I'm a Patron. My jeans, tshirt & silly hat "garb" makes me happiest. It seems so magical that way, like I've travelled to a different time! My Chicago sister has several outfits - she looks FABULOUS (sing it!) like cake with frosting! My (other) Baby sister is a norse goddess - all "love me and despair!" when she dresses. They are amazing ladies!! My brother even dresses - he's the coolest guy I know. I'm the scatterbrained-rainbow (as opposed to black)-sheep of the family.
My Columbia buddies are dressing up this year, so I am busily finishing a peasanty-wenchy skirt (I got a cheapy-bodice in St. Louis this year). My goal is balance...maybe I'll wear tennis shoes with it - hehe ;D Orthopaedic wench! LOLz!
So how about you? Do you dress up? Do you spend gobs of coinage? Do you accent your jeans & tshirt? Historically accurate? Room for interpretation? Do you think dressing up messes up or adds to the magic?
Well, I've not met you as yet, Tamtaro, but looking at your avatar, I must say that you really should cheer up... ;)
In answer to your question, it's really whatever floats your boat as far as your own personal enjoyment of faire. However, I would say that most of us here are into the garb, and it can get expensive—very easily—but for someone with a vision and creativity (which leaves me out) it can be done on a shoestring, but it would depend on the character or persona you choose.
The first few times we went to faire, we went as muggles, but had a good time. Then we started doing the garb. It added to my enjoyment primarily because of the little ones, which hit its peak when a 3-year-old girl walked up and tugged on my cape and looked up at me and asked, "Are you a wizard?" [yes] "I want to be a wizard when I grow up. Is it hard to be a wizard?"
I had always worn a beard, and my wife had dubbed me "Merlin" back in the 80s because of my computer expertise. The progression to my current persona was natural. I added "the Elder" since there was already a young Merlin on this board, who is great fun, by the way. We have the same home faire (Scarby) and have become friends.
I'm not sure that a wizard such as I portray would be considered historically accurate. For me, it really does add to the magic.
I dress out for the faire. I dress as a simple mariner from that time period, complete with a blue thrum cap (quite common for English sailors of the period). But, I'm not a garb-nazi, I'm just there to have a good time, and will treat all that I meet with happy courtesy!
I attended faire for years as a patron in mundane clothing and had a grand time each day I went. There are definite positives to mundane clothing--it's easy to adjust for the weather, it's a lot cheaper, much easier to use the port-a-potties, etc. If you enjoy faire as an un-garbed patron, go for it! In my view, faire is what you make of it and whatever makes you happy (providing of course, that you're not infringing on other people's enjoyment) is what you should do.
As for me, I now go garbed (well-heeled peasant, if that's possible ;)) and I still have a grand time! I think, for me, I enjoy it more now because other playtrons, cast members, vendors, and performers relate to me a little differently. Once I switched to garb, I felt more accepted and found it easier to strike up conversations and make friends with fellow faire-goers. That's enhanced my enjoyment of faire.
That said, I agree with Merlin--it's whatever floats your boat. Everyone is different and the important thing is for you to enjoy the faire experience.
Oh, and to answer your other questions--yes, garb is expensive; no, when I was going "mundane," I didn't accessorize; my current garb is not really historically accurate (and I don't care!); and I definitely think interpretation is a good thing! :)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 07, 2011, 10:17:55 AM
Well, I've not met you as yet, Tamtaro, but looking at your avatar, I must say that you really should cheer up... ;)
Ha! It was a nice day & we were heading for the crepes! It was a nightmare. Hence the grimace. ;D
Quote from: Butch on August 07, 2011, 11:56:23 AM
I'm not a garb-nazi, I'm just there to have a good time, and will treat all that I meet with happy courtesy!
Garb-nazi! :D
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on August 07, 2011, 04:47:52 PM
easier to use the port-a-potties
I forgot about the port-a-privies!! Good point Bob! Have you heard 3 Pints Gone sing about not lingering in the outhouse? Good advice there.
playtron. Started with basic garb and have moved to noble 9by some friends encouragement :) ) On the really hot days, would like to dress back down to simple garb. We have dressed for the last 3 years and went as mundanes once last year due to the heat and it just did not feel right for us. I agree with all, as I do not care what others wear, mundanes with their shorts and tanks or even the non-historical (the nazis can kiss my non-HA doublet's backside :) )
Hope to meet you this fall, we will be at your shire on the 24/25 of September (being escorted by the navy man in the Blue thrum (Butch))
A line I used once on someone who said I was not HA was, "hey, I am actually a pirate and I stole all this stuff, sorry it doesn't match, and your garb does not interest me in the least"
Ha! Great line! I'm a pirate!! I wish there was a pirate "smiley"...how about this: P-( ARRR!
Did you have to spend a lot of money or do you/and yours have mad sewing skilz?
I too was a non-garbed patron for many many years. I got my first garb in '09 and since then have amassed about three outfits (though they're all basically peasant/wench/pirate-peasant-wench). This year I'm going as a performer for two of the faire weekends (and one day), as well as doing a not-officially-scheduled gig with a friend in the mornings, so I don't really have a choice whether I garb or not. I don't mind though; I looove being a pirate wench and really feel more a part of the action when I'm dressed up.
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 08, 2011, 02:14:29 PM
Ha! Great line! I'm a pirate!! I wish there was a pirate "smiley"...how about this: P-( ARRR!
Did you have to spend a lot of money or do you/and yours have mad sewing skilz?
The noble garb was made by M'Lady's seamstress, although M'Lady does a lot of 'embellishment' after. She is a decent sewer (so-er :) ), but me, no.
After almost a decade of dreaming and saving, I have not 1, but 3 of my dream outfits! My first time at TRF (my home faire) my friend and I did not dress up, and we felt so out of place. From that day on, my 2 friends and I would meet at each others houses the night before faire and pull every long skirt, flowy top, and scarf we had to make our own outfits. Looking back, I can't help but laugh because we looked so ridiculous!
So, I've been attempting to dress up for every faire aside from my very first one for about 10 years now. But, about 4 years ago, I convinced my parents to buy me a real bonafide bodice from Damsel in this Dress. Oh, i love that thing. From then on, I have been getting a skirt here and a chemise there for every birthday and Christmas. I now have my dream pirate garb set! I just got a hat last time I was down in Texas for TRF and visiting family, so I can say my pirate outfit is 'done' as far as big items go, though you know you can never stop adding accessories.
I've also being working on my steampunk garb. I just can't seem to find a good skirt I like, but I'm just about there. My boyfriend bought me a pair of iridescent fairy wings for Christmas last year and so I have my perfect fairy outfit as well! While this can be expensive, like I said, I've added a little bit each year and finally got to where I love every outfit.
Speaking of my boyfriend, we just got him his first garb set and I fear I may have created a monster. He refuses to go to any faire or con without it. He won't let me go to the coronation of the KCRF royalty because our outfits are back at college and not with us in KC :( We've also got a small party to go to that day, but still! But, it's always fun finding the perfect piece to add to your garb, so I'm sure once the novelty wears off, he will settle down ;D
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 08, 2011, 02:14:29 PM
Ha! Great line! I'm a pirate!! I wish there was a pirate "smiley"...how about this: P-( ARRR!
Did you have to spend a lot of money or do you/and yours have mad sewing skilz?
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4530/20/85/81346464708/s81346464708_1722424_8115253.jpg)
I wear my noble garb to fair. But I'm not bothered by what anyone else wears unless they are deliberately trying to ruin the faire atmosphere.
Quote from: Aniroaldawen on August 09, 2011, 12:38:31 AM
I too was a non-garbed patron for many many years. I got my first garb in '09 and since then have amassed about three outfits (though they're all basically peasant/wench/pirate-peasant-wench). This year I'm going as a performer for two of the faire weekends (and one day), as well as doing a not-officially-scheduled gig with a friend in the mornings, so I don't really have a choice whether I garb or not. I don't mind though; I looove being a pirate wench and really feel more a part of the action when I'm dressed up.
I'm going to be looking for you performing in the lanes, if for nothing else, to find out how to pronounce "Aniroaldawen!" I look forward to hearing you play! :D I love music in the lanes <3
Playtron. My garb varies with the theme of the weekend; I have noble, Celtic, pirate and all purpose peasant wench outfits.
I love that I have enough pieces to mix and match so no outfit is exactly the same twice in a season (unless I want it to be).
I prefer to either volunteer or pay to get in, then I don't have to stay if the weather gets to be too much.
I like what DonaCatalina said about attitude/atmosphere (and great pirate-smiley too!) The garb is really secondary to the spirit! P.S. - love the garb in your avatar pic - that blue is definitely your color!
For playtrons - Do you ever get mistaken for an employee? Tee hee! That seems pixie-funny to me. ;D
Comfy shoes??? Are you guys gellin' with Magellan? My playtron shoes are very flat & thin. I am a little whiny & am wondering if you have found super comfy shoes or trickery to make them more comfy?
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 11, 2011, 12:20:29 PMFor playtrons - Do you ever get mistaken for an employee? Tee hee! That seems pixie-funny to me. ;D
Actually, I think I was mistaken for cast BY a cast member at Scarby. I can't swear to that, but I got pulled into the pre-cannon play by one of the newer cast. They will often draw
un-garbed patrons into the play, but I can't remember them pulling a garbed playtron in. I almost called for a copy of the script as things progressed (which I found out later, they don't have because opening is total improv) I played along as best as an untrained non-actor could until someone realized what had happened and sheep-crooked me off the "stage."
What I thought was funny—and scary—was that the crowd was cheering for
me to do battle with the gypsy king or pirate captain or somesuch, and they were
supposed to be cheering the cast member who is trained in such things. Everything worked out and no one was turned into a toad or anything...
Playtron. I'm dressed as a Scottish noble... maybe not period but only a garb nazi would point it out (which would quickly get the point of my middle finger). I've been asked for my picture more & more as my garb has expanded and was asked last year where my cast "pin" was... i got a good chuckle out of that. ;)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 11, 2011, 12:48:36 PM
and no one was turned into a toad or anything...
Not a toad, but a newt!! He turned me into a newt! ...dramatic pause... I got better!
I've gone the past few years to my local faires as a patron, because I was really super new to the scene. This year, however, I will be going as a Druid by the name of Fionnuala. I'm abit nervous to go in garb for the first time, but by the time TRF comes around I think the butterflies will settle down!
Playtron. I find when I am in mundane clothes that I am an outsider watching the show. When in garb, (wench or pirate or peasant) I am treated as if I am part of the show. I've been mistaken for a shop keep many times.
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 11, 2011, 02:25:33 PM
I've gone the past few years to my local faires as a patron, because I was really super new to the scene. This year, however, I will be going as a Druid by the name of Fionnuala. I'm abit nervous to go in garb for the first time, but by the time TRF comes around I think the butterflies will settle down!
I love the name you picked! What is your outfit like?
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 11, 2011, 04:32:16 PM
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 11, 2011, 02:25:33 PM
I've gone the past few years to my local faires as a patron, because I was really super new to the scene. This year, however, I will be going as a Druid by the name of Fionnuala. I'm abit nervous to go in garb for the first time, but by the time TRF comes around I think the butterflies will settle down!
I love the name you picked! What is your outfit like?
Thank you! Fionnuala means " white shouldered one" and since I'm wearing a white dress, thought it went! My outfit is pretty simple, but it gets the feeling of a sacred, holy, and powerful druid across rather well I think.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EwBoM7IqJ6yA6tR55wGvhJgbGnspRnWmZTcnRVFciA8?feat=directlink
I've replaced the chemise in the picture with a hand made dress; same color, just tailored to my size and fitted rather well. Just waiting for that and my Cernunnos pendant to come in the mail and I will be a full fledged Druid!
Tamtaro, your avatar just tickles the bezoogles out of me! That is the best happy face I've seen out here! It makes me happy just to see your face! Thank you!
Merlin you had any whiskey for dinner today??>?
Me, patron. I am at my happiest wandering the shaded lanes of Canterbury in jeans, a renfest pullover ( which gets me asked from time to time if I work there ) my RF pin, and thats it. I think from time to time of going back to garb, but I never do! SOMEDAY!!!!!!
Quote from: kcdcchef on August 12, 2011, 12:49:37 AM
Merlin you had any whiskey for dinner today??>?
Is the sun up? .. or down?? Silly question, KC/DC :D
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 11, 2011, 05:09:40 PM
Thank you! Fionnuala means " white shouldered one" and since I'm wearing a white dress, thought it went! My outfit is pretty simple, but it gets the feeling of a sacred, holy, and powerful druid across rather well I think.
I've replaced the chemise in the picture with a hand made dress; same color, just tailored to my size and fitted rather well. Just waiting for that and my Cernunnos pendant to come in the mail and I will be a full fledged Druid!
Thanks for sharing the pic! Nicely put together. It looks comfy too (I'm all about the comfy!) I had to look up Cernunnos. I am enlightened :)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 11, 2011, 05:11:50 PM
Tamtaro, your avatar just tickles the bezoogles out of me! That is the best happy face I've seen out here! It makes me happy just to see your face! Thank you!
WHEE!! Thank you - you made my day! ;D
It doesnt take much! Thank you to some of you new contributors to the KCRF portion of renfest.com, it has always been one of the most silent boards on here. One of the top 10 visited renaissance festivals in the country and one of the least commented on boards, so thanks new guys!
Quote from: kcdcchef on August 13, 2011, 12:45:04 AM
It doesnt take much!
True! Regardless, it was a nice thing to say and a nice way to say it... "bezoogles!" ;D
Quote from: kcdcchef on August 13, 2011, 12:45:04 AM
Thank you to some of you new contributors to the KCRF portion of renfest.com, it has always been one of the most silent boards on here. One of the top 10 visited renaissance festivals in the country and one of the least commented on boards, so thanks new guys!
KCRF does seem to be one of the big ones. I wonder how it really compares: visitors/acreage. Do you know of any weblink that would have the info?
You will find some information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Renaissance_fairs
I would question much of the data however. Somehow, I have my doubts that they are comparing apples-to-apples, and information in general is pretty spotty. It looks as if some faires are including parking in their area, but without some indication, you really can't make valid comparisons.
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 12, 2011, 02:46:45 PM
Quote from: scarletnyx on August 11, 2011, 05:09:40 PM
Thank you! Fionnuala means " white shouldered one" and since I'm wearing a white dress, thought it went! My outfit is pretty simple, but it gets the feeling of a sacred, holy, and powerful druid across rather well I think.
I've replaced the chemise in the picture with a hand made dress; same color, just tailored to my size and fitted rather well. Just waiting for that and my Cernunnos pendant to come in the mail and I will be a full fledged Druid!
Thanks for sharing the pic! Nicely put together. It looks comfy too (I'm all about the comfy!) I had to look up Cernunnos. I am enlightened :)
When I was first putting together my outfit, I wanted to get a whole bunch of Greenman stuff ( necklaces, earrings, little touches ) but then, after researching the topic abit more, I actually discovered that the greenman is more of a recent invention so people could go on acknowledging nature after the wave of christianity swept through the isles. Still correct, but I am a Druid proud!
My husband and I are learning a bunch of do's and don'ts this first time garbing/going the whole weekend!
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 13, 2011, 12:25:05 PM
KCRF does seem to be one of the big ones. I wonder how it really compares: visitors/acreage. Do you know of any weblink that would have the info?
right here at renfest.com there is a listing of all faires size in acreage, stages, and attendance. I think kcrf ranks like 7th or something in the nation, which is pretty impressive. we lag behind MNRF, TRF, among others. What is most impressive is the size of kcrf's attendance in comparision to other faires that have 12 weekends to out 7. PARF springs to mind. They BARELY outdraw KCRF, despite being 13 weekends as opposed to 7.
PaRF is also in the middle of Amish country. Not exactly the population you'd see hitting the faire regularly. ;)
Although, they would be great for living history ;D
Quote from: Rogue Hidesmith on August 14, 2011, 07:04:09 AM
PaRF is also in the middle of Amish country. Not exactly the population you'd see hitting the faire regularly. ;)
Although, they would be great for living history ;D
true, but they are also within an hour of this sleepy little town called philadelphia. and the place is friecken huge. i hate that they paved it though.
I had never been there prior to the paving so I don't have an opinion on it one way or another :)
Quote from: Rogue Hidesmith on August 14, 2011, 08:24:46 PM
I had never been there prior to the paving so I don't have an opinion on it one way or another :)
Have you been to festivals that arent paved? That would give you an opinion!
I don't think I would like pavement. It would take away from the feeling of faire.
Quote from: kcdcchef on August 14, 2011, 11:44:43 PM
Have you been to festivals that arent paved? That would give you an opinion!
Yep, I've been to MDRF which isn't and NYRF which is only partially paved. It still doesn't matter to me. Actually, the only ground cover I hated was at this 1-season-wonder called Medieval Majesty which covered the entire grounds in gravel. Now
that was a pain in the weed puller to walk on!
I bet you burn some serious calories walking in gravel! I don't think I'd like paved either. I guess it would make it nicer for some of the folks with strollers & wheelchairs. KC strikes a pretty good balance. Colorado had some foriegn material down...I think it was what they call "pine needles" and "Colorado awesomeness!" ;D
Quote from: Tamtaro on August 16, 2011, 10:08:25 PM
I bet you burn some serious calories walking in gravel! I don't think I'd like paved either. I guess it would make it nicer for some of the folks with strollers & wheelchairs. KC strikes a pretty good balance. Colorado had some foriegn material down...I think it was what they call "pine needles" and "Colorado awesomeness!" ;D
back in the day PARF was identical to KCRF in terms of walking material. KCRF is my favorite festival in the world regarding the walkways.
I still haven't hemmed my skirt... maybe I'm sabbotaging my inner playtron??
Do you guys make your own stuff? I mean, 60 bucks ducats (I know it's not accurate, but I like the word ;D) for a skirt (or pants for you guys out there)? But I'm beginning to see why - it's a pain in the patootie to make it myself!!
Quote from: kcdcchef on August 16, 2011, 10:20:44 PM
back in the day PARF was identical to KCRF in terms of walking material. KCRF is my favorite festival in the world regarding the walkways.
And there aren't very many evil hills (except that one leading up from the piratey area to the petting zoo). eeeeevvvvviiiiiiillllll
I make all of mine, all of my family's and all of my friends' garb. What are you trying to do with your skirt hem? How far along are you?
Quote from: Butch on August 21, 2011, 01:38:16 PM
I make all of mine, all of my family's and all of my friends' garb. What are you trying to do with your skirt hem? How far along are you?
You are awesome!
The skirt is put together except for the hem. The skirt I'm imitating had a sort of rolled hem - it's no more than about two millimeters high (I like it). I thought about doing a taller folded hem like an inch or inch and a half, but it seems to make the shape stiffer (I don't like it). The thing that worries me about the rolled hem is that once I cut, it's done. A bigger hem would give me some leeway to mess up. So I am frozen by my fear. I don't have a great mirror & I'm pinning up the hem by myself, so I never feel like it's just right. Maybe it's simpler than I'm imagining and I simply need a kick in the posterior to get over it and just get it done! It's just a plain skirt - peasanty-wenchy, so it doesn't need to be perfect, but I don't want it to be lopsided! Any tips on self hemming for a beginner?? (I may have mentioned before that I thought the reverse button on the machine meant it would take out stitches and undo mistakes...sheesh! :-[) I am learning! ;D
Thanks for listening!
Tamtaro, to avoid a thread jack, I'll pm you my suggestion.
I also sent a PM. Good luck!
Thanks again for the tips & I now know how to PM.
Now back to our regularly scheduled topic! I'll try out both patron & playtron this year & report back. I also think I'll sign up for some sewing lessons!! ;D
Be warned about sewing lessons, once you make your own bodice, you will be addicted!
good now one of you can make my costume when i start garbing again in 2012.
I really want to learn how to make a bodice!!! (<----addict readiness! ha!!)
kcdcchef - i will need to practice a LOT before I make someone else wear my creations *steepled fingers and evil laugh!!* It's alive!!!!