So, I'm looking to go to the local Ren Faire but I've out-grown, out-worn, and given away what few bodices I had. I want to go dressed up but I don't have the money to spend on a new one, so I was wondering if there were any female outfits out there that are easy-enough to make (got decent sowing skills) or cheap enough to buy in part that don't involve a bodice? I'm not going as a belly dancer because, whoo-boy, I've got too much of a belly! XD
Gypsy is simple and cheap to pull off, most of which can be found either in your closet or at the local thrift store. Just need a peasant top, broomstick skirt, a few scarves/shawls, and some sandals!
Quote from: Trillium on October 02, 2010, 08:05:37 PM
Gypsy is simple and cheap to pull off, most of which can be found either in your closet or at the local thrift store. Just need a peasant top, broomstick skirt, a few scarves/shawls, and some sandals!
Hmmm....Now there's an idea. *grins*
But what's a broomstick skirt? XD
*just went and googled it* OOOOH! So
that's what those are called! The skirts that basically three strips of fabric sowned together, each one getting bigger as they head to the ground, right?
That is one type. Basically most of the ankle length skirts that you see around, usually a bit crinkly, some are tiered, some are paneled, some are one color. Whatever works for you! Just be careful of prints, nothing very loud if you choose to go with a print. You could even add a little vest if you want a little something more on top. The joy of the gypsy look is you can have lots of fun with it and it doesn't have to be matchy. Gypsy is my favorite disguise when I need to hide my wings. ;)
My favorite easy-to-wear garb for days I don't want to wear a bodice is the "Irish" style gown:
(http://tudorshoppe.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/ss-ird.jpg)
Unfortunately, there's currently no really great Big 3 pattern for that sort of dress, although there is McCall 4997 (http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4997-products-6402.php?page_id=493). That pattern runs huge and IMO calls for far more fabric than necessary, but it's a start.
Quote from: gem on October 03, 2010, 12:49:48 PM
Unfortunately, there's currently no really great Big 3 pattern for that sort of dress, although there is McCall 4997 (http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4997-products-6402.php?page_id=493). That pattern runs huge and IMO calls for far more fabric than necessary, but it's a start.
So a 30 could fit in a 20?? :)
If you are willing to go earlier, a simple sideless surcote over a fitted dress can look quite nice. Instructions for making one are here:
http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm (http://www.wodefordhall.com/surcote.htm)
A T-tunic is also very versatile and can later be worn as a chemise when you get a bodice again if you make it out of something white. I saw a lady at the renn fest today wearing a white t-tunic with a lovely blue wool viking apron dress over it. That is also very simple to make but you'd need two brooches for the straps.
The Elizabethan Loose gown and the Spanish Surcote are also pretty easy and very much period. Both are plays on the basic trapezoid shape, like the sideless surcote, but they have sleeves and arm holes.
In truth, in period, most ladies did not wear stays or a pair of bodies until the mid 16th c or there about. Most just wore gowns that were fitted at the torso and flaired at the waist. Once the pair of bodies appeared, even then, they mostly were worn beneath a gown. Think of a bodice as something more akin to a sports bra today - you wouldn't think twice of seeing someone out working or jogging in a sports bra but you might say something to a lady in the office if she wore one without a top.
gem - oh, wow that looks so pretty! Unfortunately, my wallet says I can't. :(
isabelladangelo - my wallet doesn't like you. XD I get so many ideas coming into the sewing and garb sections, but I need to focus more on paying my bills than making new outfits. (I swear my closest would be nothing but garb if I could afford it!)
I think I'm going to go with the gyspy look because I have odds and ends and old skirts that I can use. If I find I'm missing anything, I can always go to the Good Will and pick something up cheap. Thanks, Trillium! ;)
Thanks everyone for helping me out! ^_^
For a T-Tunic - an old sheet works really well. I've gotten white flatsheets before for $4 at K-Mart and I've heard of people having luck at thrift stores as well. Just remember, make sure it's cotton or another natural fabric.
For an apron gown - an old wool blanket. Army blankets are easy enough to find at thrift stores and Army Surplus stores. Some fleece work for the look as well. Since the dress is sleeveless (it's two spagetti straps holding it up hooked around two brooches) it's typically not overly warm but you can go with cotton for this as well and just use another bedsheet. This one should be a solid color.
For a Spanish Surcote - I made my SIL one out of velvet just a few weeks ago. I bought the velvet off of ebay for $20 for three yards. You can also look at old curtains at the thrift store since they often have enough fabric and it will look *right* enough. Just don't get anything with too many overlapping designs like a damask with stripes would be wrong but either a damask or stripes would work.
For an Elizabethan Loose Gown - do what they did in period: pretty material in the front and hem, ugly material everywhere else. If you can find one curtain panel at the thrift store that you like, use it for the front. Use a bed sheet to make up the back and sides. You hide the "bad" material beneath the Spanish Surcote,
Just remember, your wallet has nothing to do with garb when you make it yourself. Thrift stores are a wealth of fabric for garb. I've gotten fabric from there before to make various outfits. I've also gotten fabric off of ebay and etsy for really amazing prices. Get those Joann's coupons! You can make a chemise for well under $3 out of muslin and ribbon if you have a coupon. Without it, I think the price only goes up to a little over $5. Check to see if your super Walmart -if you have one nearby- has fabric. I don't think there is a person who doesn't check out the $2-$3 a yard table at Wally World and doesn't find something amazing. I've found linen and beautiful damasks there before. Heck, I found corduroy for a $1 a yard there!
This whole idea of "You must spend $100 for great garb!" is just in your mind. I actually have a black velvet gown that I entered into a $25 or less contest once. The buttons, the satin lining, and the velvet came to a grand total of $22. It's all about knowing where to look for fabric.
Ooo, thank you for the tips, Isabella! :) I knew of some of those, but I guess I never really thought about it as a way to save on garb. Unfortunately, my Super Wal-Mart doesn't have a fabric section any more - it used to, when it was just a Wal-Mart, but after the expanation, I guess they thought it wasn't bringing in enough money. But the problem is for me right now, those places are too expensive for me even now. The only reason I'm getting to go to the faire this year is because I've been saving up since last year with all of my loose change, and for the amount I have, I'll be able to get in for the weekend and buy a cup of horchata each day. It'll stay like this until I find a job.
But as soon as I get a little extra money, I am so hitting up those places! :D
I think it's time to raid the friend's and family closets! ;)
Quote from: Dinobabe on October 04, 2010, 01:55:42 PM
I think it's time to raid the friend's and family closets! ;)
lmao! I just might do that, actually. *evil grin*