Costuming for LAZY people.

So, I obviously fell off the face of the earth.  But then I decided that this year was it, I was going to have a costume for the faire.

So I bought one.

On the internet.

It, of course, did not fit.

This photo doesn't do justice to how much it didn't fit, in part because I did some crazy ladder lacing to keep the bodice on.

Neckline is not accurate (more of a waistcoat or doublet neckline) and there are grommets.  Also the skirt was a horrid thing with about a mile of elastic that I actually had to pull up over my bust to keep it on (and to keep myself from tripping over it).

But!  With a great deal of help from my lovely mom, and a good deal of accessorizing on my part, we got it into a better working costume.

Still needs some work, and I'm planning on replacing it bit by bit, but it's a solid start and a good base for mixing and matching.  Also I took the whole thing out for a full day in 85 degree heat.  The linen shift was a godsend- I kept the sleeves damp and it really helped keep me from broiling alive.

Here's a rundown of all the elements:

1. Linen shift. Hand sewn by me. Few years old. Accuracy: 10

2. Leather belt. Few years old. Bought from Contrived To Charm on Etsy. Accuracy: 2

3. Red bodice and skirt. This year, bought on Etsy, heavily modified/fixed by my mother. Accuracy: 6ish

4. Pearl necklace and earrings. Made this year by me from some fake (plastic) pearls I had lying around. Accuracy: 8

5. Belt pouch. Bought this year at faire this year, made by Oberon Designs (I think). Accuracy: 4 

6. Hat. Bought this at faire this year, it has a few feathers on top. Accuracy: 9? ish?

7. Pin brooch. Made/assembled by me this year, hella fabulous. I photoshopped my boyfriend into an Elizabethan portrait. Accuracy: 8 

Probably most proud of that pin this year! In fact, I also photoshopped some friends too.