Generic Sewing Bees

Ryan sush - larpers not re-enactors. This is mostly going to be crew gear.

Actually Ryan is in fact making a good point. the main problems with synthetic fabrics though, rather than the look, is that the tend to get smelly quicker as they don’t breathe (and thus go mouldy in storage quicker) and tear more easily. For costumes that will hopefully see long term repeated use, and quite hard use at that, a more durable type of fabric is better.

That said I’ve seen some sturdy cottons very cheaply in Otahuhu and occasionally in Geoff’s and Ike’s. Cheap brocades if you can get them make awesome outfits too.

Well, Ryan is right, the nicer the fabric, the nicer the costume looks. The biggest problem with natural fabrics from our point of view is the cost. We’re looking at 3-4m of fabric per garment (tabards would use less) or even more if we’re going for much larger sizes so we need to be super economical. The ultimate victory is getting nice looking fabric at bargain basement prices.

I might go see if there are any plain calico roll ends at the curtain shop. My local sells off curtain roll ends for $2m and I’ve got as much as 5m at a time. Most curtain fabrics aren’t appropriate (or are thermal backed, yuck!) but every once in a while there’s something useful.

I’ve sometimes seen cotton for under $5/m. Typically in fabric shops that disappear soon after. :wink:

I know it’s for crew, but in addition to Zara’s good points about storage and durability, I find that fabric that’s got a high polyester percentage (especially 100% polyester) looks so lame that many players would find it jarring if they saw it on crew at an immersive larp.

Personally, when I was running games and hunting through the boxes for stuff to put on crew, I always wished we had fewer items of higher quality. I used to make up for that by hiring a couple of bags of higher-quality costumes from Chantelle for each game. I think NZLARPS has quite a good supply of many items like shirts and tabards, and while the fabric wasn’t polyester they still looked quite basic. What’s missing is things like nice-looking tops to put on richer NPCs, and also trousers and dresses and accessories.

Attention all Auckland costumers!

I’ll let you in on a secret.

There are two fabric shops in Hall st in Otahuhu, Fabric Barn and the Stock house.

These are heaven for a costumer on a budget.

They both always have cotton and linen of good quality in many colours for between $2-6 a metre. (mostly around $3-4 a metre but still awesome)

On top of this they have many other types of fabric dirt cheap as well. I’ve got wool for $5 a metre from there before.

Anna- If you want to do an NZ Larps fabric shopping run then I’ll take you into the Fabric Barn. The owner there knows me and will often give discounts to me and those who are shopping with me.

There is such a thing as cheap natural fibre fabric! It exists! claps hands

I BELEIVE IN LATEX!

mental image: Adam in Latex

:open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth:

hides

Indeed a disturbing sight. But it could be worse then it seems.

I have from time to time been seen using a sewing machine. It’s a power tool after all!

Is there a date for this? I can probably help sew up some stuff. I have a sewing machine, iron, ironing board etc.

I agree with Ryan. Better to spend a little extra to get better fabric and have something that people want to use and that lasts well. Kara is right, the stores she mentioned have excellent deals on fabric.

Possibly you mean Zara.

Damn, I’m keyboard dyslexic, that’s the second time I’ve mixed your names up.

About the natural versus polyester fabric - I would like to point out the maintenance issue. Real linen and cotton needs ironing. Being stored in boxes just emphasises creases. Having stretchy/knit fabrics can also suit a wider range of body shapes.
And to echo Derek …any date yet?

Looking at ye olde calendar, our options in the near future are:

Sunday October 18th
Saturday October 24th
Sunday November 1st

Should we pick one, or two, or shall we book all three in and say whoever turns up at my house between 11am-5pm turns ups, and that way we can be flexible about it? It will probably take more than one session, the Ravenholme projects took sessions to complete (though I have since learned a lot from them)

I can only make nov. 1st of those 3 dates. but will be there if we have one then.

I can’t make Saturdays due to work but I’ll come along to either or both Sundays.

If the fabric could be purchased and washed before the day(s) that’d also be good…

Lets say all three dates, (though the Sundays suit me better). If people who don’t know how to sew are interested in learning how to, then come along - I’m happy enough to share my experience, as I’m sure others are too. I’m sure there will be simple seams to get you started.

If there is a sewing bee this Sunday, I can make it, though maybe only for a couple of hours.
I can’t make the one on Labour weekend Saturday as I’ll be in Hamilton, doing some dark age re-enactment.
I can definitely make the one on Nov 1st.

I think Anna has decided to cancel this sundays sewing event - at least that was her plan at the committie meeting last night.