[Ansteorra] period on a budget

[Susan]

I'm speaking from experience of both trying to start and equip myself 
and two daughters and then two years of experience as a hospitaller.  We 
had a tradition of going on what we called 'Drape and Pillage', where we 
would go out as a group and hit local fabric stores.  These were 
incredible adventures and some of the most fun I've had in the SCA.  I 
was so sad when we lost our upscale fabric store, it was a great class 
in differentiating various types of silk and wool as instructed by a 
local Laurel. 

In addition to this, I think having get togethers where members bring 
various types of garb and the newcomers get to look, feel, and sometimes 
try on is invaluable.  We had these fairly regularly, when we'd have a 
large number of newcomers and it was easier to do as a group instead of 
individually.  From these, we would often then draft patterns for 
various items (plastic sheeting and sharpie markers are great for this) 
and occasionally had times where people brought their fabric and 
machines and we got some simple garb made up.

It really helps to have someone step in and help with just getting a 
couple of basic tunics done up, as when you are new and very interested 
it is overwhelming trying to figure out everything at once.  These 
tunics can always be used, even when you develop a persona that they do 
not fit, for setting up camp, doing dishes, and other tasks including 
taking along to events as loaner garb if someone needs.  I think they 
are the nicest thing to gift to newcomers.

One other thing looking back that I would have liked would have been 
making one set of garb out of really good fabric with extra 
underclothes, as opposed to several different items; but my biggest 
challenge was finding clothing that I felt comfortable in and didn't 
seem like a costume.  This was the part of trying on various garments 
that helped me to find what I was comfortable in, I know that I've given 
away more than half of the garb I've made myself because it just wasn't 
something I enjoyed wearing once it was done.

Susan
remember the dollar rack at Wal-Mart is well worth watching

>I am 
>sure someone mentioned this all ready but taking M'Lord/M'Lady gently in hand 
>and admiring their attempt then suggesting how they may even better fit in next 
>time..perhaps offering a brief sewing lesson or organizing a group material 
>scavenger hunt to the local fabric stores hopefully will sound like fun and 
>will tend to make them feel included and part of this adventure we call the 
>Society for Creative Anachronism.
>Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion,
>In Service to my Kingdom and the Dream,
>Mistress Anna Mitrofanova
>Bonwicke
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