My Overhauled Kit

[Sir Brian]

I think we need to make a new poster image in photoshop. Several of the pictures look good in that they don't have harsh shadows. Is there one you particularly like? If I can, I'd like to get a really high-resolution copy to work from.

I would prefer if you held off on that because I’m actually not that crazy about any of the pictures. I had Rosemary take them more so I could see what things I still needed to tweak on the harness. Namely making the under padding of the aventail a little smaller and adjusting the way I’m wearing it so the besegues are more prominent also reworking the method of securing the sabatons and perhaps shortening the surcoat so the top accolade is closer to the edge of where the aventail starts.

I really like the look Sir Brian, are you going fantasy this year? No matter really, as armor was custom it was also not unusual to have symbolic headresses in tournament so it goes nicely. 

One other question, who makes your tunic? Its very well done

Going fantasy? Hardly! As you stated it is more to add a bit of festivity in a tournament setting than having just the starkness of a plain visor. It was a far more cost effective method than having something done in metal. I am also afforded the option of using the helm for live steel combat which I eventually want to get into without having to mar a very expensive custom made steel metal visor. 

Oh and Sir Edward’s future sister-in-law made my surcoat and yes she is an exceptionally gifted seamstress! 

[Sir Robert]

I really liked your past surcoat and would like to have one made similar but of course in my colors (black and white), think she would be interested in a commission?

I had looked into getting into the SCA for combat, even attended a couple of meetings and went to one of their practices but there was just siomething about them that I didn't warm up too...can't really put my finger on it because they were very open and friendly. I think it was something about wjat their views of knighthood are vs. mine (ours). Anyway, I really like the mask BUT you know you just may be able to talk me in to making you something if you wear it...do you have a helm with a removable visor? One option would be to buy a non-combat helm with a visor so a new one could be fitted to it....

I have not given making a tournament helm much thought really....but my symbol is a dragon and now you have me thinking what I could do with a visor and that image, interesting, I will have to ponder that and maybe make something when I get some time.

[Sir Rodney]

... I have not given making a tournament helm much thought really....but my symbol is a dragon and now you have me thinking what I could do with a visor and that image, interesting, I will have to ponder that and maybe make something when I get some time.

You might want to take a look at the helm crests made by Sir Angus (Jeremy) in this Armour Archive thread.  He casts each crest out of foam filled latex then hand paints them.  They are made specifically for behourd combat (e.g. to be knocked off your helm again and again).  According to this post from February, the dragon heads he cast for the Leeds Royal Armouries can be had for only $65 including S&H!

[Sir Robert]

I remember that thread, and that is really, really inexpensive, I will have to look into that, so thank you. I am still interested in making a visor though its just an interesting way of getting rid of my scraps!

[Sir Brian]

Well you would have to ask her via Sir Edward I suppose; she of course does take commissions however I don’t know how often or what her current workload is. Her prices are very reasonable considering the mastery of her skill! I would recommend going with the laced up sides as it makes donning and removing the surcoat much easier!

As for the visor I am truly humbled by your generosity and I am sorely tempted if it isn’t too much of an imposition upon you, perhaps it is a discussion we best leave at the next faire we can attend together.

As to making you a dragon helm for yourself, I thought I had posted a picture somewhere on this forum of Sir John who is the black knight at CRF and the magnificent bascinet dragon helm with a visor he had made himself which if I can find the pictures might give you some ideas. I will check my computer at home when I get off work. 

@ Rodney: WOW! That guy is extremely talented! I will definitely bookmark that link! Thanks for posting it! 

[Sir Edward]

I think we need to make a new poster image in photoshop. Several of the pictures look good in that they don't have harsh shadows. Is there one you particularly like? If I can, I'd like to get a really high-resolution copy to work from.

I would prefer if you held off on that because I’m actually not that crazy about any of the pictures. I had Rosemary take them more so I could see what things I still needed to tweak on the harness.

Well, I have a little treat in the works anyway. Just for fun.

[Sir Edward]

I really liked your past surcoat and would like to have one made similar but of course in my colors (black and white), think she would be interested in a commission?

As far as I know, she's always open to commissions. She gets all of her work through word of mouth. It's her side-business to earn some extra cash. She usually has a pretty long waiting list. I think my nobles took over a year before my turn came up. I will mention though that her prices may have gone up slightly on surcoats since I think Sir Brian's ended up taking a little longer than she planned. It's easiest to get in touch with her at faire. But if you're interested, I can pass word along to her (or try anyway, she's not always easy to reach). I'd just need to pass your email address along to her so she can work with you directly.

[Sir Edward]

Well, I have a little treat in the works anyway. Just for fun.

And here we are!

[Sir Brian]

Lol that’s cool! Although the horse does seem to have an expression that is saying: “Would someone PLEASE get this...

...off me!” 

[Sir William]

Well, I have a little treat in the works anyway. Just for fun.

And here we are!

Whoa, that's AWESOME Sir Edward.  Can you do that with all of us- need that specific pose I assume?  Look @ me.  lol

[Sir Edward]

I just kinda lucked out on that one.

[Sir William]

Huh.  His horse is rather slender...guess that one's his palfrey, no?  lol

Great job man...you've an eye for it.

[Sir William]

I really liked your past surcoat and would like to have one made similar but of course in my colors (black and white), think she would be interested in a commission?

May I be added to this list?  It seems we have two very talented seamstresses to choose from...I'd rather go with the family member of a brother if a choice must be made.  How long's her waitlist you say?

As far as I know, she's always open to commissions. She gets all of her work through word of mouth. It's her side-business to earn some extra cash. She usually has a pretty long waiting list. I think my nobles took over a year before my turn came up. I will mention though that her prices may have gone up slightly on surcoats since I think Sir Brian's ended up taking a little longer than she planned. It's easiest to get in touch with her at faire. But if you're interested, I can pass word along to her (or try anyway, she's not always easy to reach). I'd just need to pass your email address along to her so she can work with you directly.

[Sir Edward]

I really liked your past surcoat and would like to have one made similar but of course in my colors (black and white), think she would be interested in a commission?

As far as I know, she's always open to commissions. She gets all of her work through word of mouth. It's her side-business to earn some extra cash. She usually has a pretty long waiting list. I think my nobles took over a year before my turn came up. I will mention though that her prices may have gone up slightly on surcoats since I think Sir Brian's ended up taking a little longer than she planned. It's easiest to get in touch with her at faire. But if you're interested, I can pass word along to her (or try anyway, she's not always easy to reach). I'd just need to pass your email address along to her so she can work with you directly.

OK, anyone who wants to get in contact with Marie about surcoats, send me a PM with the email address you'd like me to pass along. I talked to her, and she's ready to go on them, just with a waiting list. She said she's pretty booked for this season (presumably meaning through MDRF season this year), so it's a bit of a wait. Might want to get in early if you're thinking long-term. Forget everything I said about pricing, etc. Apparently once she got into the groove of doing the appliques, she got the skill down and is happy with the process. So it's all good.

[Sir Ulrich]

Awesome pic and kit man. Mask makes things interesting, makes me wanna do something from the transitional era.