Garbaholics Anonymous

Ahh, you have contracted the addiction referred to as "Garbaholism". There are numerous sources of information regarding your particular addiction on the web -- I've listed some of the ones I've found to be either useful or interesting.  Please feel free to let me know if there are any that you know of and I'll be glad to list them.

You can learn how to make an custom Elizabethan corset which can then be turned into a gathered kirtle.

Laddies, you can learn how to tie a Great Kilt for when you're feeling a wee bit Scottish.

The Auld Garb Monger's Costumes for Manly Men has ideas for easy-to-sew male garments (check out his simple cavalier hat).

Simplicity Patterns has a website with patterns, sewings tips and help on fitting (ladies, check out pattern 7756).

Looking for easy to make projects? Try making a pouch, a shirt or a chemise.

For the adventurous and those into true period stitchery, check out the patterns for 16th century Men's Costume from Germany link I stumbled across.

For a soft brimmed cap popular with many Elizabethan outfits, check out this site.

If you're looking for directions on creating an Elizabethan Irish Dress, check out The Shinrone Gown.

Ladies, for information on adding those finishing touches check out Elizabethan Make-up 101.

Ever wonder how they got that much volume in skirt of the period? Check out this cartridge pleat tutorial.

Looking for instructions on making a pair of Duello Gloves for fencing? Franchesca Havas has the answers you need.

If you're interested in creating authentic period shoes, check out Footwear of the Middle Ages for some ideas.

For the irish out there, find out how to create an Irish Leine.

Learn the process of making a complete coat of chainmail, a chainmail coif, chainmail weave patterns or learn the basic construction at Strangeblade's Tutorial.

If leather armor sounds better than wearing around an extra 30-50 lbs of steel, check out this site.

For those who don't know a whipstitch from a zig-zag, the Purple Unicorn has many wonderful handmade garments for a very modest price.

You can purchase a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins from their website (the last pair I owned saw me through 7 seasons).

Another very popular choice of footwear is Catskill Mountain Moccasins - a little pricier, but from all accounts worth it.

Pendragon Costuming has a selection of incredible creations at a very reasonable price range.

The folks at Moresca Clothing and Costume do a fantastic job on their outfits. I've been known to drool in their shop for hours. Check 'em out.

The Pillaged Village is a great place to look for trim (they have a huge selection), costuming embelishments, books, utensils and much more.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for that favorite wench, renrat, flirt or cad check out the guild pins and "sharp, pointy things" from Lundegard Armory.

For the very best in leather outerwear, you must check out the Potomac Leather Company. Leather for any faire occasion -- I highly recommend them.

Travel Clothing by Half Moon is a must for cold days at faire; they carry wool and leather outwear to keep you toasty warm (and extremely fashionable).

Chainmail is a girl's best friend. Don't believe me? Check out  Kate Cox Designs and try to argue the point.

Garbaholic, eh? Check out the nifty stuff I've created to show the world your addiction.

Clothing was an outward measure of social rank during the reign of Henry VIII.  Want to know if your garb would have pass the period test?  Check out the Sumptuary Laws in Tudor England and see if you would have to suffer some rather stiff fines. If you are still in need of some guiding by the "muses o' garb", check out the Tudors in Movies and Television site where they list movies filled with marvelous garb ideas. Still craving more ideas from the silver screen? Check out Renaissance and 16th Century Costume Movies, which lists quite a few really great flicks.

If you have a Renaissance Faire garb instruction or reference site and wish to be included on this list, please feel free to drop me a note and I'll add it in my next update.