[Steppes] Loaner garb sale

Tue May 30 17:08:09 PDT 2006

In this sale of loaner garb items we are not really trying to make a profit per se but definitely trying to get rid of items that are not practical to store or to loan.  

  If only one item sells for $50.00 or more, that is quite enough for fabric for the T-Tunics we need to make (if I can get the linen blend for a $1.00 yd)  The rest can go to the barony and that money can be used for whatever - maybe even refreshments for newcomer parties or maybe future fabric needs.  

  If the barony chooses, we can use money for t-tunics to give to newcomers.  I am not sure if I like that idea, since I have been trying to give newcomer t-tunic making or garb making classes right away to empower them to take care of their needs from the beginning.  If they do not know how to sew, we have have been teaching them. Gerita has also been helping with teaching sewing as well. This topic is something we can discuss further if you wish.

  I think the main issue is space as well as convenience to the hospitaler. The goal is to get ALL of the loaner stuff into at least 3 each 18 gallon plastic bins instead of the 7 we have now.  If the next hospitaler has an apartment, he/she does not want to have to store that many bins.

  I think that making a few garments that are dresses would be ok, however I believe making one garment that can fit either a male or female AND fit several different sizes is the best option.  The obvious choice for fabric is linen I believe, since the greatest drain on our gold key is in the hot season (Warlord).  You can also layer garments under the linen T-Tunic in the winter.

  As to the lost and found items, it is a spacial issue as well.  Some of that lost and found stuff has been in there FOREVER and is taking up room in our storage locker.  It needs to go.  I agree with several folks in that we need to find a way to advertise these item to see if they belong to anyone before they are sold.  If they are unclaimed by a certain date, they are sold to the highest bidder. 

  I am thinking we can put all of it on a website for people to view before the auction date.  Each item would list if it is lost and found or a loaner garb sale item.  As to where and when on the auction, I am thinking if we could do it online somehow that would be best.  If it must be during an event, I am thinking about a silent auction at Artisan.

Elinor Salter <elinorsalter at comcast.net> wrote:
  An excellent idea. I for one can't say that I'm familiar with all that 
the loaner garb comprises, but if there are items that fit a newcomer, 
that definitely might be an option. But I have two things to keep in 
mind about that option.

First of all, I don't believe that the intent is to profit off of this 
venture. My interpretation was that every dollar would be put back into 
fabric (and materials for accessories like belts and pouches) for more 
practical garb that would not only fit a wider range of people, but 
might be more comfortable for newcomers as well.

That segues nicely into my second thought. Not everyone is well-suited 
to wear late-period garb in heavy fabrics in Texas weather, especially 
those that may not be used to it. As nice as some of these outfits may 
be, it may be off-putting to newcomers to wear sweltering bulky garb if 
they're not used to it. I personally think they would appreciate 
t-tunics in natural fabrics that would not only breathe, but be easier 
to move around for someone that may not be used to wearing so much fabric.

-- 
Elinor Salter
Barony of the Steppes, Ansteorra

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