How am I going to carry my stuff?

[LadyStitch]

something hit me this last week when I pulled out PP and I's Ren stuff.  I found that I typically cally my mug, sewing kit, and pouches on my wide belt.  Considering My wait line is explanding, and I should be wearing a new empire waist italian gown ( sewing gods permitting) at Scarby this year.  The belt is NOT going to work.
I'm trying to think what my options are.
#1 I thought basket, but I'm natorious for forgetting thing, and I'm afraid of things falling out.
#2 I thought about making a jeweled "purse" to carry around that  can go over my shoulder.  That way I can at least carry my pouch type things, if not my mug.

Thoughts?

[LadyFae]

I still wore a belt, just over my belly and made sure not to make my pouches too heavy.  =)

[amy]

I really don't enjoy having too much strapped around my waist on a belt so I solved the basket problem this way.   I made a large, loose drawsting sack  to lay in the basket.  So I drop all the stuff inside (cell phones, keys, sunscreen, wallet) and yank it shut then just toss my tankard on top.   Nothing falls out and nothing gets lost.

[isabelladangelo]

Drawstring purses are nice.  I hate having anything on my shoulder (it slips off!) and have worn a belt with my Italian renn, complete with a pocket on the side.  Belts were worn with the Italian renn in period -it's the pockets that are questionable. 

I'll either have the belt or carry the drawstring purse on my wrist. 

[PollyPoPo]

Probably not period, but a shoulder bag that actually goes over your head - hanging on one side, but braced by the other side.  Could even put a clasp of some kind on the brace shoulder to keep it from slipping around.  Just make sure it hangs in the front  below neck and above the babe.

[isabelladangelo]

Probably not period, but a shoulder bag that actually goes over your head - hanging on one side, but braced by the other side.  Could even put a clasp of some kind on the brace shoulder to keep it from slipping around.  Just make sure it hangs in the front  below neck and above the babe.

http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/images/maciejowski/leaf15/otm15vd.gif

They wore them like that but it doesn't look right with a noble woman's outfit. 

[DonaCatalina]

something hit me this last week when I pulled out PP and I's Ren stuff.  I found that I typically cally my mug, sewing kit, and pouches on my wide belt.  Considering My wait line is explanding, and I should be wearing a new empire waist italian gown ( sewing gods permitting) at Scarby this year.  The belt is NOT going to work.
I'm trying to think what my options are.
#1 I thought basket, but I'm natorious for forgetting thing, and I'm afraid of things falling out.
#2 I thought about making a jeweled "purse" to carry around that  can go over my shoulder.  That way I can at least carry my pouch type things, if not my mug.

Thoughts?

There is a reason that Don Juan refers to himself as the pack mule. 
Check Goodwill for one of those black velvet eveing bags with the really long cords; or take some black cording and add one yourself.

[LadyStitch]

Well I specifically had to put pockets in the PP's coat so that he could call all HIS stuff.  I dont' think he would want to carry around all my stuff as well. I like Amy's idea. I'll see what I can come up with.

[operafantomet]

Remember that they had pockets in the past too. Early on these pockets were worn separately, tied around the waist, and could be accessed through a slit in the overgarment. Later on the loose pocket were sewn to then inside of the slit (I.E. modern pockets).

The easiest way to wear loose pockets is to make a pair; one for each hip. This means it won't "sag" on one side if you overload it. Both are attached to the same string and tied around the waist. Make sure the knot is solid (or attach them to a belt you buckle on). Remember than your skirt needs slits in the seam closest to the pockets, so you can access them!

Of course, such loose pockets is for money, cameras, sewing emergency kit etc, not large, bulky items. So if you plan on bringing a LOT you have to consider other options.

You can read more here: http://aneafiles.webs.com/saccoccia.html

[Lady Kett]

I have to agree with Dona. Sidekick is referred to often as my wallet and pack mule. Adding a mug strap, mug, a cell phone, camera and ID has never overloaded my adoring Sidekick when I need him to carry stuff.

Adding pockets to the skirts sounds nifty too.

[Lady Rebecca]

I'm with Amy - I have a basket lined with black broadcloth, and my "wallet" is a drawstring bag, which holds my cell phone, money, credit card, keys, etc. Then the faire map, water bottle, hand sanitzer, etc go in the basket along with any purchases.

[Trillium]

I have a shoulder bag that I bought a few years ago once my son was mobile enough to not need a stroller.  Needed something for carrying snacks, plus anything he has, I'll end up carrying, including his hat...   The bag is a tribal looking woven fabric, doesn't look uber modern and works well enough with my fae or gypsy garb. Just keep your stuff minimal this year so you aren't carrying too much weight.

[gypsylakat]

... Natures pockets? If I don't end up having pockets on whatever I'm wearing my stuff tends to end up in my cleavage.

[Adriana Rose]

I have a little picnic basket that has a lid that we carry the important stuff around in. It works great.

But since you are afraid of leaving things behind a nice shoulder bag worked for me. I would wear it so the strap went on my left shoulder and the bag sat on my right hip. Very easy to make too ( but I have a feeling that your spare time is about as short as mine lol) And that way there is no weight on your waist too

[Gwen aka Punstergal]

Embroidered fabric purses are definitely period.. Elizabeth had one in the late 1500s that I saw in a museum list somewhere.. hrmm...
http://www.time.com/time/europe/photoessays/elizabeth/08.html
There we go. Hers may have been carried for smelling purposes, but who's going to know what specifically is in there, right?

I know some German portraits show very elaborate purses as well, like Elsbeth Lochmann in 1564:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Tobias_Stimmer_001.jpg
She IS wearing it hanging from a belt, though, I think.