Coping with mud?

[operafantomet]

A lot of great ideas here - thanks ladies.

Unfortunately, I did not really have the option to go without the farthingale - as one of the shows I do is "dressing a Lady"... and I start in my tudor undies. I think that without my farthingale, my skirts would drag even more in the mud ... perhaps I will have to make "mud" gear - something plainer, easy to wash... perhaps 2 matching ones for once the first one gets unbearable.... and hike the over skirt up as suggested. I will continue to ponder what will work for my gown....

Could you maybe cover the lower 1/4 of the farthingale with blank plastic or similar? I mean, you probably won't see it anyway, and it would definitely protect it. And use a washable underskirt with is nice all around and not just a forepart, and then hike the overskirt up when needed.

ETA: You could eventually stitch on a "guard" of some waterproof material?

[Orphena]

operafantomet - yes, that sounds like the best option, overall! I already have 2 farthingales, so I keep one clean and pretty for my show, and make a removeable cover for the other for bad weather! (or throw together a third one during off season with a permanent guard)

thanks so much ladies! These ideas are better than what I was thinking!

[Butch]

You can use Scotchguard, but the stuff they sell in the camping section for sealing tent seams works better and is cheaper.  Just be sure you do not spray the entire garment.  As Syrilla mentioned, the Scotchguard (and the like) will close off the breatheability of the fibers.

[gem]

I am in favor of the new garb for muddy days option! 

Truly, though, if you start with things you're less afraid of getting muddy, and maybe water-resistant fabrics (I have a rain cloak made from the same durable water-repellant microfiber as mundane raincoats, and--though it's heavy--sheds water like crazy and washes beautifully), that might make for a better muddy-weather experience overall.

If there is such a thing. 

[Butch]

Meh, the wet weather doesn't bother me.  I just hate being cold and wet.  Mud is no big deal.  Not saying I cannot understand your dislike of the mud, I'm just not disheartened by it!

[operafantomet]

Meh, the wet weather doesn't bother me.  I just hate being cold and wet.  Mud is no big deal.  Not saying I cannot understand your dislike of the mud, I'm just not disheartened by it!

Something tells me two or three layers of wide, muddy skirts is a LOT heavier than muddy pants, though...