Medieval Garb Question

[Celtic_Fae]

Thank you guys! *hugs (or drinks) all around*

[Manwariel]

Two cents: Armstreet.com/ has some gorgeous medievalish garb.

[Cilean]

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/

Another page of goodness
http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html

And here is what it would look like:




Here is a Modern Bride in Yummy 14th Century Gown




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



Cilean

[Celtic_Fae]

Thanks for everyone's help. As far as time period, it's one of those "just Medieval"---all goes, without a set specific date.

[gem]

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? 

[Kate XXXXXX]

What Gem said.   

[Baroness de Vale]

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.

[Aunty Lou]

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...

[Cilean]

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

[bellevivre]

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!'

[Anna Iram]

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.

[Celtic_Fae]

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!

[Celtic_Fae]

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/

Another page of goodness
http://www.geocities.com/lia_de_thornegge/garb/2006surcote.html

And here is what it would look like:




Here is a Modern Bride in Yummy 14th Century Gown




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



Cilean

My first time period would be approx. 1489, and given thisportrait, I think I could modify some of my simpler Tudor gowns for the one weekend faire.

[Friar Rohn the Chronicler]

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."



Friar Rohn

[Kate XXXXXX]

Yeah, but he's worth it...