We've been working on making a pair of new suits for my 11 yr. old nephew for the upcoming renaissance faires for Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Most kids at the faire's dress pirate or merchant class, so we decided to have him go garbed as noble class. It has turned out to be a pretty fun family project. Some of the hardest parts of the project has been finding the right fabrics and then having them made into a doublet and slops. The first suit will be blue and the second will be green. We chose a designer out of Texas. She seeemed to be the only designer that welcomed doing completely customized suits instead of the usual off the rack costumes offered by most renaissance websites. Here's a link to her eBay store:
This is the initial design I photoshopped and sent her as a workprint......
(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2779/doublet001rw3.th.jpg) (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet001rw3.jpg)(http://img519.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
She sent these photos yesterday before boxing up the suit for shipping.....
(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3175/doublet002kq5.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet002kq5.jpg)(http://img404.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5777/doublet003bk2.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet003bk2.jpg)(http://img404.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
(http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/1364/doublet004nx2.th.jpg) (http://img260.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet004nx2.jpg)(http://img260.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
The gold brocade material isn't really that shiny on the brocade (it always depends on what type of digital camera used) and this is more what it's detail looks like is natural light.....
(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1370/brocade01rt1.th.jpg) (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=brocade01rt1.jpg)(http://img225.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
We're also having a custom matching belt and baldric made from Blackbeards Creations along with ordering a "jeweled collars of office" from Sapphire and Sage and then finishing the suits with a pair of knee high boots from the House of Andar.
How do you think that it came out?
Coo! And dead cool! Nicely done.
I'm surprised you had difficulty getting it custom made, as there are several excellent custom workers here on the board.
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on September 28, 2008, 02:06:51 PM
I'm surprised you had difficulty getting it custom made, as there are several excellent custom workers here on the board.
Thanks for the compliments.
You have a good point, the issue regarding who we chose to do the suits hinged on the amount of time it took to create the suits. When we first decided what style (Spanish noble class), several of the local garbers seemed against a noble class suit for a preteen. Mainly due to the personal cost involved and natural growth (when he outgrows the suits, we will donate them to the lady that rents garb at the Castle of Muskogee). Most local seamstresses that design for the Oklahoma faires are usually overloaded by requests and repairs from the local playtrons. Many took the time for advice on materials. Perhaps the most valuable advice was given to me from a local woman who garbs for her 4 boys and husband. She advised our family to keep away from "soft fabrics" and look through upholstery stores and outlet stores for remnants. Plus the descriptions for search really helped (damask, chenille, jacquard, and medallion).
Most of the designers we contacted said since they were backlogged......6-8 months. Midnight Breeze (Virginia) kept in good email contact, and we never had any problems when we requested changes in the design. So, we're fairly pleased with the first suit.
Now finding the accessories, that's been chore. We didn't want the usual stuff found online. Most of it seems to come from the same source. Some of his add-on's came from online and some came from expanding my searching through various antiquities auctions out of Europe (I collect antique chess sets as a hobby), we eventually found a really unique tankard out of Sweden and had it restored.
Friar Rohn
This suit looks great! I'll bet he looks great, and really enjoys it!
As the mom of a 14-year-old boy who plays a noble at our faire (we're both on cast), I can definitely understand why you got advice from others to maybe not dress a preteen as nobility if you are a playtron.
They grow out of stuff almost as fast as you can make it! ;D :o
Let's see: My son's feet grew two sizes in about 8 weeks (from a 10 to a 12! And he wondered why I wouldn't let him buy boots this year... ). He grew 4 inches taller this summer, and not symmetrically through the legs... and he grew just big enough around that he continually popped buttons off of his doublet all through the entire run of our faire (which stretched out to 4 weeks, due to a rain postponement.) I had to make him a new pair of pants Sunday night of our opening weekend (Labor Day weekend), as his others were too short. By then end of the faire, the doublet was far too short for him.
Noble garb is expensive. I'm sure that those who maybe hesitated were worried that your nephew would grow out of the garb before it was finished, or could be worn. It happens, especially with boys. ;D With girls, you just build in a deep hem, and larger seams on the gown, and it will last awhile. With boys, you can't really make a doublet or pants longer... ;D ;D ;D
Boys are harder to garb than girls by far.
When doing garb for boys, I work in enough ease in the shoulders and side seams to let out when needed. Venetians(baggy pants) are easier to make just a bit larger to accomodate growth. Which is why doing a Doublet without sleeves is better. Shirts can be made to be a size or so larger for that flouncy look.
The Elizabethan ensemble that I did for my Granddaughter in 2004 (http://festiveattyre.com/feature/yr4/images/kasey.jpg) was able to be worn for 3 seasons. I made it large enough for her to grow into. She happens to be tiny in build anyway. She's almost 12, a bit taller at 4'6", and now getting into a Girls Size 10 clothes.
I wondered if it was a backlog problem... Most of the good garb makers do get booked up early, and you need to book your slot well in advance for something complex. I like lots of notice so I can book the sewing time for kids as close to the event as possible. The little so&so's don't half grow at inappropriate moments!
I keep thinking that when I get some slack time, I'll make something using my (now almost 14) son as a model... But it's too late! The Giant Mutant Ninja Teenager is now 5'10", takes a size 15 1/2" collar shirt, and a 34" waist in trousers. Men's medium/large in most things, and a UK size 8 1/2 shoe. He's the average size and weight of a fit European male adult, and he'll only be 14 on Wednesday! I face at least 4 more growing years, probably 5, at up to one and a half inches per year. Geep! :o :o :o
So many responses.....
Quote from: Lady Rosalind on September 28, 2008, 10:55:57 PM
... and he grew just big enough around that he continually popped buttons off of his doublet all through the entire run of our faire (which stretched out to 4 weeks, due to a rain postponement.) I had to make him a new pair of pants Sunday night of our opening weekend (Labor Day weekend), as his others were too short. By then end of the faire, the doublet was far too short for him.
Noble garb is expensive. I'm sure that those who maybe hesitated were worried that your nephew would grow out of the garb before it was finished, or could be worn. It happens, especially with boys.
We were somewhat prepared for that. You can't see from the photos but she make the lacing's and grommets along the sides of the doublet for future growth.
You are correct that dressing Noble Class can be expensive. We more or less allotted a certain amount when we decided to make the suits. It mostly has stayed within the budget. The only thing that we splurged a bit on was his tankard. We looked all over online, most were pewter with Celtic inlays. None really stood out. But then I came across a tankard out of a Swedish antiquities auction (estimated age....170-90 years old...made around 1820). When it finally arrived, it was heavily tarnished inside and out from age, the handle was loose and the interior had a fairly thick layer on the bottom with sediment from who knows how many years Euro wine.
I couldn't possibly have my nephew drink out of that.
So I took it to one of our local museum people to check out the paperwork and then I committed the ultimate sacrilege......I told the curator I wanted it cleaned and restored. Oh Gawd....I'm too old to be lectured.
Oh well, here's how it looks now and I also found some fairly matching tableware out of Italy.
(http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/738/tankardyw4.th.jpg) (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tankardyw4.jpg)(http://img210.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3692/tablewarerp3.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tablewarerp3.jpg)(http://img227.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on September 29, 2008, 12:17:34 AM
Boys are harder to garb than girls by far.
The Elizabethan ensemble that I did for my Granddaughter in 2004 was able to be worn for 3 seasons. I made it large enough for her to grow into. She happens to be tiny in build anyway. She's almost 12, a bit taller at 4'6", and now getting into a Girls Size 10 clothes.
Absolute stunning work on that dress. I hope she appreciated the time and effort you put into it. I'll have to find one of the photos of my niece's First Communion dress photos out of the archive disks. She had three versions, a long and short sleeve and a third one that was more of a ivory gold material. Usually someone asks why three dresses. She had her First Communion with her classmates here in states (we treat the occasion like going to a Easter play). A second down in Mexico for her grandmother's side of the family and then a third in Spain for her grandfather's side of the family. I didn't go to the last two, but the photos of the cathedrals were outstanding. Ericka ended up wearing the gold one to the RenFaire for a year or two. The other two are vacuum sealed in plexiglas cases for her children someday.
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on September 29, 2008, 02:45:57 AMThe Giant Mutant Ninja Teenager is now 5'10", takes a size 15 1/2" collar shirt, and a 34" waist in trousers. Men's medium/large in most things, and a UK size 8 1/2 shoe. He's the average size and weight of a fit European male adult, and he'll only be 14 on Wednesday! I face at least 4 more growing years, probably 5, at up to one and a half inches per year. Geep! :o :o :o
My best advice is to quit mixing the anabolic steroids in his Frosted Flakes. After a while, it can no longer pass as a "sugar suppliment". ;D
Friar Rohn
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on September 29, 2008, 06:44:16 AM
My best advice is to quit mixing the anabolic steroids in his Frosted Flakes. ;D
Friar Rohn
Giggle...
He hardly eats breakfast cereals... Typical start to the day is a home made bananananana smoothie: 2 large ripe bananananas, half a pint of milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, zizzed to a smooth thick gloop. Some days he has toast as well. He has to watch the hard foods at the moment because he has tramlines on his upper teeth. They should come off again in November.
He takes a round of sandwiches, 2 portions of fruit (usually fresh, but sometimes dried or canned in fruit juice), and a cookie of some sort. he'll grab a round of peanut butter and some more fruit to fill the gap between school and dinner, and then have a full portion of dinner and desert, followed by more bread & something latter before bed...
90% of the food cooked in this house is from fresh raw ingredients as I have to watch fat and gluten intakes, and the hubby is a Type 1 diabetic. We generally have a disgustingly healthy diet, and this is what keep him growing, I fear! We have at least one mediaeval dish per week, too! ;D
I do sew regular clothing for him, but the chance to make something fun for a kid is never to be missed. Not renaissance, but these were fun to do: 1880's Royal Artillery of Foot uniforms in miniature!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2897880333_a7ebdbe358.jpg?v=0)(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2898722706_d81733d85c.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2897880531_fa2e90ca46.jpg?v=0)(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2897880765_db1c06dd2f.jpg?v=0)
This last shows the uniform in adult version. The boys were five and seven.
Kate!! Just beautiful!!!
You and I are of similar minds when doing Adult clothing in miniature! ;)
A few examples of Children's garb when I worked at the local Costume Shop here in town before breaking out on my own over 3 years ago...
(http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/16/16/4/94/92/272049492dfuHpp_th.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1272049492025619629dfuHpp) The Front view with closures from Pillaged Village.
(http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/18/19/5/3/88/272050388SKHSLa_th.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1272050388025619629SKHSLa) Back view
Made from scraps of fabrics from the back room. I took an older SIMPLICITY pattern and redrafted it to look more like an Elizabethan Doublet. The Venetians have adjustable leg bands with ribbon ties and elastic waist. The Shirt is drafted from the Alter Years Adult pattern in Boys sizes Small to XL.
What some trim and buttons can do to make a noble ensemble for a Boy..(http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/36/37/5/13/91/272051391icxpTo_th.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1272051391025619629icxpTo)
One of the great things about kids stuff is that you can make amazing things out of quite small remnants... Especially when you know enough about fabrics and how they behave to be able to make an informed decision about whether to be religious about grain line... ;D
I love doing stuff for kids, but it annoys me that people expect the smaller sizes to cost a lot less. Yes, you can save on fabrics, but the amount of work is almost the same! Especially on the more elaborate pieces.
The good Friar's kit seems to be nicely made, and reasonably historically accurate. If it also came in at a good price for the work involved, that is excellent, and gives us another name to conjure with when all the makers on the board are busy. I think my only criticism of the outfit is the Big Shiny Metal Grommets! I'd have preferred a nice invisible hook closure, but you all know how I start frothing at the mouth about grommets... ::) ;D ;D
I concur with you Kate regarding costs for Children's Noble garb.
An adult Nobleman's ensemble that consisits of a Lined Doublet, Lined detachable sleeves with ties, Paned Slops or Venetians, Detailed Shirt with figure 8 ruffs, llined Cloak, and a Hat can range from $850 to $1,500. That includes the fabrics, trims, other embellishments, and labor. There is a lot of time that goes into such an ensemble. The more historically accurate the ensemble is, the more labor time involved and costly.
The Nobleman's Ensembles I see at the Bristol Renaissance Faire are worth $1,500 and up. As do the clothing for the Noblewomen.
A child's ensemble, like that of an adult, would cost less by half or more; depending on how much embellishment was needed.
When I was working at the costume shop, I did a Royal ensmeble for a Boy and Girl for a client for an out of state festival that cost $500 each. That was in 2004!!! My granddaughter's fabric and materials alone for her ensemble cost $237 in 2004. The finished value would have been over $700!!!
I do tend to wonder what Ninya charged for this little lot...
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/middleclasstowerboy.html
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Princesselizabeth.html
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Edward.html
More than a handful of farthings and groats, for sure! ;) ;)
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on September 29, 2008, 04:25:57 PM
I do tend to wonder what Ninya charged for this little lot...
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/middleclasstowerboy.html
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Princesselizabeth.html
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Edward.html
More than a handful of farthings and groats, for sure! ;) ;)
I have always admired the dress on the 2nd link.
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Princesselizabeth.html (http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/Princesselizabeth.html)
Very beautiful
It wouldn't surprise me if the Princess Elizabeth ensemble was $1,500 to start for all the pieces and lovely work.
The two boys outfits are really cute. It reminds me when Alexei was around four and I located a traditional sailor suit that was from the 1940's. It was cute but hot to wear because it was solid wool, plus to be honest.....boys back then must have well trained bladders. The front portion had a square type of button enclosure (like a big flap) and the backside had a lacing that would tighten the waist instead of using a belt. We still have the suit but in a Plexiglas case that fits into a vacuum sealed enclosure. That way, many of the favorite clothes can be saved for their children someday. I know that my sister-in-law has saved the two Communion dresses, her first little Laura Ashley cape, I don't know how well that little mink stole will fair and some others.
Here's a few old scans from back when Alexei was four and a couple of one of his sister's First Communion dresses...
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2204/img2161ss4.th.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2161ss4.jpg)(http://img205.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4586/img2171ge6.th.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2171ge6.jpg)(http://img205.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6443/img2178de8.th.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2178de8.jpg)(http://img205.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3953/dsc01234rb6.th.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01234rb6.jpg)(http://img205.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3233/dsc01276dn1.th.jpg) (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01276dn1.jpg)(http://img205.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
I checked out some of those links, really high quality garb. My favorite was this Prince Edward suit. It must have taken months just to locate the fabrics.
http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/PrinceEdward.html (http://www.kissthefrog.co.uk/PrinceEdward.html)
We finally got the first suit shipped to us yesterday, it's wonderful. Designed exactly the way we requested and has plenty of growing room. The slops are very sturdy and to give it a little more venting, she did not use any stuffing like what is normally used on most of her designs and she used unwrapped fishing line on the interior to allow the pants to be more breathable. She added bottom cuffs to fit down into the boots better and a extra set of grommets on the top of the outer shoulders to attach the chains of office. We'll have Alexei try it on this weekend.
Friar Rohn
Ninya has the advantage of there being several weavers here in the UK and Europe that will take a piece of ancient cloth, analyze it, and recreate it using fibers and patterns as close to the originals as possible. It comes from the place being stacked with ancient houses full of ancient crumbling textiles... We also have two marvelous institutions: The National Truss, that holds up old buildings, and English Heretics that allows them to fall down again. ;D
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Some of the fabrics work out at £100 or more a meter, though I doubt Ninya would have used that level of fabric for clothes that need to be worn by various kids as part of a living history experience. She does do fabulous work, and has a really brilliant embroiderer to work with.
I'm really looking forward to seeing those kids in their new Post Frocks. :)
Friar, those trousers sound like fall front trousers, and the suit may may date back to the Edwardian erarather than the 40's. The sailor suit look was very fashionable for both boys and girls at that time.
If I remember correctly, I believe the sailor suit was listed from the 1940's WWII era. It may be older and the seller did not know and assumed it was from that age. The flaps were almost impossible to deal wilh, after the first and last "accident" when I couldn't get them open quick enough....the suit was professionally cleaned and stored away.
Someday....perhaps his son can experience the same situation.....it's a bonding thing I guess. ;)
Currently, the belt and baldric is being made out in California. It got delayed because I ordered two belt buckles from Thailand that were supposed to be brass and they turned out to be pewter silver. I wanted them to match some brass conchos I found on the net but I will have to go with silver conchos. I guess in a way that may be good because the knee boots we are ordering have silver buttons along the sides.
I didn't care for the excuse that the seller had because I contacted them weeks before deciding which belt buckles to use and they specifically said they were brass. Then after admitting their mistake they only offered that if I wanted to have them recast in brass (I would have to do all of the work) , they "may" help pay the cost by partial reimbursement. I guess we'll just have to stick with the silver. Here's what they look like:
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/274/img2190bo3.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2190bo3.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
As for his other accessories, he'll have a rapier and a long Italian stiletto that will be mounted on the backside of the baldric (all peace tied). I have been looking for a dagger and came across this one that is located from Armor of God that has a nice wood handle and matching Wood scabbard with a Damascus steel blade:
http://www.realarmorofgod.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=926 (http://www.realarmorofgod.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=926)
I also found this dagger for auction that has a pretty unique brss handle and matching scabbard to:
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3238/092208009fo6.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092208009fo6.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5444/092208010ub6.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092208010ub6.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2390/092208011cm8.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092208011cm8.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7668/092208012cd9.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092208012cd9.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6881/092208008dx2.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092208008dx2.jpg)(http://img20.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Which looks more to fit a Noble Class child?
Friar Rohn
I dunno... Not my field, really, but instinct says go for the one in the red scabbard. The other looks a little baroque... Maybe a later date? They are both rather splendid, and not something he'll grow out of. ;D
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on October 03, 2008, 02:48:41 AM
I dunno... Not my field, really, but instinct says go for the one in the red scabbard. The other looks a little baroque... Maybe a later date? They are both rather splendid, and not something he'll grow out of. ;D
I myself sort of like the first one from Armor of God. Mainly because it's a functional. The other one is a decorative Masonic dagger.
I did manage to get some time a take a couple of photos of the new suit and it's really to best yet showing the true color of the materials. The photos from her camera make the gold brocade look shiny and reflective.
(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/420/doublet005gz8.th.jpg) (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet005gz8.jpg)(http://img218.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Here's couple of photos and a detail shot on how she made a pair a grommets on the shoulders to anchor the Chains of Office so they won't droop around his neck like a necklace.
(http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2192/doublet006jt4.th.jpg) (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doublet006jt4.jpg)(http://img213.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
I just sent off the belt buckles today to Blackbeards Creations to finish the belt/baldric combo. He's making a belt with a reinforced tankard hold with a double strap, a dagger frog, A mace frog and a custom pouch to hold his hand held Sony PSP game player (got to remember....he's just a kid). We'll probably order the dagger after the Boare's Head Feaste next month and we're also have the Italian Mace curently being gold electroplated and that takes a while to have done too.
Friar Rohn
My nephew finally got to try on hid first suit today...
(http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1120/alex30pl5.th.jpg) (http://img516.imageshack.us/my.php?image=alex30pl5.jpg)(http://img516.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7586/alex48rh2.th.jpg) (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=alex48rh2.jpg)(http://img411.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6780/alex63xt8.th.jpg) (http://img516.imageshack.us/my.php?image=alex63xt8.jpg)(http://img516.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Friar Rohn
Look at that smile, he must be proud. ;D He looks the part! Nice job on the outfit.
Brilliant! He looks extremely happy with it, which is, I suspect , the reason for the whole exercise. I love to render kids speachless like this. ;D
He was happy with it. He was afraid that it would have a bunch of beads and frills added to it, he cringed a few times when reviewing a few photos in the photography section of "Foppish looking" playtrons....so he was pretty happy that it turned out somewhat elegant but not over the edge. We'll have the second suit made as soon as the brocade material is delivered. We've ordered his boots and some of the weapons. We're going to wait on ordering some kind of hat and find him a fitted correctly at a vendor booth.
Which hat do you think would be better for Spanish nobility......a cavalier or a "flat cap" style?
Friar Rohn
One of these, in blue: http://www.hatpatterns.com/134photo.html
He dropped by after school today and I showed him the hat......
Dont be offended....he's only 11.....
The first thing that he said was....."Are you NUTS! That looks like something out of a Dr. Suess book!"
BWAHAHAHAhahahahah! Kids........
A simple Elizabethan Flat cap made of Black Velveteen with some trim and feathers would have sufficed.
I have not seen many children wearing Tall Hats at all at faire.
Ah, well... I THOUGHT his reaction would be fairly close to that of my 14 YO, but not THAT close! ;D ;D The way to steer kids is to show them things you KNOW they'll reject first, and then move gently in the way you want them to go. ;D
The flat hat in either blue to match the plain on his suit or in black will look very well.
Finally got some time to take some test shots of my nephew's "fairly complete" Noble Class suit this afternoon. After having him wear it for a hour or so, it finally gave us the chance to see what places need to be fixed or reinforced before next week's Boare's Heade Feaste.
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9203/photo000fv9.th.jpg) (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo000fv9.jpg)(http://img204.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/7957/photo001so1.th.jpg) (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo001so1.jpg)(http://img366.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/7462/photo002og2.th.jpg) (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo002og2.jpg)(http://img366.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/8223/photo003mj8.th.jpg) (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo003mj8.jpg)(http://img366.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9959/photo004eq9.th.jpg) (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo004eq9.jpg)(http://img208.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3300/photo005et2.th.jpg) (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo005et2.jpg)(http://img366.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1774/photo006jn6.th.jpg) (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo006jn6.jpg)(http://img204.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Friar Rohn
What a fine looking lad
Quote from: PinnMcrack on November 09, 2008, 06:08:25 AM
What a fine looking lad
Thanks ....... I guess he's a keeper. Had him dump his glasses (otherwise he has that Harry Potter look).
This was his first time wearing everything before a renaissance dinner next week. We have to make some changes for him the wear it properly. First, the pants or "slops" are fairly heavy and he will need a pair of suspenders added tomorrow so they don't drag down on him. Then I'll need to drill some holes in the belt so we can run the leather cords through to give the belt extra support. That fancy tankard is not solid brass (it's been handed sculpted out of sheet brass - circa 1820-40) and is lighter than it looks but still drags one side of the belt down. The other side can be tied into the baldric for support.
When we took those photos, the Gothic spires were from a Methodist church downtown.....we drew a small crowd from two Spanish families that ended up clicking photos of him too. I thought that was kinda' funny. They kept on using term that meant a Spanish nobleman.
Friar Rohn
He looks fantastic!!
That's awesome.
We did our kids up in peasant garb, when we could get them into garb. Never could get my daughter to dress up.
Randal
You're nephew makes a splendid noble! Wonderful use of scenery as well.
My favorite picture is the last one where his head is titled upwards...snobby-ish...in a noble way, of course! ;D
Quote from: Emma on November 15, 2008, 12:00:31 AM
You're nephew makes a splendid noble! Wonderful use of scenery as well.
My favorite picture is the last one where his head is titled upwards...snobby-ish...in a noble way, of course! ;D
Yeah well....his mother specifically requested that pose (photos were sent directly over to the family in Spain). I sorta' refer it as the "Captain Morgan" shot. All he needs is a keg of Spiced Rum and a Silly Straw sticking out of his shiny tankard.
"Snobbish"......Lord Gawd....you should hear some of the ways we are going to handle situations if he gets Snarked. We can bring Snobbishness to a whole new level.
Friar Rohn
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on November 15, 2008, 12:34:07 PM
Quote from: Emma on November 15, 2008, 12:00:31 AM
You're nephew makes a splendid noble! Wonderful use of scenery as well.
My favorite picture is the last one where his head is titled upwards...snobby-ish...in a noble way, of course! ;D
Yeah well....his mother specifically requested that pose (photos were sent directly over to the family in Spain). I sorta' refer it as the "Captain Morgan" shot. All he needs is a keg of Spiced Rum and a Silly Straw sticking out of his shiny tankard.
"Snobbish"......Lord Gawd....you should hear some of the ways we are going to handle situations if he gets Snarked. We can bring Snobbishness to a whole new level.
Friar Rohn
It is inconceivable to me that your nephew would ever be snarked. He looks so magnificent, I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to make any kind of negative comment! Firstly, I just couldn't conceive of anyone hurting a child like that. Maybe other kids might tease him (out of jealousy, cause he looks great!) but any adult who would even consider that in his/her mind has something seriously wrong with them!
We went to Janesville last spring, and their was a family with a young son in noble garb, and the same quality as your nephew's. The entire day, whenever the family walked past, people, both garbed and in mundane clothes, stopped in their tracks and looked at them. We never heard one word that wasn't complimentary. I'm sure the only comments your nephew's garb will be on how fantastic he looks! You did a wonderful job. ;D
He looks absolutely wonderful. And pleased as punch with the whole deal.
Son James also wears specs, but looks totally NOT like Harry Potter! (He's also bust his new specs... And the last pair descended in two halves to the bottom of a lake in Biaritz back in June!)
James modeling a mage robe constructed for a friend:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3037195799_ed14aba0c0.jpg?v=0)
Last weekend was the first time that Alexei got to wear his suit at a renaissance function, the annual "Boares Head Feaste" at the Castle of Muskogee. We had a great time but he was sort of bored during the dinner because there were no other kids there. The two "serving wenches" took excellent care of him while I was wondering all over taking photos. The King and Queen treated him with exceptional care all night. The king thought he would be a good "Henry Fitzroy" character (the illegitimate son of Henry VIII), but I told him joining the cast was not a option. We designed the suits to be along the character line as a Spanish nobleman's child. His family nickname is "Spaniard" since he was a baby (which his older brother is still jealous because he got stuck with "Weasel"). His character name we like is "Alejandro Hernandez de Kynge". The Queen had a long discussion with him regarding the use of "de Kynge" and thought that was more of a French usage. She thought that it should be "Rex Kynge". Here a some my favorite photos from the evening:
(http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5068/feaste118pi4.th.jpg) (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste118pi4.jpg)(http://img175.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/8912/feaste156wd7.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste156wd7.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/723/feaste276lx0.th.jpg) (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste276lx0.jpg)(http://img293.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/1084/feaste278gm5.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste278gm5.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/8928/feaste283vb9.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste283vb9.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/6132/feaste310fj3.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste310fj3.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/3002/feaste311ka2.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste311ka2.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Here's a link to the complete set of photos from that night:
http://s397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/boares_head/Boares%20Heade%20Feaste/ (http://s397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/boares_head/Boares%20Heade%20Feaste/)
Not my best work though, the room was almost pitch dark because almost all of the light was by candlelight on the table tops. I had to turn off all of my automatic functions on the camera, pump up the ISO to a 1000 and manually focus on the candle flames in the hall.
Friar Rohn
Finally got the fabric for my nephew's second doublet and slops suit. What do you think of the pattern?
(http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/324/img4097dw5.th.jpg) (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4097dw5.jpg) (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3696/img4098za7.th.jpg) (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4098za7.jpg) (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2371/img4100bp3.th.jpg) (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4100bp3.jpg)
Friar Rohn
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on November 21, 2008, 01:36:26 PM
Last weekend was the first time that Alexei got to wear his suit at a renaissance function, the annual "Boares Head Feaste" at the Castle of Muskogee. We had a great time but he was sort of bored during the dinner because there were no other kids there. The two "serving wenches" took excellent care of him while I was wondering all over taking photos. The King and Queen treated him with exceptional care all night. The king thought he would be a good "Henry Fitzroy" character (the illegitimate son of Henry VIII), but I told him joining the cast was not a option. We designed the suits to be along the character line as a Spanish nobleman's child. His family nickname is "Spaniard" since he was a baby (which his older brother is still jealous because he got stuck with "Weasel"). His character name we like is "Alejandro Hernandez de Kynge". The Queen had a long discussion with him regarding the use of "de Kynge" and thought that was more of a French usage. She thought that it should be "Rex Kynge". Here a some my favorite photos from the evening:
(http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5068/feaste118pi4.th.jpg) (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste118pi4.jpg)(http://img175.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/8912/feaste156wd7.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste156wd7.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/723/feaste276lx0.th.jpg) (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste276lx0.jpg)(http://img293.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/1084/feaste278gm5.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste278gm5.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/8928/feaste283vb9.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste283vb9.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/6132/feaste310fj3.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste310fj3.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/3002/feaste311ka2.th.jpg) (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=feaste311ka2.jpg)(http://img371.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Here's a link to the complete set of photos from that night:
http://s397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/boares_head/Boares%20Heade%20Feaste/ (http://s397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/boares_head/Boares%20Heade%20Feaste/)
Not my best work though, the room was almost pitch dark because almost all of the light was by candlelight on the table tops. I had to turn off all of my automatic functions on the camera, pump up the ISO to a 1000 and manually focus on the candle flames in the hall.
Friar Rohn
Pretty impressive even in low light. I must have missed the part where you either made this or bought this.
Huzzah for another Spaniard.
(fyi the de XXXX part of the name refers to a location. Such as Barcelona)
Quote from: DonaCatalina on December 07, 2008, 10:30:41 AM
Pretty impressive even in low light. I must have missed the part where you either made this or bought this.
Huzzah for another Spaniard.
(fyi the de XXXX part of the name refers to a location. Such as Barcelona)
Thanks, the photos came out ok. I just switched over to a Canon 40D around 4-5 months ago and I'm still relearning all my old SLR skills.
The suit was sort of designed by me. I found a seamstress off of eBay (Midnight Breeze Designs). I searched and located all of the fabrics but she picked the trims. I created a design through photoshop from one of her designs.
The matching belt and baldric was made out of California from http://www.blackbeardscreations.com/index.htm (http://www.blackbeardscreations.com/index.htm). It came with a rapier and Italian stiletto (attached to the backside). He did excellant work on creating a set that can be adjusted and upgraded when he grows. I just purchased a crossbow (a 13th Century reproduction of a English crossbow) and it should be here in a week or so. we'll looking for another ornate dagger and possibly another for his boot.
The boots were from http://www.houseofandar.com/ (http://www.houseofandar.com/). They fit pretty tight. We had him pre-measured for adult 7.5, ordered 8.5's and they are tight to first fit into but he says they are extremely comfortable (but the nuns won't let him wear them to school). I'm going to order a 2nd pair for next year, but a few sizes larger and in brown.
The tankard.....Gawd.....I splurged on that puppy. It's actually real, bought from a antiquities auction house out of Sweden and it was made (according to the documentation) between 1820-40.
The next suit will be made by Lady Kathleen of Olmsted and we are currently working on a design that would be acceptable for her. It will also be a doublet and slops but nothing like the blue suit. We like the suits to be elegant but simple (no pearls and such). Noble class.....not royalty. We'll looking at something along the design like she did for Sir Dallas Smith seen here....
(http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/69/669/0/96/43/2548096430025619629IpvKFO_th.jpg) (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2548096430025619629IpvKFO)
She seemed to like the fabric and pattern (seen on my previous post) that we located on eBay.
When he outgrows them, we plan on donating them to the Castle of Muskogee if they would like them.
Friar Rohn
Friar!!! I am looking forward as well as honored to be working with you!! The fabric you found on eBay is smashing and will look Fantastic for what we will be using it for!!!
The idea of donating the garb to the Castle at Muskogee is a wonderful idea. I see their huge ad on the back of RENAISSANCE magazine all the time. Seems like a great time there.
Friar!!! I am looking forward as well as honored to be working with you!! The fabric you found on eBay is smashing and will look Fantastic for what we will be using it for!!!
As our family is also looking forward with having you design this next year's suit. I usually buy a lot of hard to find stuff on eBay, that fabric was a unusual find. There will be around 7 yards left over and we'll probably donate it to the staff of ladies and gentlemen who do the repairs and upgrades for The Castle's playtrons. It's really beautiful material, all cotton for breathability too. Midwest heat's a ________.
The idea of donating the garb to the Castle at Muskogee is a wonderful idea. I see their huge ad on the back of RENAISSANCE magazine all the time. Seems like a great time there.
I always wondered if that ad was just regional. The Castle's getting larger every year. When I took Alexei to the Haunted Castle for 2 weekends, the lines were longer in comparison than when I took the grandkids to Disney World. Jeff Hiller, the Lord Keeper and Steward of the Castle will each year upgrade and add new buildings. I can't think of once when I've dropped by where he would appear out of the blue covered in wood dust and a hammer in hand. Jeff always puts money back into the place instead of sitting back on his laurels.
Our family always donates to favorite causes. Eventually Alexei will outgrow them, most would suggest "to eBay" them. Not our style. The suits we will donate, the leatherwork and weapons will be mounted in a locked shadow case we're going to have made for his room.
Speaking of weapons, he finally got the big prize he was promised, a 14th century reproduction crossbow. I almost feel like I stole it from the seller. I really don't think he knew it's actual worth. I had been looking for quite some time. Most I had found were too large or heavy. Almost all were around the $350 to $500, required months to create. When contacting the sellers, they usually never emailed back or called back from their answering machines. I found this one below listed on eBay under "medieval crossbow" and the seller listed it as a "non firing replica" (not according to the holes I shot through the metal trash cans [through both sides] in the back yard). I had found another one and won it but then eBay sent a message that they canceled the auction shortly after it finished. No explanation or response from the seller. This one was a far better deal anyway. I picked it up for about $45. Perfect condition, never used and still in the original packing.
(http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/1361/crossbow01am7.th.jpg) (http://img372.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crossbow01am7.jpg) (http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/1811/crossbow02mz2.th.jpg) (http://img372.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crossbow02mz2.jpg)
Now some would wonder, would the good Friar give a 11 yr. old child something that could shoot through a car door?
Yes and No.
I'll keep the 3 armor piercing bolts that it came with at my house, I've bought a package of long replacement erasers that draftsmen use. I can accurately shoot one of his action figures from 50 feet. He'll wear his paintball helmet just in case. He's very responsible, has been trained on rifles, shotguns and I've even allowed him to fire some of my exotics at the range. I may slightly modify it with a small rail to put one of the daylight green lasers on it.
When he opens it on Christmas, it'll be like being shot back to when I opened up my first BB gun around the same age. It's a guy thing.
Friar Rohn
So tell: how did it go?
Love the idea of replacing the bolts with erasers.
Christmas went rather well this year. Alexei, as usual.....made a killing. I don't remember having all these cool toys when I was a child. According to him, Alexei's crossbow was his #3 favorite item he got this year. All 3 of the grandkids give me a Christmas List every year (I actually save them for when they have kids someday). On the top of his list was a Blackberry cell phone. I assume that one of these was the new "gotta' have one" from his prep school classmates this year. I figured that it was going to be some new online video game, wrong. I guess these kids today have priorities that are far different than our childhood (G.I. Joes, bikes, and BB guns). Of course he didn't get the cell phone, if a Christmas present requires a 2 year contract with monthly payments, plus it's at the top of the list of "contraband" that will be confiscated by The Penguins (the nuns).....well, it was replaced by a lump of coal. ???
Request to be submitted again after being accepted to college.
The top 3 gifts this year were as follows:
160 gig Ipod (loaded with tons of music and movies)
A 14" Halo action figure (a more or less updated G.I. Joe) that has the potential of be the #1 target the crossbow's "eraser bolts".
The crossbow
The crossbow looks good hanging on his wall by his compound bow. I took the rolling block out to disable it but to be honest, Alexei and his older brother couldn't pull back the string. Alexei's compound bow has a 60 pound draw, the crossbow has a 150 pound draw. I may have to purchase a "crank" if they want to shoot it regularly. It's a device that fits on the end of the stock and looks like a bicycle pedals. It's the same device used centuries ago for soldiers to "notch" their bows.
The cross bow is the perfect weight and length for him to carry. I'll disable it probably by using plastic tie downs attaching the string to the front stirrup. That will keep the string from being pulled back and notched. I'm pretty sure that will be sufficient as being "peace tied".
Here's a few photos from Christmas morning. As you can see, you can always tell if you're a Rennie by the shape of your gift packages......
(http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3549/crossbow001il5.th.jpg) (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crossbow001il5.jpg) (http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3315/crossbow002ee3.th.jpg) (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crossbow002ee3.jpg) (http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/3166/crossbow003nu2.th.jpg) (http://img390.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crossbow003nu2.jpg)
Next up on the Ren List, get his measurements when he gets back from Spain so Lady Kathleen of Olmsted can start on this year's new suit.....
Friar Rohn, your nephew looks terrific, man I wished I looked half of half that good.
Will Shadowlurker