Hello! I have always been interesting in garbing and attending faires, but have never had the time (or nerve) to go. I am finally taking the plunge and have plans to attend my first Ren Faire. I have made a costume (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4490.htm?tab=costumes&page=5 - the bottom right, with the long sleeves). I've added a little bit of simple trim around the collar and sleeves, but now that I read here, I realize it may be more appropriate for a Medieval Faire than Ren Faire. My personal style leans more toward fantasy, but I don't want to be snarked, especially behind my back. Is there anything I can do to add or alter (simply) this costume to make it more period appropriate?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
The nice thing about Renaissance faires is that there is a lot of fantasy there: fae, wizards, elves, we had Ents at ours this past year. I don't think you have to worry. Yes, at any faire there will be garb snarks. That is just a fact of life: there are mean-spirited people anywhere you go. But the main point is to find and surround yourself with good people and friends and to have fun (and STAY HYDRATED...lol).
Hi there! I wear a similar dress to this and was given more compliments than i would have imagined. I made a simple belt with the left over trim I had wore a simple rose necklace on a length of leather ,boots and a fan.
I will have to attach photos later.
Thanks for the quick responses! I feel much better now. I'll be sure to post pics after the faire. :)
The pattern has long sleeves that are very similar to the ones on my wedding dress that is being made. I like it.
Snark schmark I say! Faire IS fantasy. Wear what you like and are most comfy in. :)
I bought that same pattern (and have been going to Renaissance Faires since 1980). When I finally learn to sew - I've been talking about it for 3 years already - I plan to make that and wear it to our faire, which is Renaissance and not Medieval. It's so pretty, enjoy yourself looking beautiful in it and have fun! ;D
I've debated about getting that pattern. Or do I already own it? Either way. I usually just make whatever I like and want and everyone else can just kiss off. I dont feel that I'm going to faire to impress someone or make them happy. I'm going cuse I enjoy it. So do what makes you happy. And I cant wait to see finished pics.
These aren't the best but gives you an idea what that dress looks like, though the sleeves on mine are 2 parts. Sorry I don't have a better picture of the dress on.
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/023.jpg)
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/018.jpg)
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/meandthepirate09.jpg)
That is a beautiful gown! I love the color combination and the trim.
Thank you!
I was really worried that when I made it that it was too *costume* like. But many of the merchants and faire *cast* made lots of possitive comments on it so I was thrilled!
Don't even worry about it.
the people that gripe about other ppl not being Historically accurate at faire are few and far between and not worth your time or thought.
I second the feeling that you should wear what you like and feel comfortable in.
Genievea
beautiful dress, love the trim.
I made that same dress, sans sleeves for my step-daughter. It is lovely and she receives many compliments when she wears it.
I agree it really doesn't matter so long as you enjoy wearing it. Most faires have a mix of all different styles worn by fairgoers.
I'm posting this link to give you an idea of how you might trim it. You might also want to make a belt using the trim as a simple solution or if you are really feeling adventursome you could fashion a belt from beadwork and chain.
http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/FairLadyDress.html
Have fun. :)
I agree with everyone else. Go as you want to go and enjoy. I go as a wizard and I have no problems doing so. I may try HA some time but right now I am good with my persona. ;)
Oh - I have wanted to make a gown like that ever since I saw one like it on this website: http://www.fashionsintime.com/html/cotehardie.html
(the picture on the left in the wonderful scarlet linen and the orange under gown. *drool*)
Can't wait to see you finished product and hear about your trip to the faire. Enjoy yourself, wear comfy shoes and have a great time!!
Quote from: Anna Iram on June 30, 2009, 01:22:37 PM
...I'm posting this link to give you an idea of how you might trim it. You might also want to make a belt using the trim as a simple solution or if you are really feeling adventursome you could fashion a belt from beadwork and chain.
http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/FairLadyDress.html
Where do I get trim like this?? There is only one store in my area that sells fabric and notions, but they only have very simple trim, which is nice, but I would like something more elaborate, like this, for my next dress. Even our local Walmart yanked it's sewing dept. :( >:(
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I am pretty excited now!
Look in the Sewing section of this forum. Right at the top of the topics list is a thread called Trim Site Round Up.
Oodles of places to buy trim from. Oodles I say. :D
Quote from: Aelynn on July 01, 2009, 12:42:25 PM
Even our local Walmart yanked it's sewing dept. :( >:(
I'm not the only one who Wal- Mart has pulled that on.
as i understand it, they are phasing them all out... (walmart, that is)
You might also want to check and see if you have any discount decorating stores. I have found many trims and decorator fabrics for $1 a yard and even have gone to good will and recycled old fancy dresses that had some trims on them. Yard sales are another place to find hidden treasures!
And yep Wal-Mart is phasing out all sewing depts.
Well, I donned my gown and allowed my daughter to snap some pics. I am going to make a simple headroll and veil to match, and see if I can't find some more trim to make a simple belt (I don't have quite enough left), but I also have a chain belt that has large gold medallions on it so I just might wear both. ;)
(http://www.miscellaneous.ca/images/gown-01.jpg)
*smiles*
And do you feel magical and comfortable in it? ;D
Very nice job.
I hate the fact that Wal-Mart is doing that. Where else am I supposed to go at midnight in a mad rush for some sewing items ???
First of all I must say you look DIVINE !! Particularly the pic from the back. You look like an angel with wings outspread. I agree with others here. There are a wide range of outfits to be seen at faire and you have nothing to be embarrassed about. The gown is elegant in its line and simplicity, a nice contrast to the complicated and formal court garb. Well done! I hope that your first visit is like mine. When I entered the faire for the first time I felt like I had come home. You will find the vast majority of faire folk are warm, caring and accepting people who like to enjoy times with friends new and old. As to the rare ( and I do mean rare ) snarky comment; 1. Most people are not bold enough to say anything to the subject of a snark , and 2. Those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind. My best advise for you is: Don't be shy! Be willing to approach and interact with people. Don't worry about an accent, just go up to someone in garb and introduce yourself. You can find people wearing an R/F pin (worn by people on this website) usually with great success by the pubs! Most likely if you tell them its your first visit they will share their favorite shows, food vendor, clean privy spot etc.. with you. Don't forget to hydrate!
Can I ask where you are planning to visit?
dress is FABULOUS! I would go with the gold chain belt only, but that's just me!
cant wait to see pics at faire
Very nice dress. It's beautiful.
Thanks for all the lovely comments! And I truly appreciate the helpful advice and encouragement. I have fabric to make another dress too (in light bluish grey)... just looking for a contrasting colour to go with it. It's a much lighter weight fabric than the red.
I am attending the Rennaissance Festival at Casa Loma, in Toronto, Ontario this coming weekend (http://www.casaloma.org/Seasonal/). I have wanted to go for years, but have either had other plans or chickened out. I don't know how big an event it is, but it's the only one that is close to me, so I thought I would try it first before I make travel plans to attend others.
*smiles*
I agree the chain belt alone would look nice with this. Wear it slightly lower than your natural waist.
As for trim, the price can really add up, as I'm sure you know. You might try JoAnns. If you don't have a JoAnn's Fabrics near you try their online store. Get on their mailing list and they'll send out periodic 40% off coupons good for any single cut of fabric or trim.
:) Your gown came out beautifully. I hope your first day at faire is a magical one and full of fond memories.
Aelyn, you did a bang up job on that gown!
Hope you have a great time at faire!
Ah, that came out well! And it's a lovely colour, too.
I think I'd want one made of the lightest cotton batiste or handkerchief linen for England at the moment: we are COOKING!
Wonderful job on the gown. You look great. And I too agree on just the chain. Have fun. ;)
Quote from: Aelynn on July 01, 2009, 05:35:34 PM
I am attending the Rennaissance Festival at Casa Loma, in Toronto, Ontario this coming weekend (http://www.casaloma.org/Seasonal/). I have wanted to go for years, but have either had other plans or chickened out. I don't know how big an event it is, but it's the only one that is close to me, so I thought I would try it first before I make travel plans to attend others.
*smiles*
Casa Loma is a bit of an odd event- the place is still Casa Loma (aka a big honking castle in the middle of a major metropolitan centre), so there's bus loads of people who are there to do the whole touristy thing, not even knowing about the faire. Your gown is lovely, so expect to be stopped by a LOT of tourists to get your picture taken! I'm going to be there Saturday and Sunday as Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby and lady in waiting to Queen Katherine. Find the Queen, look slightly to her left and say hello!
As for trim, are you actually in Toronto? You might want to try Queen St. West, where there's row upon row of fabric stores. You never know what you'll find.
GirlChris- what an awesome character to play!!! Let me ask though- what does your Queen Katharine look like? I'm a very big fan of Katharine and no one ever casts anyone who remotely looks like her... makes me sad, as she was so lovely...
Quote from: bellevivre on July 02, 2009, 06:51:10 PM
GirlChris- what an awesome character to play!!! Let me ask though- what does your Queen Katharine look like? I'm a very big fan of Katharine and no one ever casts anyone who remotely looks like her... makes me sad, as she was so lovely...
A picture is worth a thousand words, so...
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_X0yK1BtO8hU/Sk1JwB7niKI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/nrXkN2NetYw/s400/Queen%20Katherine.jpg)
Tada!
OMG! I didn't read this before I attended otherwise I would have introduced myself. I was wearing the second one I made in the same style, but it was bluish grey with lavender and dark wine. My two daughters were with me, in princess costumes (very NON HA, but they wanted to wear something - I've promised to make them actual costumes for Waterloo), and we did bump into Queen Katherine several times. I was so tongue tied though that I probably looked silly standing there not knowing what to say or how to say it. I guess I really must work on developing my character and learning about proper etiquette and role playing. No one stopped us for our picture though. (Actually someone did take a photo with my youngest daughter on a bench in the vendor area. She was tickled pink!)
Do you have any other photos from yesterday???
Still I had a fabulous time and can't wait for Waterloo! :)