I'm pretty sure a chemise is a kind of old-timey undershirt.

It might surprise anyone who knows me that I've actually never been to a Ren faire. But dammit, I read books.

Riri-kins wrote:

Seeing that we're a bunch of proud nerds somebody else must have attended one before,  right? Post your questions and experiences about them in this thread.

That being said I'm attending my second one two weeks from now and will be dressing up for the first time since I didn't know it was encouraged before. What should I take into account for my costume bedsides my budget and the weather? I'm thinking of something simple like an Irish peasant girl. Also, what the heck is a chemise? Thanks.

In terms of costume, I would just go online to one of the Halloween stores and buy a prepackaged one. That's your cheapest option. It'll get you through the day comfortably, and then you can decide if you want to start building a pricier costume that looks like what you just paid $50 for later. If you want just a general idea about costume components, here's a store that sells RenFaire costumes so you know what to look for. http://stores.renstore.com/womens-costumes/

If you know someone who can sew, you can get a Simplicity pattern and offer to pay for materials plus their time. Chemises are easy because the hardest part is putting in the elastic or drawstrings. Skirts are easy because all you have to do is make sure the waist fits. The bodice(which is not a corset, btw) is honestly the hardest part because of having to deal with layering fabric and installing boning.

I visited Bristol RenFaire in Kenosha last year, and felt like dressing up as a frost sprite.  It was awesome because all the other fae and sprites greeted me special :3

Last edited by Llarian (01-27-2016 07:14:24 PM)

Llarian, that makeup is really something. You look like some kind of sprite or elemental, for sure.

This kinda belongs here. This is me at the Scottish Games at the State Fairgrounds for my birthday last year. I've been meaning to post this for ages.

The kilt is borrowed and too small, the sporran is entirely the wrong type, and really the whole thing is anachronism stew. Also I'm bad at smiling for cameras. But it was still really fun.

Last edited by Dreaded Claymore (01-28-2016 03:51:05 PM)

Llarian wrote:

Reminds me of the rumor that a guard in Ben-Hur was wearing a wristwatch during the chariot race...

ahahahaha
I was actually asked before that picture was taken if I would prefer to take my watch off, but I declined.