Black Mab

If they ever GET here . . . I'm not impressed with Sportsman's Guide's shipping so far . . . I have not even gotten an email to say that my order is pending, or that it has left the warehouse, or anything . . . *impatient* If I don't see you first, I'll let you know how it works out (now Bo's got me all paranoid). I also have some navy blue (nearly black)wool suiting fabric that will never do for a coat (texture/weight is completely wrong) but it will make excellent lining!

Sportsman's Guide is where I got the emergency blankets. They're 85%, which is not horrible (although I believe you about the pilling, Cap'n Bo) but if they are complete crap I will send them back (whoohoo return policy) and go to my local surplus store where I can actually feel the material before purchasing. Thanks for the warning. Yeah, Sportsman's Guide had hands-down the best prices.

Ah, now I have looked at your description and pictures and can see a way that I could easily add a "double-sided" pocket . . . instead of one long scrap of fabric for the inside, cut two slightly longer than you want the pocket to really be. Sew one panel as described to the outside of the waistcoat fronts, flip inside, secure, and sew together. With a bit of twisting, you could probably even make it so that the the seams would end up inside the pocket, but since they'll be inside the coat anyway, it doesn't really matter what they look like. Not sure that explanation made sense, but I'll give it a shot and post my results. Also, found a package of 4 wool emergency blankets for $25 online - probably not the heaviest wool, but it should do for an impromptu cloak or even coat (4 X 60"x80" = more than enough yardage)

Many thanks! Luckily, I am a master at tearing out and replacing seams. I got plenty of practice.

Aww, I KNEW I forgot something! Okay, I wasn't quite ready to attempt pockets but the waistcoat was so easy, I think I could go back and add them whenever I feel up to it.

Thank you for all that information! Yes, I'm oh-so-well aware of the concerns of modern travel and its impact on instruments! I work for a professional orchestra - our musicians are quite paranoid (for good reason, several of them play actual Strads or "comparable" instruments) and I guess it has rubbed off. But yes, it is true, even for those priceless instruments to have lasted as long as they have and to still be in beautiful playable condition, they are perhaps a bit hardier (with proper care) than I am giving credit for . . . As an alternative, I wouldn't mind picking up a $50 student violin or something. Maybe even fit it out with a flat bridge for fiddling.

I think I'm aiming for the 22nd/23rd as well. Anyone have any pointers on lodging? Miz Rumba, I will most certainly keep an eye out for you!

They must have had a means of caring for them that I don't know. I only know that water, humidity and sudden or repeated changes of temperature can be extremely damaging. I already need to replace my bridge, one of the tuning pegs, and probably some other things I haven't even found yet due to using the violin for three weeks in extremely damp conditions. Hmm . . .this bears RESEARCH! Yay! Also thanks for the pointers on music. I'll check out the local music store and raid my orchestra's library (I'm lucky - I already have lots of resources!)

You should definitely make one. From what I've read, wearing a waistcoat (or not) was sort of the equivalent of going outside dressed versus undressed. Plus it is very comfortable and makes it so I don't even have to bother to wear a bra under my shirt (yikes!) Even though I made it to be reversible, it was still the easiest part! Okay, granted, sewing on 26 buttons took a hell of a long time . . . another reason I'm not rushing right into a coat I did have to tear out the back lacing . . . things . . . a few times and I'll probably redo them one more time because they're not quite creating the "fitted" look I was going for. They need to be right in line with the shoulders, and mine are a bit too close together on the spine. Yeah, that doesn't even make sense unless you can see what I'm talking about. Which you can't. Will post a picture later.

Well, I'm convinced. For my birthday, I would like red wool stockings, a neckerchief of any color, and a scar ;-)

My fiddle (okay, violin, it has a curved bridge) is gathering dust in a corner. Salty sea air would ruin it, but for some of the drier events, it might be fun to bring along - now what sort of music to play? I doubt pirates would be too impressed with my squeaky renditions of Vivaldi concertos . . . Ideas? Pointers-in-the-right-direction-ers? Thanks!

Thank you to everyone! Your kind compliments, comments, and ideas truly made my evening! I had so much fun researching and creating this costume - I am so excited that it turned out well and I cannot wait to wear it. Regarding color - I tend to dress towards the drab end of the spectrum but I will probably spruce it up a bit as I go along. I figure the accumulation of accessories and garnishes happens kind of naturally. Regarding those ruffled cuffs - now I know why Jack does that crazy thing with his hands in the movies! Those cuffs are SO. ANNOYING.!!!1! Luckily, I made them with fasteners at the wrists (really hard to see detail in all the white) so they can be opened and rolled up at will. I suspect I will wear them like that a lot. Also thanks for the pointer on the cloak. I'd contemplated an old army blanket (yay, surplus stores!) but wasn't sure if anyone does stuff like that? Thanks again! I'll post more pictures as I wear it about . . . maybe Disneyland tomorrow, eh?

Huzzah! After hours of toiling and working my fingers to the bone, I have finished my first effort at "pirate garb" . . . I think about halfway through the gathering of materials I decided I wanted to attempt something halfway "period" (what period that is, I'm still not quite sure but we're gonna go with 'mid 1700s'). Therefore, from bottom to top: Shoes: Started life as a pair of faux suede hiking boots. Found the idea somewhere on this forum, actually. Stockings: are plain old white cotton/lycra knee socks from Target. Next time I get some money, wool stockings are on the list. "Slops" are not quite slops and not quite breeches. The top (which you, of course, can't see) features a wide waistband that buttons in the front and laces up the back as well as a front flap. The legs were meant to be fitted but for comfort's sake I went with loose. The fabric is some kind of cotton blend. I'm sorry. Waistcoat: Reversible. Inside is same fabric as the slops, outside is heavyweight 100% linen, back is muslin and features a lace-up back (to make it slightly more fitted) Shirt: Linen blend. Collar's a little too small (stupid pattern) and I know the lace up front isn't right but it was a men's pattern and I am a GURRRL, thus, the necessity of laces. Teehee. Accessories: Fabric waist-wrap 100% silk scarf from Italy, some cheap old belt thing, craptastic fake plastic blunderbuss (now replaced with a nice replica dagger/pistol combo), hand-stitched leather pouch, metal army surplus canteen . . . I think that's about it. So that's that. I'd love any feedback from those of you who've got more experience doing the costuming thing. Also, does anyone have any ideas for some kind of cloak? I don't think I have the energy to attempt a coat just yet . . . Slan!

Planning to attend - not sure which weekend, yet.

Aye, that it might! Actually, my mom is a middle-school English teacher. Her emphasis is on "at risk" (for illiteracy) kids, so I've gotten a bit of exposure to that . . .Would be nice to help some folks out while having fun for myself at the same time . . . I'll check it out. Thank you.

The lad makes a wild grab for the papers he has scattered across the desk and onto the floor. As he does so, he knocks his wide-brimmed felt hat askew and the length of a fat braid of dark hair falls out. The youth stumbles backwards, trying to adjust his(?) hat and tuck the braid back beneath the crown. He eyes Lasseter. "Adventure, sir? I'm only looking for an honest day's wages, sir."

*a slender youth of medium height stumbles through the door as if propelled by a strong gale* Uhm . . .sorry, sorry . . . *the youth, in his attempts to remain inconspicuous, inadvertently stumbles over a chair and falls across the table at which Lasseter sits, nearly spilling the bottle of ink*

Ahoy there. Although I've long been fascinated by maritime history and living history/reenactment, I'm relatively new to the scene . . . . . .so forgive a foolish swabby if I'm in the wrong place, but any pointers on pirate crews in the Los Angeles area? Just looking for something casual and fun . . . PM/email/AIM/flames/cannonballs/whatever . . .thanks in advance, mates.