Garb on a Budget

[shiroicorvus]

So, here's the thing. I really want to get into the spirit of things and make myself some kickass garb. But I'm currently reducing my hours at my mediocre-anyway job, and patterns can be expensive, as well as swathes of fine cloak-making wool. I sew moderately well, but don't own my own machine--I have to borrow from our roommate, which can be tricky in this chaotic apartment sometimes. SO! That being said, does anyone have some tips about where/how to start assembling an outfit for myself that I can be proud of?

[antoinette]

There are a lot of patterns you can find on the internet that are free. Your outfit is really a matter of choice on your part. I can help you find patterns if you know what you want to look like. As for fabric, thrift stores will sometimes get lucky and people will bring in huge amounts of fabric and you can buy it for very little. Also the flat sheets from a sheet set make great fabric as well,I know you can sometimes luck out and get linen bed sheets on sale.

Post back and give me an idea of what you feel you want to look like and I will get you links to patterns that are free online.

[Kyrian]

Sign up at JoAnn's for their monthly flyers. There are often tons of 40% and 50% off coupons but you have to keep a lookout for the times they are valid.

Check out thrift stores for old drapes or bedsheets. A king size bed sheet should provide you with a decent amount of fabric to make some starter garb. Strips cut from drapes can be used as accents around the neck, cuffs, and hem to make your garb a little more snazzy. You may also be able to find a dress or shirt that you can modify a bit to make it look more medieval.

Here's a thread from the Dag board that might help with providing some inspiration done at a $20 budget:

www.dagorhir.com/forums/index.php/topic,25136.0.html

If you notice, most of these kits required some time put into them. It's the old trinity of cost, time, and quality. Pick two because that's all you're going to get. For example, if you want something that's going to be very low cost, then quality will often be lacking and your time investment significant. If you want something immediately, then it may be very expensive and the quality may suffer. If you want something that looks really good, you're either going to spend a lot of time working on it or spend a lot of money for someone else to do it.

[carrot]

My advice is to always check the web for coupons. Never buy anything for actual price because there is always a coupon or sale just have to stock your prey Holidays seem to have good sales too

[Brooder]

Oh sure the first time I go on Dag's boards in years and I see a picture of a guy in a jockstrap trying to pass it off as garb.

[Kyrian]

Mar 7, 2013 17:54:59 GMT -5 Brooder said:

Oh sure the first time I go on Dag's boards in years and I see a picture of a guy in a jockstrap trying to pass it off as garb.

Sorry about that. I remember seeing the thread a while back and thought it would be a good resource. However, it seems that my mind chose to forget about that particular entry.

[Tress]

You should also check out thrift stores for more than just cheap fabric. It's not super common, but I've found some of my garb at thrift stores. It's worth keeping an eye out. Also, if there are any theaters or other theater associated organizations (schools, churches, ect.) in your area, they sometimes have garage sale type things where they get rid of old costumes.

[shiroicorvus]

I did some thinking and a sketch, which I'm going to try to figure out how to upload now...

My fiance has hakama and a kimono he plans to wear as his garb. Unfortunately, my kimono is much too nice to run around and get sweaty in.

Anyway, this is a first concept.

Attachments:

[Sir Peregrine]

Mar 7, 2013 17:54:59 GMT -5 Brooder said:

Oh sure the first time I go on Dag's boards in years and I see a picture of a guy in a jockstrap trying to pass it off as garb.

reason 10057 to not go to rag!