SCA Life

When making your first set of garb, the most important thing is to make something comfortable, easy to move in and cheap! Why cheap? Simple. When attending that first Society for Creative Anachronism event there’s about a 99.99% that you won’t really know what era, country and general ethnic group you want your persona to be from. In addition, you’d be surprised by what things about your garb can inconvenience, irritate or just generally bug you over the course of a simple one or two day event.

So start simple, and that generally means making a basic t-tunic. The t-tunic was worn throughout Europe by various castes for hundreds of years. It’s easy to make, and pretty darn cheap if you make your first one with broadcloth or something similar. When I made my first t-tunic, I bought a couple yards of broadcloth at a cheap fabric outlet, went home, cut it out, sewed it up and wore it the next day. I had never really sewn before, and I was stunned by how easy the t-tunic really was to make. If you don’t have a sewing machine, borrow one. Oh, and best of all, a t-tunic will work as a beginning garment for either a man or a woman.

And don’t let, “I don’t know how to sew,” stop you!

Here are some sites with crucial information to help you as you begin constructing your garb.

1) How to Make a Quick-and-Dirty T-tunic
This is probably the best one to use when you start out. Iit explains how to make a simple t-tunic without having to measure things or be an expert tailor.

2) Forward into the Past
This offical SCA publication also explains how to make a basic t-tunic; however, it’s instructions are for someone with at least some sewing skills. Be sure to check it out, though. Even if you’ve never sewn before, the illustrations and instructions may still be of use to you.

3) T-tunic - The Period Way
For those feeling more adventurous yet, this site explains how to make a truly period t-tunic. This method doesn’t waste fabric but it will take much longer to make and will require steady eyes and sure hands.

4) The Costumer’s Manifesto
This site is for those with advanced sewing skills and a sure knowledge of exactly what kind of garb they want.

5) SCA-Garb
This Yahoo! Group discusses all things garb related. I checked, and the group has been highly active over the last week, so no fear of going without assistance if you post a question here. Just join up and reap the benefits of networking.

6) By the Sword, Inc.
Finally, for those who are truly desperate and have money to burn, you can buy a suitable tunic at a site like this. The image above sample of the site’s wares.

garb, medieval clothing, SCA, Society for Creative Anachronism, middle ages, t-tunic, persona, costume, costumes, medieval clothes