I wear noble garb (fancy bodice with detachable sleeves and a split overskirt with fancy forepart underskirt) over a hoopskirt for my Renaissance faires, with either a french hood or a tall hat, following the direction of what the cast is wearing. After a bad bout with the garb snarks at some of my FL faires, having my gown, hoopskirt, etc. picked over and being insulted in public, I have a question to pose to you. How would I use my Renaissance faire nobility garb for a medieval faire? I was really put off and embarrassed by the remarks I got, so I am a bit afraid to go to a medieval faire when all my garb is fashioned for the Renaissance faires. When I've tried to research medieval fashion and headwear, all I've come across are sites advertising garb without distinction of time period. I'm not looking for complete HA, but I don't want to be the butt of jokes either like I was with this one woman and her friends.
Welp... I did a quick google search for "Medieval clothing how to" and came up with this....
http://www.virtue.to/articles/#Clothing (http://www.virtue.to/articles/#Clothing)
Hope that helps a little... I ended up looking thru it for about an hour... very interesting!
Well first I wanna say whoever snarked you was wrong for being rude. Unless you specifically asked for her opinion...she was completely out of line!
Second...with medieval clothing I think of things such as this...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/3542733806_8d06bb1de1.jpg?v=0)
Or chemises with surcote's over them like this...
https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh019-14th-century-womens-surcote.php?s=&c=22&d=29&p=537&w=21 (https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/rh019-14th-century-womens-surcote.php?s=&c=22&d=29&p=537&w=21)
(https://www.reconstructinghistory.com/image_lib/surcotecover.gif)
That's what I think of, too. I was just wondering if it was at all possible to get away with using the garb I have, since A) I don't have any specifically medieval garb right now and B) the medieval garb I've tried on in the past wasn't at all flattering. :-[
Well...I won't say it's flattering...but my 2nd trip to Ren Faire...I wore this....
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k196/tammy_1980/DSCF2886-1.jpg)
I know it wasn't period correct, but it was that or the faery costume I had worn the 1st time there (I had made that for Halloween).
It has an elastic neckline, that I pulled down to my shoulders...the red straps you see are from a Fredrick's of Hollywood corset I had on underneath (to smooth out the silhoutte :D ) . I got compliments...and even had a couple stop me ans ask for a picture. They liked that it was different. ;D
Good idea of the corset underneath. My problem has always been the hills and valleys that a corset helps to correct.
Well, that gown is made for a size 14...I'm a size 16/18 (depending on how it's made)...so the corset really helps it not look quite so clingy...and it holds in the tummy, and pushes up the girls. :D
Quote from: Kathryn (Fae) Weldon on June 18, 2009, 11:47:24 PM
After a bad bout with the garb snarks at some of my FL faires,
Thats just not good. I'm so sorry to hear you had to even experience that.
Moving on miLady. You may want to add "Medieval Costume and Fashion
by Herbert Norris" to your book collection. Its a good reference book to have and you can usually find a good used copy at Amazon for dirt cheap.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/33df951.jpg)
This is what I think of when I think medieval:
(http://www.illusionsgallery.com/Accolade2-LX.jpg)
I found this pattern and to me it looks very similar to Renaissance gowns but with out the elaborate extras.
http://www.butterick.com/item/B4571.htm?tab=costumes&page=2
Is there some way you can alter your gown/s to look something like it? :)
The women's garb in Braveheart was actually not too far from accurate....even though the princess was only five years old at the time.
Maybe this will give you some inspiration.
(http://www.hotflick.net/flicks/1995_Braveheart/Thumb/995BVH_Jeanne_Marine_001.jpg)
The person who snarked you was totally out of line. Just remember the old saying "Those mind don't matter than those who matter won't mind."
I really wouldn't get stressed out over what to wear to the medieval faire. From the one I've attended and most of the photos I've seen online for medieval faires 90% of the people are wearing the same garb the would wear to a rennaissance festival. The only time I was ever snarked was when I wore medieval headwear to what I thought was a medieval faire and one of the cast members dressed in typical wench garb made a rude and ignorant comment about it! LOL If you really do want something plausibly medieval try http://historicenterprises.biz/kirtle-linen-circa-11501450-p-906.html?cPath=100_191 or http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-Gift-of-Garb__W0QQ_armrsZ1 to purchase or if you sew this pattern isn't completely accurate but it's not bad and you can make it more or less fancy depending on your fabric choice http://www.butterick.com/item/B4827.htm?search=4827&page=1
Yeah, we used to have 'Garb-snarks' at Scarborough, but we've grown up since then. ;D
Quote from: VIII on June 19, 2009, 11:43:51 AM
Yeah, we used to have 'Garb-snarks' at Scarborough, but we've grown up since then. ;D
Oh, we still have them, they just don't get publicly vocal about it, at least in my experience.
Garb snarks suck.
>:(
Aren't we all there just to have fun?
Thank you guys! *hugs (or drinks) all around*
Two cents: Armstreet.com/ has some gorgeous medievalish garb.
Quote from: Kathryn (Fae) Weldon on June 18, 2009, 11:47:24 PM
I wear noble garb (fancy bodice with detachable sleeves and a split overskirt with fancy forepart underskirt) over a hoopskirt for my Renaissance faires, with either a french hood or a tall hat, following the direction of what the cast is wearing. After a bad bout with the garb snarks at some of my FL faires, having my gown, hoopskirt, etc. picked over and being insulted in public, I have a question to pose to you. How would I use my Renaissance faire nobility garb for a medieval faire? I was really put off and embarrassed by the remarks I got, so I am a bit afraid to go to a medieval faire when all my garb is fashioned for the Renaissance faires. When I've tried to research medieval fashion and headwear, all I've come across are sites advertising garb without distinction of time period. I'm not looking for complete HA, but I don't want to be the butt of jokes either like I was with this one woman and her friends.
Sorry you dealt with Snarks, but Elizabethan is way out of time for Medieval, so my question to you is? What year are we looking at, because 12th Century different from 11th Century than 14th Century. Truly there is no way you can adapt your Elizabethan to look Medieval but you can make a gown for far less because you need less gear. You would need an undergown or Kirtle, an Overgown and Veil that is it! You can make really fancy sleeves if you like but really it is done. Might I suggest some options for you for the 14th Century Lady, Again I would need to know what era you are looking to help you further!
Might I also suggest speaking to your local SCA? Often there is a sewing salon, in which people have tons of books and you can peruse at your leisure.
I can suggest a Gothic Fitted Gown which is awesome and lovely
Here is a Link to that specific gown and how to make it.
http://www.cottesimple.com/ (http://www.cottesimple.com/)
Another page of goodness
http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html (http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html)
And here is what it would look like:
(http://picasaweb.google.se/lh/photo/cQBnPDhFvZ3qgxTrMMIF5w?feat=embedwebsite)
(http://www.christusrex.org/www2/berry/DB-f38v-m.jpg)
(http://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/lion/images/clothes.gif)
Here is a Modern Bride in Yummy 14th Century Gown
(http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_02/joust2BNPS1109_468x786.jpg)
If you want to purchase? Revival has gear that is period perfect and awesome to gaze upon!
http://www.revivalclothing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=52 (http://www.revivalclothing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=52)
Cilean
Thanks for everyone's help. As far as time period, it's one of those "just Medieval"---all goes, without a set specific date.
The only thing that needs to be "adapted" here is those snarks' attitudes!
Your garb is fine. YOU are fine. Your Elizabethan garb is no more out of period than any other patrons' garb (meaning their mundane street clothes), and they had no right to comment on it.
But, of course, if you WANT new garb, we're not going to tell you no. You realize that, right? ;)
What Gem said. :-*
My home faire is a medieval faire- Great Lakes Medieval Faire. Check out their thread on here to see pictures. People who visit there can be found wearing things from any period. Cast are the only ones who are more accurate. I wouldn't stress about it if you want to wear your Renaissance garb. But as Gem said, who are we to stand in the way if you want new garb. As for the snarkers, may they never attend a faire again until they learn to grow up.
My answer to garb snarks is usually loud aside to my lemain, "Oh Edward, I belive you have set the wayback machine a tad too far!" in my best Jules Verne English accents...
While I am with you all to a certain extent, I do think people are rude for telling you or speaking out loudly about your outfit. But it is also something that could spark you to make a kick weed puller accurate (as you like) outfit, so that when next you meet these nasty snarks you can look at their attire (which is never the best funny enough) and then walk away with your head held high.
As I spoke of before I had a woman challenge my ability and I made a Mary Queen of Scots Gown just to prove my point. I think I did it very well since her Guild person came over and asked me about the garb. But that is just me, I like to do those types of things! LOL
I know going to faire is okay in whatever year you want to go in, but if you want to beat the biddies at their own game? Do it better and do it BIG and proud!
Cilean
Personally, if someone snarked me, I'd just categorically tell them what else was 'wrong' with the faire- I mean, I have yet to go to a faire that was completely accurate- lol Ive yet to go to an SCA event which was! So, seriously, they need to get over it- lol muster your best Scots accent and say 'go boil yer heid!'
Kathryn, I just came across this thread. I'm betting I know who gave you the once over as I had a similar expericence. (We both go to the same faire for those of you who wonder.) Don't let it ruin your fun. I thought you looked lovely and every bit a Lady. :) Mark it down as just another odd character in our village.
Can't add much to the other's thoughts on a gown.. I have a sideless surcoat and while it's not as flattering as an Elizabethan bodice, it's fun and different to wear. For headwear I just wear a simple braided metal circlet. You have such nice long hair you could add two long braids down the front and perhaps even a veil under the circlet. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Quote from: DragonWing on June 19, 2009, 07:09:33 AM
I found this pattern and to me it looks very similar to Renaissance gowns but with out the elaborate extras.
http://www.butterick.com/item/B4571.htm?tab=costumes&page=2
Is there some way you can alter your gown/s to look something like it? :)
I think this could be my best bet. Several of my lesser embellished gowns could look similar to this, by either making my hoops smaller or taking them out completely. Thank you!
Quote from: Cilean on June 28, 2009, 10:49:48 PM
Sorry you dealt with Snarks, but Elizabethan is way out of time for Medieval, so my question to you is? What year are we looking at, because 12th Century different from 11th Century than 14th Century. Truly there is no way you can adapt your Elizabethan to look Medieval but you can make a gown for far less because you need less gear. You would need an undergown or Kirtle, an Overgown and Veil that is it! You can make really fancy sleeves if you like but really it is done. Might I suggest some options for you for the 14th Century Lady, Again I would need to know what era you are looking to help you further!
Might I also suggest speaking to your local SCA? Often there is a sewing salon, in which people have tons of books and you can peruse at your leisure.
I can suggest a Gothic Fitted Gown which is awesome and lovely
Here is a Link to that specific gown and how to make it.
http://www.cottesimple.com/ (http://www.cottesimple.com/)
Another page of goodness
http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html (http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html)
And here is what it would look like:
(http://picasaweb.google.se/lh/photo/cQBnPDhFvZ3qgxTrMMIF5w?feat=embedwebsite)
(http://www.christusrex.org/www2/berry/DB-f38v-m.jpg)
(http://www.abdn.ac.uk/english/lion/images/clothes.gif)
Here is a Modern Bride in Yummy 14th Century Gown
(http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_02/joust2BNPS1109_468x786.jpg)
If you want to purchase? Revival has gear that is period perfect and awesome to gaze upon!
http://www.revivalclothing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=52 (http://www.revivalclothing.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=52)
Cilean
My first time period would be approx. 1489, and given this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lady_with_unicorn_by_Rafael_Santi.jpg)portrait, I think I could modify some of my simpler Tudor gowns for the one weekend faire.
If I remember right, don't you have one of Lady Kathleen's designs? If so, snarking will be done by those who can't reach her level of excellence. She designed a outstanding doublet and slops outfit for my nephew this year and we only heard one snarky comment at the RenFaire's from this summer. He won 1st place in both of our state's faires. After the Castle of Muskogee's children's contest, they had both the adult winner and my nephew follow one of the judges to the main office. After they made it down the road, I heard one of the parents say out loud "Well, I wonder how much that 1st place cost them?"
Then I heard some other woman in the crowd answer...."Probably a little more than your trip to the Disney Store."
(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2025/castle7255.jpg) (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/castle7255.jpg/)(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/castle7255.jpg/1/w1200.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img14/castle7255.jpg/1/)
Friar Rohn
Yeah, but he's worth it... ;D ;D
Thanks to Lady Kathleen's good graces, I'll have another gown in time for Camelot Days. One that is actually based off of a portrait and character I'll be (un)officially playing mistress to my cast friend's Pope Alexander VI. Yep, that's me, undermining Catholicism one Pope at a time! (Please see that as a joke!)
(http://jmbellot.blogs.com/personnel/images/2007/09/17/raphael_dame_la_licorne.jpg)
Don't forget to pick up a stuffed Unicorn for extra points in matching the portrait! ;D
The only faire I've been to so far... well let's just say I've seen pirates, ren, medieval, fairies, wizards, steampunk, and a samuri. That's why I was somewhat comfortable in my first bodice and skirt. I am thinking about going more medieval with my next go. My son and BF are both slightly more towards that anyways. I am thinking like a very girlie ranger like outfit. No tights and such, a long dress. Not sure at the moment, I have several months before I have to truely get on it.
Oh, how exciting! Be sure to check out Anea's (operafantomet) Unicorn gown, too!
http://www.aneafiles.webs.com/unicorn.html