Quote from: Delireus on July 29, 2010, 05:23:04 PM
Oh, anyone ever measure money in garb? A friend said he made some amount of money in one weekend and I said "that's like 4 bodices!" ;D
Apologies for the edit but Delireus took my thought train down a different spur line.
I figured up how much the garb my husband and I own is worth (including my labor hours) and it was mind boggling.
I am only including Renaissance garb, exclusive of hats & accessories. I think I am forgetting 1 or 2 but here it is.
1. Olive Spanish suit $784
2. Black Velvet & red Spanish suit $970
3. Mr. Pearly $1130.00
4. yellow and blue Italian $880.00
5. Blue & red Spanish suit $350.00
6. Green Prince Henry $384.00
7. Red King Henry $1780.00
8. Black Velvet Spanish gown $1310.00
9. Blue Veronese Italian gown $900
10. Blue French w/ green underskirt $970.00
11. Pearled gold Neapolitan gown $744.00
12. Black Velvet Italian w/cartridge sleeves $720.00
13. Brown Tudor, green silk underskirt & foresleeves $1119.00
14. Chocolate Spanish Imperial gown $1087.00
i don't even want to think about what we've spent... yikes! :o
Yeah, I'm with Bonny Pearl. I don't even want to go there. I've spent more on one piece of garb than I've ever spent on on any article of mundane clothing, including suits, formal wear, and coats. IRL I'm very budget conscious; I shop at discount and off-price retailers, use coupons, and buy things only when they go on sale. I've never paid full price for anything. When it comes to garb, though, all of that goes right out the window. I thought I'd save money by sewing, and then the fabric addiction took over. The scary part is that I don't feel guilty about it, but only because I haven't added everything up to this point. If I had the actual numbers in front of me I'd probably get heartburn. :)
A few thousand dollars on ale - and it all went down the drain :-\
We make all our garb ourselves so who knows how much it really costs. I know we spend around $200 in fabric for me and around $300 for the wife and that doesn't include any of the extras like buttons and beading or the time to make said garment. We each have around 6 different sets of garb at this point, maybe more I'm not sure. I do know that I have close to $600 tied up in just my rapier between the sword, scabbard and sword rig. I know I saw a doublet and sleeves very similar to one that I made at a store and they wanted $2500 for it and I have 4 more just like it so yeah I'd say a lot!
Hah! ;D yay
It's very hard to say because until very recently I actually would buy mundane clothing and use it for garb. Like long black cotton skirts or a peasanty looking shirt. My friends and I started going to faire our freshman year of high school and could barely dream of owning real garb, so we'd go over to each others houses the night before faire and pull out old scarves, skirts, and any shirt that might resemble a time period before the 70s. I remember when Charlotte Russ had a sale on their 'corsets' and we were just so excited to have something that remotely looked like a corset. It wasn't pretty...
And still today, the only thing I have that isn't from the mall are 2 Damsel in this Dress bodices, and both of those were gifts. I still use a black skirt I got from Dillards or something, but I'm saving up for a good chemise now. But I do measure money in garb! I remember my parents and I went out to eat and the bill was a bit much and I thought 'I would have stayed home and cooked for them in exchange for a chemise!' though why anyone would pay for my cooking is a mystery.
Anyhoo...I've got about 150$ in bodices.
In weapons I have about 100$ thanks to the 11 pound pirate shoppe that was at TRF but it wasn't 11 pounds anymore last year, sad day.
Since I just had to have plates, silverware, and cups at my new apartment this year, my chemise is a bit father away now. ;D
I know that the Pink Pirates most recent garb just the coat was valued (due to the level of my custom work) at at least a grand, that is not to count the custom vest, egyptian cotton shirt with trim, custom dyed linen pants, hat, belt, sash, boots, and then Quizzik.
Thinking about it I only have like $500-600 in Briar Rose, granted I'm reving up to reboot Lady Stitch, and so far she might cost $200 when I'm done, and that is only because off her is mostly going to be left over scraps. ;D
On the other hand I know how much a friend of mine's garb cost because he started at camp in just a t-shirt, shorts and sandles. His first stop was at Excaliber leather once gate opened on Saturday of TRF, and left after the fireworks with Excaliber Hat, gloves, pouch and belt. Ren boots high end boots, wool hose,pedragon shirt, leather doublet, and pants. Then bought a fairly nice scabbard, and rapier from the Pirate shop. He would have gotten an angelsword rapier but he only had $5000 to spend that day. ::gags at the thought:: His grandfather had died, and in his will left him that much to spend on something non practical, and with the phrase, "Go have fun my boy!" :o
on actual garb, we probably haven't spent more than 200 for 15 years of garbing. it's the accessories that cost! My wings were 100, excellent deal for custom wings! My hubby's bracer were 65? His new boots were 100. I do my best to sew with remnants and discounted fabrics and we aren't into fancy garb. I've made bodices with less than $5 and skirts for under $10. I managed to make a cloak for less than $30! Yeah, I'm cheap and on a severe budget!
I really have no desire to add it all up. I'm quite content not knowing, LOL!
I do not wish to go down the road of adding it up. As they say ignorance is bliss, and I wish to remain totally and forever blissfull.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on July 30, 2010, 11:54:31 AM
"How much money do you have in garb?"
Well I was just getting my garb out for Bristol next weekend and I found 27 cents in a pouch and a fiver in a vest...So I guess $5.27.
I have made most of my garb, (and get complimented on it alot). The leather was donated by a fiend, I mean friend, but the grommets alone are close to $60 or more. I have made a few different jerkins for myself but keep giving them away, so you all will see me in the same stuff this year, but my friends will look really good. Kick butt boots from my lovely wife, as said by someone before it's the accessories that get me and the ale. If we start talking about weapons, vintage 1950 long bow, hand and a half Irish sword, hand made arrows, leather capes, and the kids gear. New boots every year not the really good one though until they are full grown.
I could add up what I have spent on garb but it wouldn't reflect the true value of it since most of it I made myself and I have no idea what monetary value to put on the blood, sweat, and tears I've put into it! :lol: I'm also quite the bargain shopper so the ready-made items I've purchased as well as my fabrics and trims could easily have cost twice as much if I had paid full price.
I don't really keep track of how much stuff costs, but my Snow White gown was $700ish worth of supplies. Most of what I have for myself is made mostly out of scraps from other projects, or is old enough that I don't remember how much it is.
I would love to know the cost and worth of my garb but like most I am a bargain hunter and make my own garb. My most recent noble ensemble could be around $75 of actual cost due to years of collecting pieces and extreme bargains. But if the fabric costs $20 a yard regular price how do I add that up!? ;D No telling what the retail price from a vendor would be! :o
I am amazed at the garb made by professionals, and the price. I amazed by the $ amounts that people have posted in this thread. Another reason I really don't want to add up my costs! :D
Well most of my graduation money went to garb and some financial aid money... but that's our little secret (I'm paying it back. With interest!) Fortunately a lot of my pieces were gifts. But to be honest I've never put a price on my garb. I can't. It is priceless to me. And I'm in college so that's saying a lot. Nothing screams rennie like spending $500 on a new dress and having to eat ramen for dinner. *Throws her priority list out the window* I think I'm doing alright.
Quote from: Ellaris on August 01, 2010, 06:38:13 AM
Well most of my graduation money went to garb and some financial aid money... but that's our little secret (I'm paying it back. With interest!) Fortunately a lot of my pieces were gifts. But to be honest I've never put a price on my garb. I can't. It is priceless to me. And I'm in college so that's saying a lot. Nothing screams rennie like spending $500 on a new dress and having to eat ramen for dinner. *Throws her priority list out the window* I think I'm doing alright.
Hah, i hear ya! I've earmarked a little of my scholarship check for a piece of garb I've wanted for 4 years now. I shall wear it happily while I eat my ramen dinner as well ;D
I hate to think the value, just inventorying it takes a bit. Fortunately most of the custom made stuff was acquired through a family discount, and has been spread over the last 20 years, but I can go from Renaissance to early 1800's.
2 plaids for great kilts
1 cheater great kilt with the pleats sewn in.
2 small kilts
2 pairs tartan trews
2 pairs Venetians
2 pairs knee breaches
Leather jerkin
Suede fencing doublet
musketeer's cassock
Elk hide buff coat (should wear more often in cold weather)
hodden grey wool coat (Stitched all by hand myself -even made the wool ball buttons!)
grey coat w/hanging sleeves
2 waistcoats
Tartan Jacobite coat
Black & gold brocade 18th c. coat
British red coat
bucket-top boots
18th c boots (Theses are nice, they can also be worn knee-high for Ren wear)
Miscellaneous hats, shirts, shoes, and hose to go with the above.
WWI Scottish officer's coat and pith helmet for doing steampunk.
And then there's the various weapons...
Personal garb, probably around about $8-10G, but I'm not counting. That would include some expensive and antique pieces that are just about unique unto themselves, like an Afghani headpiece from the 1800's, a Cartier rose window necklace and my grandmother's ceramic mug from the 1920's.
Leather goods for sale, lots more than that.
Very little at this point because I am just starting to make and buy garb.
ummm..... too much?
Currently wearing pieces:
Chemise: $35
Bodice: $140
Corset: $350
Skirt: $140
Skirt: $30
Not to mention various other skirts, overskirts, chemises and bodices i no longer wear.
Also, wedding dress: $700 (its garb, made by the same seamstress who does my bodices)
I actually don't have a ton of money spent on garb. I've been pretty lucky in two things:
1. that my fiance is amazing at costuming
2. Many of my pieces have been gifts
Bought:
$10 - 1 Gypsy vests made by my fiance.
$20 - 2 Harem pants. Both made by my fiance. One a standard pair, the second are wrap/sailor style.
$70 - 4 Shirts
$175 - Leather Doublet from New Pterydacyl
$235 - Son of Sandlar Boots
$15 - Leather Gloves (Thank you FleetFarm!!)
$20 - Mug topper from Anam Cara
$35 - Leather cavalier hat (bought at a shoppe at Bristol)
$15 - 2 very outrageously long ostrich feathers for cavalier hat. From Excalibur Leather
$25 - Leather pouch . . . ??? Savanah Leather I think.
$10 - Nottingham (Robin Hood) style hat. Purchased leather, friend made.
$10 - Cotton head wrap/sash
$20 - Silk head scarf
$15 - Rogue Steel rapier (purchased off friend who no longer works at faire)
$675 Total . . . more than I thought!
Gifts:
1 embroidered Gyspy vest with mirrors.
1 Shirt
2 Belts (1 tooled ring belt, 1 sword belt w/frog)
1 Leather Mug from Elandah Leather & Mug strap
2 Pouches, 1 leather, 1 fabric. Both made by friends.
1 leather nottingham (Robin Hood) style hat
1 Red wool & black leather cowel.
2 pairs of tights
& various trinkets (ie necklaces & such)
1 drinking horn
I Do NOT want to know!!!!
Suffice it to say, as I was rattling off my list of what I own from Pendragon Costumers, I forgot several outfits and STILL qualified for the Dozen Discount. I have enough middle-class garb to attend Bristol faire for 19 days and not repeat any piece if I chose to, and almost the same of noble garb. This includes chemises, partlets, hats and other incidentals. The only thing I would need to wear more than once is footwear and bloomers.
My suspicion is that between the weapons, the jewelry, the beads, pearls, gemstones and metallic embellishments, the many 10 yards of Italian Cotton Velvet and Silk and Brocade gowns, sleeves, skirts, forepanels and bodices, the leather garments, the five pair of 3 to 11 button custom decorated custom boots, the hats, the veils, the fans and pouches, the 50+ individually blown Venitian glass goblets and glasses, the 20+ elaborately embroidered partlets and chemises, and the stash of fabrics, beads, gems, pearls, etc. etc. etc. that are just waiting to be turned into more garb....
I could quite comfortably retire and live off the proceeds of the sale of the above, although right now the only way anyone is going to get any of it is to pry it out of my cold dead hands :-)
I would hate to add it all up because it would scare me. However I did trade a truck for one of my pieces. This is an elephant ivory and cherry amber dirk set with Damascus steel. Love it!
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x289/Hatter50/Dirk002.jpg)
About 3 grand, including the 500 I just spent at Moresca, but then I've only been attending faire in garb since 2002.
The above does not count the money my Laird has tied up in kilts, a frock coat and ghillies. We won't even start counting the western/civil war stuff. That counts as garb too doesn't it?
I'm now over the limit in 37 states. ;)
In the last 12 months I have spent:
$400 for 2 doublets
$900 for new armour
$1500 for new boots
$150 for new shirts
$80 for pants
$150 for pouches
Total $3180
Spent more for garb in previous years such at $900 for kilt.
I am no where close to those totals! :o
I recently spent $120 on fabrics and made 1 cloak, 2 sets of upper class garb, and have enough material to make at least 1 more set of garb plus a couple of kids outfits. I spent $50 at JoAnn's buying the other stuff (clasps, thread, needles, etc.)
with 5 other dresses/skirts -$600.
My jewelry collection- $400.
Total: $1000 - way more than I thought!
I'm not sure exactly how much everything cost over the years, but I'll do my best:
Son of Sandlar boots- $485
Damsel in this Dress corsets (I have 15 of them)- at least $1700
Skirts and chemises- around $500
Leather belt, mug, and accesories- around $300
Jewelry- I'm a chainmailler and make all my own jewelry
This year, I plan to purchase my first set from Moresca. I've put aside about $500 for a new bodice and underpinnings. I know which bodices I like from looking at them online, but I have no idea what will look good on me yet. I can't wait for MDRF to start so I can try everything out.
Because I claim this stuff on my taxes (yay self employment expenses!) I know EXACTLY how much each of my costumes has cost.
Governor's Daughter dress=$85
Yellow Renaissance-ish gown w/farthingale= $75
Medieval Peasant=$47.00
Renaissance Peasant=$80 (it's got the only purchased piece of garb that I own)
Leather that goes with the peasant outfits=$90
Medieval Moccasins worn with all of the above= $80
Grand total= $457. And it's all tax deductible!
This is only an observation...
I have noticed the price difference between people who purchase garb vs. people who make garb. I understand not everybody has the skill, tools, or time to make garb. And some stuff like armor is a no brainer. But the price difference is amazing! I am glad I am able to make my own garb. :)
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 21, 2010, 01:04:33 PM
This is only an observation...
I have noticed the price difference between people who purchase garb vs. people who make garb. I understand not everybody has the skill, tools, or time to make garb. And some stuff like armor is a no brainer. But the price difference is amazing! I am glad I am able to make my own garb. :)
Seconded. The only garb pieces I've bought at faire are my mary janes (~$10), a leather belt and two child cuffs to hold my water bottle and parasol (~$25), my tall hat with plumage (~$40 after I had to replace one of my largest plumes), my pirate hat, plus plumage ($25+$5), and my farthingale ($65). I have a Victorian style underbust corset that I wear with my pirate garb, but I didn't buy it as garb, so I don't really count it.
Of course, I'm really not sure how much I've spent on fabric... And I probably don't want to know.
I wish I knew how to sew. My mum tried to teach me years ago and it did not go well (I think her attempt to force me into being right-handed might have been part of the issue). I'm hoping that I'll be able to learn now that I'm a member of a local IWG. For me, however, it's just been easier to have a skilled corset maker create for me. I don't wear Irish or noble garb at all; I'm just a corset, chemise, skirt girl with the occasional pirate thrown in there. If nothing else, it would be nice to learn how to make a chemise and skirt.
Along that same line, though, being a chainmailler has saved me money and made me money at faire. When I'm not vending, I'm usually handing out cards for my website (I'm always bedecked in my own jewelry) and sales often result.
Maybe by this time next year I'll have learned to sew well enough to expand my wardrobe a bit...
Quote from: Delireus on July 30, 2010, 02:50:01 PM
My friends and I started going to faire our freshman year of high school and could barely dream of owning real garb, so we'd go over to each others houses the night before faire and pull out old scarves, skirts, and any shirt that might resemble a time period before the 70s.
This made me smile because I think it's such a great example of the "spirit of faire": celebrating the period with good friends and a good heart!
While I will admit to a little garb-envy (especially when I read our sewing threads!), I haunt thrift stores and sale racks fro my own. My current favorite is a Celtic look that totals less than $50.
Between my mother and I the cost of it all I really dont want to think about it lol. But its a good thing that I started making our costuming because my monster is growing like a weed and I pretty much have to replace his costuming every other year! I make it a size too big so I can let out hems and seams.
From the price tags I've seen - I'm fortunate. Mine has been a blend of custom sewn pieces, some purchased, some given from other Rennies. Sum total, with cloak and weapons in the coolest climes, I guess I'm around $1000.
However - the sentemental value - Astronomical. Replacement value? PRICELESS!
I am a most fortunate pyrate!
Wow this could be scary, we have a full walk in closet of garb and accessories. I'd say it's a good split between purchased and made. We probably have 5 or 6 grand in garb and accessories combined. There is a lot of leather so I could be a tad low on my estimate. Some of that garb does date back 15 years though and that does not included garb that has moved on to new homes or finally gave up the ghost.
Quote from: TheAlchemistsStar on August 22, 2010, 10:21:51 AM
I wish I knew how to sew. My mum tried to teach me years ago and it did not go well (I think her attempt to force me into being right-handed might have been part of the issue). I'm hoping that I'll be able to learn now that I'm a member of a local IWG.
You're too late for this year, but for next season, remember these words: stitch and belch (http://www.iwg42.org/)
Quote from: TheAlchemistsStar on August 22, 2010, 10:21:51 AM
For me, however, it's just been easier to have a skilled corset maker create for me.
After watching my wife hammer in grommets and sew in stays, I concur.
I know I've spent well over 4G's on all my stuff and on my brother and father. Theres no way I could ever get my money back out of it if I stopped coming to Fairs.
Quote from: Ellaris on August 01, 2010, 06:38:13 AM
Nothing screams rennie like spending $500 on a new dress and having to eat ramen for dinner. *Throws her priority list out the window* I think I'm doing alright.
I hear you there. XD Who needs to eat when I could save that money and buy fabric or a bodice... I'd say probably 95% of the money that comes into my possession during faire season goes to faire. That being said, I'd rather stay ignorant about how much I've spent on garb. I have about four bodices, a few skirts, three chemises, a couple of snoods, a few pairs of shoes, and a few skirts I've made myself as well... and I only really started getting serious about my garb about three or four years ago, so I can't imagine how much garb I'll have ten years from now. Although... I'd much rather have a closet full of garb than a closet full of 'dane clothes. XD