The Joy of Crafting LARP and Medieval Clothing

There's something truly magical about delving into the world of Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) and creating medieval-inspired clothing.
It's a sewing-journey that transports us back in time, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of history while unleashing our creativity in ways we never thought possible.

One of the most captivating aspects of crafting LARP and medieval clothing lies in the choice of materials.
Unlike modern fabrics, which often prioritize convenience over authenticity, medieval attire calls for robust, natural fibers. From sturdy linen to sumptuous wool, these materials possess a timeless allure, exuding a sense of rugged elegance that simply can't be replicated.

1. Linen: Linen was one of the most prevalent fabrics in medieval times due to its availability and breathability. It was used for a wide range of garments, from tunics and shirts to undergarments and aprons.
2. Wool: Wool was another popular fabric, especially for outerwear such as cloaks, coats, and dresses. It provided warmth and durability, making it ideal for colder climates.
3. Silk: While silk was more expensive and less common among lower classes, it was prized for its luxurious texture and vibrant colors. Nobility and wealthier individuals often wore silk garments for special occasions and formal events.
4. Velvet: Velvet was a luxurious fabric characterized by its soft pile and rich appearance. It was commonly used for garments like robes, gowns, and trimmings, particularly among the upper class.
5. Cotton: Though less common in medieval Europe compared to linen and wool, cotton was still used in regions where it was cultivated. It was primarily used for lighter garments and linings.
6. Leather: Leather was utilized for various pieces of clothing and accessories, such as shoes, belts, gloves, and jerkins. It provided protection and durability, particularly for individuals engaged in outdoor activities like hunting or traveling.
   

And then there are the colors—subtle, earthy tones that whisper of ancient forests and rolling countryside. Whether it's the deep, mossy green of a forest cloak or the warm, golden hues of a homespun tunic, these colors have a way of harmonizing effortlessly with one another, creating a cohesive aesthetic that is as soothing as it is striking.

1. Natural White: Often achieved through bleaching linen or wool, natural white was a staple color for undergarments, shirts, and shifts.
   
2. Earth Tones: Colors like brown, tan, and beige were commonly seen in medieval clothing, reflecting the natural hues of the environment. These colors were achieved through dyes made from plants, such as walnut husks or oak bark.
   
3. Greens: From deep forest greens to muted olive tones, green was a prevalent color in medieval clothing. It was often obtained from plants like woad or madder.
   
4. Blues: Blues ranging from soft sky blue to rich indigo were popular choices for medieval garments. These colors were achieved using natural dyes like woad or indigofera tinctoria.
   
5. Reds: Reds were prized for their vibrancy and were often associated with wealth and status. They were obtained from sources such as madder root or cochineal insects.
   
6. Yellows: Yellow hues varied from pale lemon to goldenrod and were achieved through dyes made from plants like weld or dyer's broom.
   
7. Greys: Greys and charcoal tones were achieved through various methods, including over-dyeing with black walnut or using iron mordants.
   
8. Black: Black was a common color in medieval clothing, particularly for outerwear and formal attire. It was achieved using dyes derived from materials like oak galls or logwood.
   
   

Pictures: Erik Bolding, photography
Model - seamstress:  Marga van der Vet, MargaStyle
Etsy-store:  KostuumsKorsettenNL

But perhaps the true beauty of crafting LARP and medieval clothing lies in the boundless creativity it inspires. With a palette of natural fabrics and materials at our disposal, we have the freedom to weave our own tales of adventure and romance, each stitch and seam a testament to our imagination and ingenuity.

There's a profound satisfaction that comes from fashioning something with your own hands, using nothing but the raw materials that nature provides. Whether it's hand-dyeing linen to achieve the perfect shade of indigo or embroidering intricate patterns onto a cloak, every step of the process is a labor of love—an homage to the artisans who came before us and the timeless traditions they upheld.

In the end, crafting LARP and medieval clothing isn't just about dressing up for a game—it's about channeling the spirit of a bygone era, celebrating the beauty of nature's bounty, and embracing the boundless possibilities of our own creativity. And studying the history!