I am happy to announce the release of my book "Art in Combat". Both free digital version and print release. As a thank you to the community that made this book possible I will be splitting all proceeds with my Kingdom for the first year .
Here is the link to buy a physical copy of my book. It was designed to be a teaching tool with pages for notes/advice and more.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098H217D1?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image
Here is the Free online copy. that I hope can be used for recruitment and training. Please feel free to take pages from it and/or make free printouts for what you find useful. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1brJ7apS4EsmFbfyJrqGANRKhSo6qC9hA/view?usp=sharing
Please reach out to me if you would like to do a local fundraiser for your kingdom. I can get the books in bulk if you would like to sell them at an event.
If you have ideas or have information you would like to see in print please contact me. Already working on the next book.
Thank you all.
This one! is a great beginners tunic. Remember, cut once but measure twice. Use Frixion markers to mark up the fabric - they disappear when you iron but will come back in the freezer. They do wash out pretty easily.
The biggest thing to remember when cutting up the fabric is seam allowances - let's say you have a 38" chest. You want the fabric circumference to be ~39" when you wear it for some ease. For simplicities sake, it's better to cut the front and back rectangles for the body of the tunic at 20" each, giving you 40" pre-sew. Most people end up with only 1/4" seams so you'll have a slight bit more than 39".
However - very important other sewing rule- DO A MOCK UP! You will never know how horribly you have measured until you actually wear the pattern. Old sheets from the thrift store make awesome mock up materials. Cut out your pattern on that first. You often don't have to make up the entire thing - just the body of the garment. If it feels fine, great. If it's too big/too small pin, pinch, or draw where to expand as needed. Again, Frixion markers are amazing for those things.
Plain fabric is great fabric. Plain solid colors can always be embellished with some embroidery or trim. That print might look lovely to you, but I've seen far too many 100% 20th C/21st C toiles being used for garb (stories. Oh dear me, do I have stories) to know that suggesting anything other than plain fabric is a very, very bad idea.
If you get stuck, ask questions!
Number one rule: don't be a jerk. If people are out and about on the main roads of Pennsic, then, yes, it's probably fine to take their photos. However, ALWAYS ask when you are in a private camp. It's the good old expectation of privacy rule. You can expect some privacy in your own camp but not when you are down at Merchants or on the Battlefield.
Other than that, there really isn't anything about cameras in general. I've taken tons of photos at Pennsic over the years and the night shots there can be glorious. Here's one I took last year where you can see the stars in the background.
Want to learn something new? There is a class for that at Pennsic. Want to see a certain type of garb done well? There will be a person for that at Pennsic. Want to see some ridiculously awesome kits that will make you drool? You'll see it a Pennsic. Want to party like it's 1499? You can do that at Pennsic - for the full two weeks. Want to buy x,y, or z but not sure where to find it? They'll have it at Pennsic.
I recall the story of a guy that went to Pennsic with nothing but a wad of cash. He was able to buy a tent, a bed, and all the garb he needed for his stay at Pennsic. I've also seen for myself people break down along the road to Pennsic only for several other people to stop and help. I also know of a lady a few years back whose ride caught fire - destroying her entire kit, garb and all. Within a couple of hours of her getting to the site, she was given a tent to use, a cot, a bow and arrows to borrow - everything she needed for her Pennsic. Because that is the type of people that go to Pennsic - people who want to help and understand the magic of Pennsic.
Plus, this: http://www.ipernity.com/doc/jubileel/34114749/in/album/693467
Get yourself a weight belt and pad the inside with blue foam if you need to.
The Norse word for Hazel is Hesli. And then there are books that mention a hazel nut in 1066 and a book on Norse Mythology mentioning hazel rods.
The second one is later than what you are looking for and based on the last quarter of the 15th century but it is pretty well done.
This is more what you want to look for
Honestly? You don't have enough time to make it yourself unless you've already made a few garments of complexity in the past. You will need to order online. Do you - or, since you mention school- your parents have Amazon prime? This shirt with these trousers won't look ridiculous. It's not what would have been worn but it won't stand out terribly much either.
Here is my ez-up cover from many, many years ago. At least two years ago, it was still being used for a shower tent. Any strong ez up (ie, not the $30~$40 ones) should be able to take a canvas cover. They aren't super hard to make if you can cut out isosceles triangles and regular rectangles. Really, the hardest part was pushing all the fabric through the machine. Just make sure it has "windows" (I used netting and had flaps made out of the canvas for them) or can open on the sides to air it out.
Absolutely! The above is a link to a photo I took at Pennsic of a lady that had her wheelchair done up as a horse drawn carriage. Very, very cool!
Here is the link to buy a physical copy of my book. It was designed to be a teaching tool with pages for notes/advice and more.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098H217D1?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image
Here is the Free online copy. that I hope can be used for recruitment and training. Please feel free to take pages from it and/or make free printouts for what you find useful. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1brJ7apS4EsmFbfyJrqGANRKhSo6qC9hA/view?usp=sharing
Please reach out to me if you would like to do a local fundraiser for your kingdom. I can get the books in bulk if you would like to sell them at an event.
If you have ideas or have information you would like to see in print please contact me. Already working on the next book.
Thank you all.
I know where those pictures are from! They're from the Tudor Tailor! Amazon link here: https://www.amazon.com/Tudor-Tailor-Reconstructing-Sixteenth-Century-Dress/dp/0896762556 it has a bunch of fantastic references, including but not limited to patterns for this exact outfit, sources that helped them decide how to make said pattern, plus context for how it would've been done back then. I cannot suggest that book enough!
I use Chicago screws for my helm for the same reasons. It’s been completely successful. I do recommend locking the screws a little more, such as with Teflon tape.
[Chicago Screws 1/4" Plain 25 Pcs Np Silver(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00355AN4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_kdRkivv7j9rkC)
Bought both of these. Liked the 1/4 ones better, but the first link has a variety of lengths, which is a godsend.
As for removing the existing rivets... that depends on what they’re made of and what type they are.
> I already looked into the embroidery frame. It looks like that will set me back about $400.
Also, what sort of embroidery frame are you looking at that will set you back that much?!? Even the most expensive one I can find is $91
>Now I need to order pure linen bias tape (several vendors on Etsy) and a big embroidery frame.
Easiest thing to do? Order at least 5 yards of linen from fabric store (wait for one of their sale days and use the "ilovelinen" coupon) and then use a bias tape maker to make your own bias tape. This way, the bias tape will match the rest of the shift exactly.
If you have not already, you might find this an interesting read on the subject from the owner of [the now shuttered] Dragonwing Pavilions: https://www.amazon.com/pavilion-book-john-latorre/dp/0979063507/
It's not a period fechtbuch (like others have mentioned, heavy fighting is not very period), but Duke Paul of Bellatrix wrote a great manual about our sport, called "The Bellatrix System" https://www.amazon.com/Bellatrix-System-Techniques-Tactics-Armored/dp/1944602232
I would second checking out Duke Mark's youtube channel for longsword, and Duke Sean's for general stick mechanics and sword and board stuff. Also, check out SCA Coach's Corner, they post videos about fighting and training every week, and they're a great bunch of teachers. :) Hope that helps!
I’ve taken history classes at my local community college that have covered ancient Mesopotamia. The text book we used was “western civilizations: their history and culture” by Josh Cole. The older editions are pretty cheap on Amazon and might be worth checking out.
https://www.amazon.com/Western-Civilizations-Their-History-Culture/dp/0393934888/ref=mp_s_a_1_1
I went to a local international grocery store, in the Indian section.
However, a brief online search looks like rosewater can also be purchased online from Walmart or Amazon (Amazon is the cheaper option). https://www.amazon.com/Cortas-Rose-Water-1-Count/dp/B00V8TRZG4/ref=sr\_1\_7?crid=30NTT3OCBRFT9&keywords=rosewater&qid=1662582767&rnid=2941120011&s=grocery&sprefix=rosewat%2Caps%2C869&sr=1-7
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATSHMIQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My last Pennsic I had this fan and will never be without it again. Had to replace the batteries once in 6 days of almost constant usage.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P8VYTV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This thing is just cool.
These pants!
They're not expensive, they're light fabric, the come in a bunch of colors, they're not super baggy, and they have pockets!
At PENNSIC we put a conventional tent under one of those.
Plenty of large tents available though. We just got this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QY3KZPR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Has good reviews, though we have not camped in it yet.
I like Neverland & Linengarb a lot. The Bored Housewife is affordable, but I can't find a website for her. She will be vending at Pennsic, and makes nice, solid basics at a reasonable price.
But Pennsic is long, with diverse weather. Some things to consider picking up:
Scrub or cotton PJ pants for under tunics
Old Navy also has comfy linen pants (Keep an eye on sales - sad I am late, they were only $10 yesterday)
Indian "kurta"-style tops are cut very simply and look good
Goodwill peasant or broomstick skirts and "peasant" blouses
Cotton or linen caftans/maxi dresses (These guys are cheap, have pockets, are lightweight & look okay with a belt & some accessories)
For a quick hot-weather dress, consider cranking out a peplos/bog dress/party tube. I have a few made from cotton gauze - I stich the sides, and the clasp points, so I don't need to trust pins or buttons to keep it together. (Linen garb sells lovely embroidered 'tubes' and Hobbitronics often sells affordable cotton ones)
I wear one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YXC99U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But it's super hot in hot weather and I'm looking to replace it (fantastic otherwise).
You could just do padding under your shoulder strap on your clavicle. Maybe some round pads? Looks like it would be easy to implement. Also consider gluing foam to the underside of the strap, but that would only cover the part of the clavicle that the strap covers.
Three Rivers has fletched wood arrows in stock.
If you want cheap and fast they've got some on amazon as well.
happy to help! I specifically wear these. they're cheap, very comfy (I'm literally wearing them right now as lazy day pants) and when combined with a tunic and leg wraps you cannot tell they aren't 100% period trousers.
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when I fight I combine it with shin guards, knee cops and these padded football short things all hidden under the pants. cheap and protective AND has the bonus of making your legs look RIPPED lol
Something like that ... 1/8 inch hpd plastic. If you search your area you can get sheets of it as big as plywood. Cut it up and shape it however you want. Then just put garb over it. All your armor but your helmet and gorget can be hidden.
My suggestion would be to start with what is known as a take-down recurve, something like this. https://www.3riversarchery.com/the-edge-takedown-recurve-bow.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA1uKMBhAGEiwAxzvX96EBCdt0VQg2ujBMTcp2TEAtqTdlO5eiuG3NLgcOy8j6Q6sGpw3bqxoCpZwQAvD_BwE
It's not a traditional bow, but you should be able to find one in your price range. An advantage of the take-down recurve style is that as you improve and build the muscles involved with archery you can replace the limbs with higher draw weight limbs and you don't have to replace the entire bow.
Best advice though would be to reach out to the people that were running the range and see if you can find out what weight bow you were shooting. In my area we tend to use lightweight bows as the loaner gear, something like https://www.amazon.com/PSE-Snake-Recurve-60-Inch-Black/dp/B003BRINYO
Again, not a traditional bow by any stretch, but it can get you out to the range where you can build enjoyment and meet people who are, usually, more than willing to encourage new archers.
So...There is no such thing as reversible when it comes to garb. Costumes, yes; garb, no. The lining should normally be a lighter material than the "fashion" fabric side. This is assuming you are lining your garments at all - which isn't necessarily something you want to do.
For a Norse dress your really just need a simple a line tunic with an apron gown over it. Rather than super expensive Turtle brooches, you can take old round earrings and make them into decent brooches, easily.
There was also Pennsic 2007 in which I saw a crawdaddy bigger than even those I saw in Mississippi crawl out of the ground and walk towards the woods. I have witnesses.
The photo is of some of the canals we had to dig that year and put bridges across. It was after this Pennsic, I think, I started grabbing wooden pallets, throwing them down, putting a couple of boards across those, and thereby having a lovely wooden floor to my tent, when I had a tent.
Yes. Here's the correct info The CORRECT information: Virtual Bardic Circle for Midrealm and Friends
This event has a video call. Join: https://meet.google.com/oee-omwo-uwv USA: +1 402-683-0238 PIN: 617085513# Canada: +1 226-213-8281 PIN 2306980655674#
So a kit like this could take you a long way: Military style padsYou can use duct tape to figure out where it needs to go and the attach it more permanently with some velcro.
This guide really has everything you need: Guide Its labeled for steel, but it works for us too.
I just went on Amazon and didn't find Sarah Hester Ross but I did find "savage daughter" by a Lynz Morahn. (https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Clifford-Flannery-Benedict-Gagliardi/dp/B07V1VL8C9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=savage+daughter&qid=1592175767&sr=8-1). Is this the same person or the original artist or a new issue?
You can get the winnigas leg wraps on Amazon fairly cheaply. I bought a set of them and was pleasantly surprised.
You can go with a fully hidden kit using mostly modern stuff you can buy online. I wear a Nike football girdle for thigh protection, modern knee pads that are good enough for HEMA, and a lacrosse rib protector for my kidneys. All this just covered with a gambeson (depending on pain tolerance, you may require a little bit of additional armor or padding but this meets minimum in my kingdom +some).
My elbows are bokolo (that I strapped and padded) which are very affordable and vambraces are technically not required, but are highly recommended. You can make a cheap pair of brigadine vambraces out of leather, riveted over something rigid like metal or even plastic (good for 14th century). They also make padded arm sleeves for football if you want to buy something and hide it.
Depending on your helm you may need a gorget, which also can be purchased, or made cheaply out of plastic with padding behind it.
The 2 things you will want to spend your money on are gauntlets and a helm. Protect your head and your hands. That said, I have a cheap ironmonger helm that I fitted a chain drape to and it was very affordable.
I'm sure you'll also be able to borrow gear from friends or the loaner bag (if you have a nice knight marshal). But this will get you on the field then you can improve it one piece at a time.
I used to have that issue. The reason I was having so much trouble is that i didn't use enough adhesive to hold it down. I use a heavy coating of the 3M Adhesive spray. (Link). Be sure to coat both the fabric and the shield with it. My current shield has had the same shield cover on it for the past 6 months with only a tiny bit of fraying on the bottom.
There are some reasonably "medievally" items on Amazon if you do some looking. And I'm not talking about costumes. For example: Asher Women's Solid Shift Half Sleeve Petticoat Linen Long Casual Flax Summer Dress (One Size, Mustard) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012MFQU2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_TmKBzbSZYBR49
thank you that was very helpful. most of the riveted pots i am finding are decorative and not usually water tight. but i will keep looking.
i am not looking for a flat bottomed, flat lidded dutch oven. i was looking for a rounded bottom (with or without feet) that was deep enough to hang over a fire. i can always make a wooden lid.
Potjie pots seem to be the best solution but i don't want anything too large.
i thought i would ask to see what was the common choice.
This is not technically true. There are some texts, like Medieval Fantasy as Performance by Michael Cramer (Valgard Stonecleaver, IIRC).
https://www.amazon.com/Medieval-Fantasy-Performance-Creative-Anachronism/dp/0810869950
The last one I watched crumple was a unit much like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Z-Up-Pagoda-Gazebo-Canopy/dp/B008ALO2AK
A breeze hit it the wrong way and it went down.
The tent you've shown is definitely an idea. Not the best on usable space due to the short sidewall but it would work.
I am not a fan of regents - they're not single-camper-friendly - but they're great for space savings, especially if you don't have a truck.
The medieval Taylor's assistant has some good patterns also. The Medieval Tailor's Assistant: Making Common Garments 1200-1500 by Sarah Thursfield (April 1 2001) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEKQ97G/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_3P7xwbYXSXX2F
There are some very affordable Tube Quivers that will meet your requirements. Although the suggestions here for poster tubes or PVC are cheaper, they are not nearly as durable or well suited for convenient carrying. For $20 something like this not only conceals, but protects your arrows: http://www.amazon.com/October-Mountain-Products-Arrow-Holder/dp/B00BY5XFZM
Now if you decide to go another route, then at the very least protect your fletching with a pod. That way even if they're all bunched up against each other they won't be ruined: http://www.amazon.com/SIMS-VIBRATION-FLETCH-POD-6PK-CLEAR/dp/B006QP788A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0D9CM8DZWFDBCTJSSVG2
Nope. And since I'm new, I'm having a hard time making sense of the options. I was eyeing this one: Absolute Removable Elite 3-W Mask S, M, L, XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HKRMMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_7sP0ub0F9CGD3
I like it the idea of being able to clean it, but it kills my budget...
Do you know how it was blued originally? There are some kits that use chemical blueing agents that are pretty easy to use, but might not match your original blueing.
I prefer long softball sliding knee pads like these at amazon They tend to help cut down on armor bites on the legs, protect the shins a bit, etc.
Yep. A lot of the body linking technique is crazy-good for form with SCA fighting. Even after getting involved in heavy, doing some research into martial arts will work wonders for things like footwork and power in tight spaces. I know I saw a huge difference when one of the local dukes recommended Bruce Lee's book to me. There's a ton of good techniques that relate to heavy in there.
By the way, WD40 is a penetrating oil and should NOT be used on blued armor that you want to stay blued!
Dry silicone spray leaves no reside and the smell fades quickly. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PJED72/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PJED72&linkCode=as2&tag=preppforanyth-20
It's also important to keep the bags you use for your armor dry or oil infused. Most important: have TWO bags. One for wet clothes, one for metal armor!
I highly recommend the instructional videos made by me :) Baby Beginner Doumbek DVD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YJ6FGA?ie=UTF8&tag=carmine-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YJ6FGA