Dragon Keeper (Wool in Texas?)

[Crystal]

Hello!

I'm trying to prepare a costume for the Texas Renaissance Festival, and am still gathering ideas for my character. Any of you know the adorable dragon puppets from Imaginarium Galleries? Last year I brought one (love it!) and since it was a good topic starter, even for someone as shy as me, I thought I would build a character around it- a dragon keeper perhaps?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I had an idea in mind, and this costume with black and gold (my dragon's colors) from Half Moon fits quiet closely:


However, I am concerned with two things: the price, and the material: wool. TRF starts in October, so, from any experiences or opinions, would wool be ok or too hot?

Again any ideas, comments, concerns, etc on my character idea or costume (if anyone knows something that looks similar but not quite as costly, that would be awesome!) would be greatly appreciated!

[gem]

There's wool and there's wool.  Remember that for thousands of years and all over the planet (including desert climates), wool has been the original all-weather performance fabric.  A cloak like that, in a nice lightweight wool flannel, would be terrifically comfortable in all kinds of weather.  The wool Fellowship (LOTR) cloaks from Stansborough Woollen Mills, for example, are so lightweight and airy, you could easily wear them in warmer weather.

However, that particular garment looks like the sort of wool designed to keep you warm (they describe it as "thick" and say they're suitable for "ample layering").  I'd talk to the folks at Half Moon and get their thoughts on the matter... but I know at KCRF, a couple states north of you, we *frequently* spike temperatures in the 90s in October, and a heavy wool cloak would be way too much.

That said, there is something to say for what wool would add to the "persona" you're trying to create.  Since wool is fire-proof, it would make terrific sense for a dragon keeper....

[LadyShadow]

TRF is usually very warm in October and parts of November.  But of course weather down here changes constantly and you never really know what you will get.

[Crystal]

Heh, yes the weather down here can be quite random.

I e-mailed Half Moon about their light weight wool. Perhaps that will be more tolerable in case it gets too warm at TRF.

Thank you for your replies!

[DonaCatalina]

TRF can still reach temps of 99-100 through the end of October.
While this garment looks lovely, I think the word 'heavy' in the decription is bad news.
You might be able to contact them and see if they will work with you in a lighter wool or linen.

[Crystal]

They contacted me back and they do indeed have lightweight wool.
They also said they have shipped several of their coats to Texas, so that's sounds like a good sign to me!

[LadyShadow]

That does sound wonderful.

[serenamoonsilver]

Last year, my daughter went as a dragon keeper to our faire.  The thread where I asked for help is here  Hopefully there is something helpful in there in terms of accesories. etc.  I will say it was kind of fun to burn holes in her shirt.

[Crystal]

There are some good ideas in that thread, like the dragon teeth on the necklace. Thank you!

And she looks adorable!

[tigrlily64]

***thread jack***
The Drabbits from IG are all right, but I love woodbabies.  www.fantasypuppet.com

***end threadjack***

I like how the costume looks, personally.  It would be wesome if you matched your dragon.  I remember the other dragnonkeeper thread, and there were some really great ideas about accessories to enhance your professional look.  Good luck!

[Crystal]

Haha, woodbabies are also very adorable! But I may be just a wee biased.

Thank you!