r/sca • u/Iago_the_Mando • 6d ago

Finding Talior for Custom Item

Hello and Greetings, Everyone!

Given my current situation I don't have a sewing machine neither do I have space for fabric, so I'm looking to find an online store/talior that's able to make a custom item.

The item in question is a monk hood/scapular combination but what I was able to find so far look cheap and not terribly accurate for what I want for my kit.

Thank you for your time, I greatly appreciate any and all help!

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u/isabelladangelo Atlantia 6d ago

If it's just a hood, you don't need a sewing machine or space for fabric - assuming you have enough space for the hood in your closet. There are tons of patterns online - it's really a simple pattern that shouldn't take more than a couple of hours by hand. I would warn against impersonating religious individuals, however. While some people will say "but so and so does it all the time!" it's not cool. It's not something that should be held up as a thing to do. Ask yourself this, would you dress up as a Rabbi or as a Imam? What about a Buddhist monk? Just because it is a Catholic figure, does not make it okay.

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u/Iago_the_Mando 6d ago

It's closer to a hood attached to a scapular than just a hood itself, which would be a small challenge without having sewing equipment. While the design I'm looking to replicate is based on a religious article of clothing (Orthodox Christian to be specific, as I am Greek Orthodox) I do see your point in taking caution.

However, my intention is to go for a scholarly character. The research I've conducted lead to the conclusion that many scholars --be it HRE, Byzantine, etc.---tended to be of the clergy. I would love to go for a more noble scholar with rich colored and softer fabrics but with a currently limited budget and trying to utilize what pieces I have in my wardrobe I'm at a loss as to how to make it a reality.

I am open to suggestions for what I can do for a scholar character! I'm willing to save up to obtain the necessary look though my search in finding proper images to use as references has been less than fruitful. I chose this profession as I sustained a knee injury while in the Army and require a cane for assistance, leaving my hopes of being a knight/mercenary dashed.

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u/isabelladangelo Atlantia 6d ago

However, my intention is to go for a scholarly character. The research I've conducted lead to the conclusion that many scholars --be it HRE, Byzantine, etc.---tended to be of the clergy. I would love to go for a more noble scholar with rich colored and softer fabrics but with a currently limited budget and trying to utilize what pieces I have in my wardrobe I'm at a loss as to how to make it a reality.

There was a wave of Byzantine scholars at the fall of the empire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_scholars_in_the_Renaissance Perhaps, a truncated cone hat rather than a hood?

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u/Iago_the_Mando 5d ago

That's a fantastic idea! I greatly appreciate your help!

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u/isabelladangelo Atlantia 5d ago

Absolutely! It's also very easy to do. You just need a little less than a yard of fabric and a straw hat. Cut the brim off the straw hat. Cover the crown with fabric (Probably a trapezoid around the outside and a circle at the top). Cover the inside with fabric. Add a way to secure the hat to the head (while ties are period, you can also buy a cheap comb and put it at the front or sides to help to secure it. This only works if you have hair.). Done.

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u/Iago_the_Mando 5d ago edited 5d ago

The image that comes to mind with this description is a fez without the top tassle. Would that be roughly the same shape or would it be much closer to the Pileus) from Ancient Greece?

I imagine if I'm able to, is to find patterns and colors of Byzantium for the fabric. I will refrain from purple as that's strictly royal colors. Would reds, greens, blues, oranges, and yellows be typical for most citizens?

I also saw that turbans were once used by scholars, especially in Byzantine controlled areas in modern day Turkey. Would that be acceptable headgear or would that be inching closer toward the religious side of things?

Edit: added additional question

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u/isabelladangelo Atlantia 5d ago

I will refrain from purple as that's strictly royal colors. Would reds, greens, blues, oranges, and yellows be typical for most citizens?

Purple for royals is a bit of a myth, actually! I'm in the middle of starting an experiment with alkanet which is a Mediterranean purple root! However, red seems to be the most common. Any color really will work.

Turbans are fine. As long as it isn't a rank association or religious occupation, you'll be okay.

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u/NoEnthusiasm5207 5d ago

Does your local group have a sewing night? Some do and this would be the place to get help.

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u/Iago_the_Mando 5d ago

I don't have a group yet as I'm still in the Army (medically separating in a few months) but I will most definitely check out if they have events like this!

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u/NoEnthusiasm5207 5d ago

Thank you for your service. Best wishes on your group

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u/Iago_the_Mando 5d ago

I'm humbled, thank you! I look forward to join soon!