Costume Update

So I decided, relatively last minute, to go the Renaissance Festival this year as well, in costume of course. However, the shoe situation was such a pain at War that I took drastic measures.


Ta-da! Direct from SCAboots.com, the best boots ever! They broke in easily, were shipped quickly, and were comfortable for the entire day of trotting around the huge festival. I was greatly pleased and highly recommend SCAboots.com for your costuming boot needs. Plus the price was reasonable–approximately $97, including shipping. They have a bit more of a pointed toe than I would like, but it's a small matter.



It got up to 96 degrees Farenheit that day, and I knew it would, so I ditched the cloak for a small piece of plaid, since we were going on St. Patrick's Day and all. My collar obscures it, but I've secured the plaid with the brooch I purchased at War. I've also managed to fit everything I need–lotion, bandaids, small sewing kit, lunch (two bagels), and my money–into the pouch. The waterbottle is in its flask hanging behind the pouch. I fixed the belt too, whipstitching another layer to the back and adding D-rings for friction power. It looks better in the photo than it was, but I'll fix it. Someday.


And the necklace, by the way, is actually my watch. I'm not a fan of wristwatches, so I found one I could modify. It's how I wear it every day.

The problem I ran into at the Festival was not being completely prepared for the heat. I'd made the cuffs too tight to roll the sleeves up, so I had my friend cut them a few inches. I've now blanket stitched them and made leather frog closures for them, so they look a tad better. It's amazing how much of a difference rolling your sleeves up can make. Oh! And leaving your petticoat at home. The boots were a bit warm, but I was able to shove them down to about mid-calf, so there was some air circulation. And my outer skirt ended up tucked into my belt a majority of the time. BUT! It all worked, so there you go.

I'd forgotten how much I love Renaissance Festivals. Usually I walk in without a plan, but this time I was going with someone who is all about planning ahead and timelines. We shopped a little, caught a TON of shows, and really had a wonderful time. We're so going again next year. The best shows I saw were Tartanic (great live bagpipe and drum show, but the CD was disappointing) and Allanah ("I Shot Danny Boy" is the greatest ballad ever!). Don Juan and Miguel were overrated, I couldn't watch Thom Selectomy without gagging, and the jousting was interesting though difficult to hear. And I'm mildly bitter because sitting in the stadium seats left black marks on the hem of my overskirt that didn't come out in the wash.

In fact, because of those marks, I'm planning to modify the outfit. Currently, my daughters' room sports some dark pink hemp curtains. These are soon to be replaced with dark green curtains that will be more effective in blocking the early morning sunlight (draw your own conclusions about that one), so I'll be reusing the pink ones as a gard for the hem of the dress. I'm also going to make a felt cavalier hat using the instructions found here. The thought of the project makes me cackle wickedly. It will be fun, very non-period, and just, well, FUN! I'm beginning to realize that being strictly period is not for me. However, this is coming from a place of knowledge. Now that I know what I'm doing, I can play with it. And I shall!