So my post about layering kit went down a storm, apparently you guys really like that kind of thing. I’ll try and pull some more ideas from mine and Adam’s kit over the next few weeks and demonstrate how I might layer things together.

The post got shared around Facebook a huge amount of times and the comments made have given me loads of ideas for addressing different points in future posts. I’ll start with this one though:

I get annoyed with the “anyone can do this for this price” comment at the end though. For this price if you have time to go to op shops and fabric stores. Facilities to dye and sew. Skills and knowledge to do so. A friendly leather worker etc many layers like that costs in ways apart from $$.

And…

I think these are totally reasonable points. But I’d still like to tackle them head-on.

First of all, I’ll confess that I do sew on a pretty expensive machine. I bought it with money I was given for my 18th birthday because I had been accepted on a tailoring diploma at the London College of Fashion. I didn’t do the course but here it is almost 15 years later, still going strong.

But fundamentally, you don’t need a fantastic sewing machine to make most LARP kit. Especially not the basic robes I wrote about in that article. There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t get a second hand sewing machine from eBay* for £50-£100 that will last you for years.

However you could sew everything in my kit by hand, and once you’re practiced and in the rhythm it wouldn’t take you too long. Indeed I actually sewed the outer brown coat by hand and one of the mid layers. Plus I generally add trim by hand rather than machine, and I often hand finish seams as well because I don’t personally like machine finishes (plus doing it by hand can be more durable with certain fabrics and garments).

With that in mind, here is the cost of all the materials AND tools that you would need to make this kit.

For naming sake: Layer 1 is the orange base layer. Layer 2 is the cream linen waistcoat. Layer 3 is the mid brown cloak. Layer 4 is the outer dark brown cloak.

Note: I did not include an iron and ironing board. You should really have those things in your house anyway.

I do understand that £115 is alot of money to many people, especially on top of the price of an event ticket. However putting together a costume like this as your first outfit for a LRP would be a great idea. The layers are infinitely reusable in other costumes and can even be dyed deeper colours for new characters because I’ve used a pure cotton that is receptive to dye. You could wear just the base layer on a hot day or all the layers when it’s cold and raining. By ditching two layers and changing the accessories (or switching the base layer for £13.50, or adding trousers and a short tunic) you can instantly change up your look.

As for dying facilities… well… last year I lived in a lovely one bedroom flat. It had beautiful white walls and carpets. I used to dye costume in a bucket in my shower. Very carefully.

And yes, hand sewing and pattern drafting aren’t the easiest skills to learn. But equally, the basics are not difficult and anyone can have a go. It might take several outfits to really hone your skills, but each time you learn something new. And after a few outfits you’ll be able to start branching out and making exactly what you want while doing so on a budget. Which is surely a great skill to have in LRP.