ADVICE

~Some of My Favorite Pieces of Advice~

First Step * Second Step * More Advice
Your First Step and What To Do Now That You've Found A New Hobby (at last!)

Well, you've found this hobby concept. You want to join the fun. And now you want to be a part of it all.

But. . . Where to start?

What you need:

A PERSONA:
Which needs a name, a place to be from, a time to be from, matching clothes to wear (garb), eating gear (to help preserve ambience), and camping gear. The cultures and time periods vary with each organization or society. Check with your local branch newcomer officer of whatever organization you've found in your area to see what their particular parameters are. S/he might have an information hand out on developing a persona like a questions listing, a booklet to fill in information gained in research, or an article copied out of a source. Here again your officer and your more experienced local members may be of help. Those that belong to the SCA can look in the Known World Handbook or Cariadoc & Elizabeth's "A Miscellany" for writings regarding this subject. Or for more information see my Personas page.

GARB:
Fabric: Natural or natural acting fabrics. Wool, cotton, linen, silk, velvet. Batiste, canvas, twills, sheers. Avoid double knit polyester. Garage sale specials can be good economically. Used curtain sheers, drapes, tablecloths, sheets, and blankets have been pressed into service for the first costuming attempts. Avoid rubber backed curtains and tablecloths as well as very loosely woven fabric stuffs like some used for drapes. Also beware of asbestos fibers in old drapes found at second stores and garage sales. Not only would they be uncomfortable to wear but very dangerous health wise. Think sturdy and endurance. Watch out for stains and worn through spots. Also remember that material can often be dyed, you can always dye the material if it is not the color you want or need. Remember to pre-test the material in an unconspicuous spot before attempting to dye the whole piece. (Some more in-depth information may be found on the Wardrobe page)

Colors: Earthy and Jewel tones. Earthy tones such as brown, sand, tan, beige, etc. Jewel tones like reds, blues, greens, purples, etc. found in precious gems. Avoid pink and orange for earlier periods. Here is where research will stand you in good stead for the later time periods and some cultures. Think as in what would have been available to people then in the way of natural dyes.

Prints: Uneven stripes, tartans, diapered patterns, brocades (may need more in-depth type of research as well). Avoid big flowery patterns or obvious stuff.

Clothing Patterns: Lots of good sources for obtaining. Commercial patterns by companies such as Simplicity, Vogue, McCall's, Folkwear, Medieval Miscellanea. Other sources include specialty catalogs that cater to theatrical costumers and historical re-enactors like Alter Years. Some of these will also sell custom and ready-made garb as well as accessories to go with them. Costume pattern books such Katherine Holkeboer Strand's "Theatrical Costuming" is a great place to start as well. Through the miracle and advent of the Internet there abounds costumers who are in business for themselves and sell their original design patterns and original pre-made clothing. Support such merchants today! (Check out the "A Merchanting We Will Go" section of the Treasure Box and the Wardrobe pages for links to clothing patterns to be had on-line.)

GEAR:
For eating, camping, entertainment, etc.

Where to get stuff: Second hand stores, Goodwill, Value Village, Army Surplus stores, garage sales, yard sales, swap meets, estate sales, auctions, and flea markets. Keep your eyes open. You never know what you will where or when.

What stuff to look for: in no particular order – two or three tined forks, wooden spoons, knives, daggers, goblets, mugs, platters, plates, bowls, spare lengths of fabric (for covering stuff up, use as tablecloths, etc.), tents, chairs, cookware, kettles, serving bowls, baskets, wooden chests, trunks, jewelry, lanterns & candelabras, wall hangings, rugs, tapestries, board games (backgammon, mancala, chess, etc.), swords, blankets, sleeping bags, tables, wooden boxes, good sized well made baskets, etc. You get the idea. Beware of pewter or pewter looking items and make sure they are food grade quality.

OTHER ADVICE:

Spare yards and lengths of fabric are useful for covering up mundane camping equipment like chairs and coolers (coolers can also be used as seating), as tablecloths, extra bedding covering, make-shift cloaks or pillows, drapes, and even to carry stuff in.

Start a reference library – include books, CD's, video tapes, magazines, etc. on a variety of subjects even those you may not personally be interested. These can be shared with others. Subjects to include would be cookbooks, crafts, costuming, smithying, gardening, leather working, art books, history books, children's history books, etc. Good sources for obtaining include garage sales, second hand bookstores, and online book finders and sellers like ABE Books as well as book catalogs like Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Bargain Books.

When camping, other useful things to include as permanent packed items would be: garbage bags, matches (wooden), broom and dustpan (good for sweeping out the tent), corkscrews, paper towels, spare fabric goods like fabric lengths, blankets, and costumes, sun blocker, wide brimmed hats, bug repellent, extra rope, batteries, and flash lights. You may find that you will want to add to this list. And remember if you yourself do not need or use it but maybe somebody else will someday and will be grateful to you. (Another way to give service to your organization.)

TOP The Second Step And How To Go About What You Want And Fit In

Name: Ask yourself where and when you want to be from, if you have not already done so, and then go from there. What country or culture and time period has always been interesting to you? When picking a name avoid using a recognizable name from history and fiction. You may not use a title of rank as part of your name such as Lady, Lord, Master, Mistress, and so on. Avoid using "Name Your Baby" type books. All this depends on your particular group, of course. Ask your local officer in charge of registering arms and/or names for your group for advice on references. You will want to research your name especially if you are planning on registering your name and coat of arms with the Heralds of your group. The Herald also has the necessary forms and knows the ins and outs of device designing. There is usually a fee charged to register your name.

Garb: Research. Research. Research. Look at historical costuming and art history books for ideas of fabrics, colors, ideas of pattern cuts, draping, usage of trim, how the article of clothing was worn, and accessorizing an outfit. Remember closely looking at details in paintings and artwork is also considered to be a form of research. Look at what the subjects in the artwork are holding or using and don't forget to look at the backgrounds for clues as to furnishing types, etc.

Observe and Start To Serve: There are a large variety of things that you can do to help out with your group. Watch things for a while and keep an eye out for things that interest you and then ask if you may start learning by assisting in any way you can.

Sit Gate: Some organizations have people who help sign participants in to their events. This usually involves taking money and passing out site information. It's a good chance to meet new people.
Marshal: Many groups have people who's job it is to act like umpires or referees. Read your group's manual and learn from your group's qualified members how you can do this within their rules and regulations.
Artistically talented gentles: Can draw artwork like pictures, borders, cover art, and filler for newsletters, handouts, and any other group publications. Also consider learning illumination (fancy painted decorative pictures on scrolls) and a style of period calligraphy. Many groups have need of people who can fashion this type of work.
For those learned in the way of word shaping: Be a roving reporter/photographer type. You can take pride in recording your group's history in the making. Write down your impressions and observations in the form of an event article, a story, a poem or even a song to share with others of the group via the local publications and at gatherings. Your local newsletter editor would be more than willing to accept the contribution with undying gratitude. Pictures taken of the event can be used to create albums to use at informative demos for people to look at. Maybe even create themed albums that focus on different types of artifacts to recreate. These types of albums can be used to help out other newcomers as a jumping off point and to help inspire them.
Event Site Preparation: Help get a site ready by cleaning up the grounds, offering to help with putting up directional signs, help set up the fighting areas, and also help with cleaning up the site afterwards is often needed.
Assist: Wherever and whenever you can; whenever you see something needing done. Help people with unloading and reloading vehicles, setting up or striking camp, picking up trash, run errands for important people, washing up pots and pans for feasts, prepare food prior to cooking, sweeping the floor of a hall, or whatever someone asks you to do.
Start learning: Get with a local branch officer and learn that office by becoming that office's deputy. Start learning heraldry, what goes into newsletter production, or what is involved with group administration. Help the local newcomer officer with other newcomers.
Heralding: Get with the local herald to learn what heraldry is and how it is used in their particular venue.

Whatever you do, do not be afraid to raise your hand or voice to offer or volunteer to do something.

TOP More Advice Or Some General Things To Know, Remember, And Teach Other New Members

Drinking and Drug Use: Don't. Don't do it on site. If you are under age, don't. Don't drink alcohol or use drugs while at an event. If you are of age, don't give any to those under age (minors). Under age users or those giving these things to minors has serious consequences. The local law will be called in and you will be asked to leave the site. The use of these items can endanger the local group's ability to use the site again. So please be a good and considerate and kind Guest at events.

Pets and Kids: Be responsible to and for your pets and children. Allow for them rest periods, and adequate food, drink, shelter, and clothing. Always be sure and double check the event copy as to whether pets are allowed. Event copy should alert all whether pets are allowed on site or not. If a site says no pets allowed, it means no pets will be allowed on the grounds-don't bring your pet anyway. Dogs and ferrets should be be kept on leashes. Keep an eye on your children and pets at all times.

Food: REMEMBER TO EAT! Remember to eat especially if you are hypoglycemic, diabetic, or if you have any other medical condition requiring regular intakes of food. You may laugh at the reminder but you would be surprised and amazed at everything there is to see and do at an event and with all that is going on it is very easy to forget to eat.

Suggested and period food stuffs to bring: sausage, cheese, bread, rolls, dried or fresh fruit (if you bring dried fruit, remember to drink lots of water), hard boiled eggs, nuts, jerky (remember fluid intake), fresh vegetables, smoked meats or fish, pickles, olives, muffins, yogurt, precooked and frozen meat like oven fried chicken, shish kebabs, or pasties.

Drink: REMEMBER TO DRINK! Remember to drink fluids especially if you will be staying out in the open; whether sunny, cloudy, or windy as in doing heraldry, fighting in heavy armor, marshaling, or even spectating you can still become dehydrated and susceptible to heat stroke without realizing it.

Suggested beverages: lemonade or lemon water, iced tea, coffee, tea, Gatorade or homemade equivalent, hot chocolate, cider, apple or other juices, sekanjabn, bottled water. If you are old enough to imbibe – avoid beer, mead, ale, porter, stout, or wine. Also avoid soda. Soda and alcoholic drinks can put you at risk for dehydration and heat stroke. Save these for later in the evening for enjoyment.Pre-freeze as much of your food and drink as you can and you can use them as ice substitutes for your ice chest or cooler. It really works to help keep things cold for a long time. One possible problem you might have is that your food stuffs and drinks might need a little thawing prior to consuming.

Sweets: Don't forget to treat yourself and your loved ones. It is always nice to bring something special as a dessert or sweet treat. Chocolate (can be tricky to store but worth it, yes?), hard candy, cookies, brownies, shortbread, marzipan, tarts, fruit turnovers. Cheesecake is period. My period cheesecake recipe is a good traveler. (see the Kitchens for a cookie recipe and my cheesecake recipe)

When packing: Some advice for this might be – think containers or categories when planning your trips. Make lists of categories – clothing, food, drinks, housing and household goods (bedding, lighting, etc.), entertainment, etc. You could also use your containers as your catergories. Use wicker baskets, trunks, chests, bags to keep and pack things into. Keep a checklist in these containers of what goes in them. When you get home, clean the things up, do any necessary repairs, and re-pack them for the next trip. Remember, you will, like as not, bring more stuff than you will need or actually use. Also, remember, unless you are really good and really organized, you will probably be like everyone else and find that you will have forgotten something you really wanted to bring once you have arrived at the event and unpacked everything.Pre-pack gear into wicker baskets, wooden boxes, and trunks or foot lockers. Try to avoid using the obvious 20th Century things used to pack stuff into but you could always use that extra yardage to camouflage or disguise them. Use good sized containers also gets you away from having to make too many treks from your vehicle to your camp site. Have some permanently packed items in with your gear. Having permanently packed items will simplify things in that you will not have to try remembering to bring them and they will always be there. Also, pre-packing saves valuable planning, packing, and traveling time.

Suggested Items to be permanently packed: garbage bags (for garbage and clean up), wooden matches, broom and dustpan (good for sweeping out the pavilion or mundane tent), corkscrews (to be used by yourself or others who forgot theirs to open up that much anticipated bottle of fluid), paper towels, spare fabric goods (fabric lengths, blankets, etc.), costumes, sun blocker, wide brimmed hats (your own personal sun shade), bug repellent, extra rope, batteries, flash lights, and a first aid kit. This list is but a guide. Feel free to subtract or add to it at will.

Awards and Rank: Each group has their own Royalty, Peerages and Other Of Rank. Read your group's bylaws or rules and regulations to find out what these all are. One may always ask more experienced group members to enlighten you to them all. Each organization has their own system for attaining these awards and ranks. Whether you wish to attain such and the route you choose to attain them is up to you. The laws or rules will also help you learn how to identify such individuals who has attained these things.

WELCOME TRAVELER, MY OFFICE, or THE MAP ROOM

<>This page and all other pages found herein on this site were designed by Alys de Trois Rivieres herself.
<>As such they are maintained and updated by her as time allows. Her hand last touched this page on June 15, 2006.