Make Renaissance Gypsy Costume

It is easy to make renaissance gypsy costume outfits if you have a little experience with simple sewing techniques. Those who participate in renfaires can make their own costumes, or hire someone to make them, from easily obtainable patterns. Gypsy costumes are also very popular at Halloween and for masquerades.

Luckily, the pattern manufacturers know that their customer base consists of individuals that wear costumes for fun or for a living. This is great news, since finding well-made costumes that can be worn multiple times can be difficult. The types of costumes that you'll typically find at Halloween can only be worn a few times before they'll begin to fall apart.

The following costume patterns are ideal for renfaire workers, LOTR fans and anyone who has the basic sewing skills necessary to make renaissance gypsy costumes.

• Simplicity pattern #3618 (previously 8851): a misses pattern; use the chemise and under-bust bodies and the unlined cape, skip the other pieces unless you're making a Halloween costume.
• Simplicity pattern #4484: all pieces of this pattern are good for a gypsy costume, both reserved looking and with a bare midriff.
• Simplicity pattern #5359: a pattern with a Turkish-style skirt and pants, it also contains patterns for costumes that are a cross between a harem girl and a gypsy.
• Simplicity #5582: this pattern is probably more typical of a gypsy costume you'll see at renfaires and LOTR (Lord of the Rings) meets. This pattern consists of a bodice, chemise, skirt, bumroll and handkerchief overskirt.
• Simplicity #9966: a versatile pattern that includes a blouse, overskirt, headpiece, scarf, veil and purse.
• McCalls #4090: a skirt-only pattern with four different versions to choose from.
• McCalls #4861: a corset-only pattern, this piece has no shoulder straps, which would be needed for larger-busted ladies.
• McCalls #4994: a top-only pattern with several variations, perfect for a gypsy costume.
• Butterick #3906: a good gypsy costume pattern that includes a bodice, skirt and dress pattern.

If you're up to making your own costume, but you're not sure how to, or you need a little help, try the following websites for complete details on costume making:

• [http://www.knowledgehound.com/topics/renaissa.htm Knowledge Hound: lots of articles on how to make specific garments for the Renaissance period. Learn how to make boned stays, corsets, hand-made eyelets, chainmail and much more. It also has information on using plants to dye material for your costume.
• Family Fun: a free how-to guide on making a child's gypsy costume from items found around the house or from a thrift store.
• Make a Gypsy Skirt: step by step instructions on how to make a gypsy skirt from scratch.

A gypsy costume just isn't the same if it doesn't have the right accessories. Things to consider, depending on whether you are wearing it to a renfaire or to a special event, are jewelry, scarves, purses and shoes. These items can lend authenticity to a costume, or simply add to the fantasy aspect of an outfit.

Pile on a lot of gaudy jewelry for a kids' costume, or add a few chunky jewelry pieces for an adult. Scarves should be colorful, and if they have fringe, they'll look even more authentic. Purses are usually made from colorful material that doesn't have to match the outfit. Shoes can either be sandals or granny boots, depending upon the look you're going for. All of these accessories can be easily found at thrift stores, your local retail stores and on eBay.

Gypsy costumes are probably the easiest of all the costumes to make. The skirts are primarily large squares, which makes them very easy to sew. The tops may be a little more difficult, but the end result will make it well worth the time it takes to make Renaissance gypsy costume components.

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