Ren faire!
It's that time of year again: time to don the long skirts and floofy shirts.
This will be the third year we have gone to the faire, and our wardrobe has improved accordingly. My sister and I have gathered up a little collection of accessories and different costume elements. Below is a list of suggested items, as well as links to websites that show you how to make various accessories.
- a floofy shirt (white, off-white, beige or other neutral colors are best). These shirts are fairly easy to find or make. We have a few extra if you need one.
- floor-length skirt (in cotton, linen, or heavier fabric). Technically neutral colors are the best, because they are closer to what colors would actually have been worn, but pretty much any color is ok. Black, white, metallic, and neon colors are not good.
- second skirt or 'apron'. We usually take an extra piece of fabric and drape/tuck it into the belt to make it look like an apron or overskirt.
- bodice (made of heavy material or upholstery material). These really make the outfit, but usually have to be made to fit the wearer. We have a few extra of these as well.
- belt (leather or leather-looking) A belt is necessary to hang your accessories on, as well as tuck your outer skirt layer into (if you are wearing two skirts...)
- shoes (please no sneakers or flip-flops!) The shoes can be one of the hardest things to find, but they really make the outfit. Boots or dark/natural-colored flats are suggested. As little heel as possible on the boots.
- pouch/bag/satchel to take a few of your most precious belongings in.
- muffin cap/caul/hat - not really necessary, though most women in Renaissance times wore their hair up and had it covered at all times. We've never worn hats or caps to faire before, but we have some this year that we might try out.
- cape: because capes are fun. Also not necessary, but really easy to make and fun to wear.
Other things to bring
- water! It gets hot and there is dust EVERYWHERE. Even if you don't carry it around with you, bring a bottle for the car.
- money: food and games are expensive. The food and drinks especially. And there's awesome stuff for sale as well.
- a camera! So many photo-taking opportunities.
Links
- Cape-making directions: super simple. I didn't make ties at the neck for mine, I used a brooch to hold the cape together instead. Much easier that way. (http://diyfashion.about.com/od/costumes/ss/Make_a_Cape.htm)
- Muffin cap - This video is the one I used to make mine, although I only made it in one layer and didn't use interfacing. I like using the video because it makes the steps much easier to understand. The video is in German, but... it has English subtitles :) (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x22grd_how-to-make-a-muffin-hat-sewing-tut_creation)
Also, some of us have decided to make "gifts" that we will hand out at the faire. Little random hand-made or other things to give to unsuspecting faire-goers. We're still working on a storyline. If you would like to bring something to give, I think the following have already been taken or suggested: flowers, yarn dolls, riddles, random jewelry, and an old book. Bring something to give, if you want. It might be fun.
Please also take a look at the rules: http://www.renfair.com/socal/kids/documents/Rules_Regs.05.pdf
I don't *think* any of you going will be tempted to throw things at performers, but hey. Also, I will have name tags for you that I will give to you before we go.
For more info on the faire - http://www.renfair.com/socal/index.asp
2010 Faire
