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 the 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.

So far we’ve racked up about 6 build and craft days over the past few years, 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.