments, please!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Pascal on December 05, 2010, 12:24:13 PM
wow!  Costume looks great!
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: gypsylakat on December 05, 2010, 07:31:26 PM
Love
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Cori on January 12, 2011, 12:01:32 PM
Love, love, love the outfit.  How can I get one? :D
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on January 12, 2011, 02:31:12 PM
Thanks guys!

Sadly, I have no idea how one would recreate this as we made it from a bunch of random garments we picked up at Goodwill.
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Valencia on January 12, 2011, 03:21:19 PM
You did the drawing too??? Wow. You are one talented girl!!! :)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: Squire_Kit on January 12, 2011, 04:07:02 PM
I did! Thank you. :) (I am a pre-production/concept artist and illustrator.)
Title: Re: Custom Archer Costume - Need Help!
Post by: DonaCatalina on July 21, 2011, 05:56:04 AM
Welcome to the forum. You might want to post an introduction under Greetings.
I hope you enjoy visiting with us.