I was talking to a new-ish person today who is concerned about having "good enough" or "accurate enough" garb for Pennsic.
I have this conversation pretty regularly with folks and most who know me know that if you want to talk accuracy, because it is something YOU want to pursue, I will likely hit you with way more information than you ever wanted.
However, I also realize that most newcomers aren't looking for research or actual accuracy right out of the gate. The real concern is often having something that they personally like, that will also allow them to be accepted.
That is a very, very important concept. Acceptance. For many folks, the SCA is something totally new. They see amazing photos on line, or hear friends in the Society talk up the magic they see at events, and they want to participate, but they are intimidated. Worried they will not do it right, or well enough. For some people, this worry can be so intense it might even hold them back from jumping in.
Beyond the idea of acceptance, so many people come into this having this vision of The Dress and really, really are hoping it is OK to start their journey in the SCA with The Dress, even though they suspect it might not really be "right". For many, The Dress (or strapping on armor and swinging a sword) is really one of the things that drew them to the SCA in the first place. It is a chance to realize some internal mythic ideal, often fueled by Hollywood or Ren Faires. They come to the game with the idea that AT LAST they can make and wear The Dress.
You will never hear me disparage the wish for The Dress. I had it it (though my personal version of The Dress might differ from yours). There were certain costume elements that I longed for when I started - lace up "brocade" bodices, bellydancer bling, the Ren inspired "Irish dress", poofy pirate shirts, princess dresses with bell sleeves... I could go on and on.
I made everyone of those things and loved them all. I learned to become a better seamstress while making all of those very acceptable, if not terribly (or at all) period costumes. And I have very fond memories the many adventures I had wearing them. Having those garments, that made me feel good while wearing them, allowed me to play the game while I had time to develop the research and textiles skills to do the things I do now. NOT getting overly hung up on what others thought about my accuracy let me grow at my own pace, and eventually help others to do the same.
So yes, I will gladly help push you in the deep end if you want to take the next step, but I am also not adverse to giving you my personal tips for making The Dress as well. ;-)
(One of The Dresses that I had below.)
I have this conversation pretty regularly with folks and most who know me know that if you want to talk accuracy, because it is something YOU want to pursue, I will likely hit you with way more information than you ever wanted.
However, I also realize that most newcomers aren't looking for research or actual accuracy right out of the gate. The real concern is often having something that they personally like, that will also allow them to be accepted.
That is a very, very important concept. Acceptance. For many folks, the SCA is something totally new. They see amazing photos on line, or hear friends in the Society talk up the magic they see at events, and they want to participate, but they are intimidated. Worried they will not do it right, or well enough. For some people, this worry can be so intense it might even hold them back from jumping in.
Beyond the idea of acceptance, so many people come into this having this vision of The Dress and really, really are hoping it is OK to start their journey in the SCA with The Dress, even though they suspect it might not really be "right". For many, The Dress (or strapping on armor and swinging a sword) is really one of the things that drew them to the SCA in the first place. It is a chance to realize some internal mythic ideal, often fueled by Hollywood or Ren Faires. They come to the game with the idea that AT LAST they can make and wear The Dress.
You will never hear me disparage the wish for The Dress. I had it it (though my personal version of The Dress might differ from yours). There were certain costume elements that I longed for when I started - lace up "brocade" bodices, bellydancer bling, the Ren inspired "Irish dress", poofy pirate shirts, princess dresses with bell sleeves... I could go on and on.
I made everyone of those things and loved them all. I learned to become a better seamstress while making all of those very acceptable, if not terribly (or at all) period costumes. And I have very fond memories the many adventures I had wearing them. Having those garments, that made me feel good while wearing them, allowed me to play the game while I had time to develop the research and textiles skills to do the things I do now. NOT getting overly hung up on what others thought about my accuracy let me grow at my own pace, and eventually help others to do the same.
So yes, I will gladly help push you in the deep end if you want to take the next step, but I am also not adverse to giving you my personal tips for making The Dress as well. ;-)
(One of The Dresses that I had below.)
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