Pip's Master Artificer Portfolio

Primary Skill: Sewing [Applique, Machine Embroidery, Design, Pattern Drafting]

Secondary Skill: Painting [Design, Wet Blending, Color Mixing]

Years in Belegarth: 13

Community Projects

One of the first things that became apparent when I began to make garb was the need to bridge the gap between fighters with the desire to make garb and basic sewing skills. I started by helping other college kids in my first realm with making basic kits, giving them a chance to get behind a sewing machine and learn how to make a basic pattern.

It became a requirement that, in order to be considered a full member of the college realm, that belegrim would have to have a full set of garb which I helped facilitate. In total, roughly 13 belegrim were taken through the Pip garb intensive and taught how to make a basic set.

When I moved after graduation, I adopted my local college realm and started mentoring young belegrim and helping host sewing and build days. It became clear that I would not be able to individually take belegrim through the process of making garb. Instead, I was teaching in batches of 10. Thus, the Garb Book project was born.

The Garb Book is intended to be a thorough guide to garb construction, patterning, and sewing techniques that works as a substitute for in-person instruction or a reference and refresher for novice and intermediate crafters. It is still a work in progress and is intended to cover basic patterns as well as sewing techniques to help take crafters from beginner to intermediate crafting.

We racked up about 9 build and craft days while I lived in the area, pictured below, with upwards of 15 participants. Additionally, a handful has taken a deeper interest in sewing. I have been able to start teaching them more advanced techniques such as applique and drafting more complex patterns.

Primary Skill: Sewing

[APPLIQUE, MACHINE EMBROIDERY, DESIGN, PATTERN DRAFTING]

I am entirely self-taught. I learned to sew when I was 13, and started with simple costumes, cosplays, and basic clothing. When I started Belegarth in college, I realized my skills could be put to use helping make garb for myself and other people in my realm. I took myself from the most rudimentary cotton garb and continued making all the way to multiple hundred dollar plus commissions.

I lean heavily on my design roots to help pick color and shape compositions that work well and are evocative of the wearer. I feel that a custom tunic can really be a representation of who a person is and what they hold dear, and find it a beautiful medium to work in.

My real elevation in skill came when I began to learn more advanced techniques such as applique, French seams, better material sourcing, and more advanced pattern drafting. Picking up additional skills allowed me to create more intricate designs, as well as make garments that are more durable and less likely to succumb to the wear and tear of Belegarth.

At present, I can execute and teach skills related to appliqué, machine embroidery, freehand machine embroidery, different finishing techniques (French seams, serging, etc), different edge finishing techniques, pattern development, proper material selection, garb care, as well as an expert in introducing new crafters to the basics of garb making.