Can You Make a Fantasy Swimsuit?

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Today we learn how to make a LARP swimsuit!
As the weary sun sank beneath the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape, Elysia, a seasoned adventurer, found solace at the edge of a tranquil lake. Her body ached from the trials of the day, her spirit yearning for respite. With a sigh of contentment, she shed her battle-worn armor and immersed herself in the crystal-clear waters. The lake whispered ancient tales as Elysia closed her eyes, surrendering to the gentle rhythm of the waves.
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[@makadragontamer]

Pro tip from an extremely busty person: if you use a woven fabric to make something to cover your bust, you Will need darts to make this work if your chest is above a certain size!! The Closet Historian has a lovely series of videos breaking down darts and dart manipulation to help you get started if you have just. Zero idea where to start with darts!!

[@DrachenGothik666]

Cutting on the bias helps with the stretch factor, too, if you need to cut things smaller, but still need it to hug the right places & want to save on darting a bit. Hang any fabric you want to use for this purpose from a fold in the centre (make sure it's hanging at an angle across the line) over a drying line or something similar for a couple of says to relax the fibres, first, before trying to cut it.

[@elfieblue3175]

If you're going for an improvised look, you can start your wrap from below your bust, to help support everything. Start at the back, with the ends of the fabric coming forward under the bust point. Spread the fabric to cover the boobs, then cross and twist the fabric between the boobs, then over the shoulders to cross mid-back, and return to the front under the arms. To close, knot the ties around the centre-front twist, like tying string around a parcel. Gravity holds stuff in place. You do need a lot of length for this wrap, but it can be a straight strip cut to the width you require for boob coverage, and not necessarily on the bias. The twisting gathers the fabric in like darts would.

[@michaelsarahbahrt2681]

Princess seams are more period accurate. Look up medieval bras/ underwear.

[@LuckySketches]

Rachel calling Kit out on everything this the best part of this episode.

[@SLorraineE]

Yes! She is great!

[@AshNight1214]

What a cool idea! I know what Kit should make next: A guest chair!

[@AflacMan13]

The bouncy ball chair is FUN though! :-P

[@beckymurphy4714]

Knowing him it'd fold up, have hidden pockets for accessories, and have carvings and metal studs.

[@HDBrown-wc9xt]

@@beckymurphy4714 he does have the Wander’s staff that becomes a stool

[@dragon1130]

5:52 "Because it is expensive to get nice fabric." To quote Epithet Erased (A great series based on a D&D homebrew campaign. I recomend it to everyone): "I may be evil, But I'm evil on a budget."

[@samuelbuscop1615]

i like that quote at the end

[@dragon1130]

@samuelbuscop1615 If you haven't seen Epithet Erased, I highly recommend it. There are tons of quotable moments just like that one.

[@agent_8167]

Giovanni Potage?!?!!

[@jakeaurod]

LARP Illustrated: Swimsuit Edition! I wonder how well Kit will manage with both Rachel and Madi trying to out-snark him. Is he up to the challenge?

[@fluttershy5059]

Hi German LARP-Player here. This year will be my 14th Year playing at the Conquest Event. At the Event you are usually asked to enter the Zuber bare-skinned (vocalized Zuba). BUT, the people working at the different Zuber's around the City will gladly talk with you and find a solution if you prefer a bathing suit. Cya at Mythodea.

[@SkillTree]

Good to know! Thanks for the knowledge 😁

[@teamcybr8375]

Glad to see puritanism hasn't reached your larps!

[@lars_of_the_north]

I totally read that in a Bavarian accent.

[@sarahrosen4985]

OK, added to list of Things I Will Not Be Doing. Thank you for saving me time. 😊

[@omikrondraconis5708]

I was just about to warn you to expect nudity there. You might want to prepare yourself by reading/watching up on German Sauna culture and Freikörperkultur/FKK for context, so you won't be shocked 😉

[@LaineyBug2020]

Does Rachel have a channel? She seems like a natural!

[@Zimtfischchen66]

I need to know as well

[@xandernolan211]

I am on the hunt! Should I find something I will post. Wish me luck.

[@overlordwhale]

She does not I am sorry to inform you, I'll let yah know if that changes

[@teardropadventures]

Does Rachel have any social media channel? I am interested in learning more about sewing costumes for me and my wife.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

Rachel: i needed to make an appropriate bathing garment Me, as a German who knows Zuber: you already got it... Under your clothes. Wait until you find out that they go in naked :D

[@SkinnerNoah]

As an American, that would be quite a culture shock. Here in the US there are locker rooms at public gyms, but other than that, nudity is generally frowned upon when you're around other people

[@omikrondraconis5708]

​@@SkinnerNoahyeah, I bet. Only way is to be prepared. I think, DW has a video about German sauna culture that talks about nudity in bathhouse and adjacent scenarios, might be worth a watch just to know how things are here beforehand.

[@R.M.MacFru]

​@@SkinnerNoahnever been to Pennsic then, huh?

[@almefauna]

I thought the same the moment I heard them talking about the Zuber... You are symply not alowed to wear chlothing in the classical Zuber... Oh, oh, Culture shock for the poor volks! ^^ But don't be scared, the moment you are in the water, you are totaly save and you will love it! With the Zuber I know, there is always a lets call it "Zuber-master" who will not only clean the Tubs and fill them and all that stuff, they also serve dr8inks 8at the bigger Zubers) and they will also have alook not noboby step to the Tub and look insoide without permission. And the Tubs are also standing on a platform, not just for leveling, but also to make them a bit higher so you cant look into them so easely. So, don't be scared or shy, just try it! ^^

[@omikrondraconis5708]

@@almefauna yeah, and additionally, there is a tradition in German bathhouse culture to only look at people shoulder-up and on the hands. In saunas that gets strictly adhered to, and my own Zuber experiences were very good as well, but I have only been to medieval fairs, no LARPs, so I cannot speak to those, but I would expect something similar. The more natural you behave and move, the less attention people will be paying to you in particular 😊

[@ARweZombiesYet]

Build a frame to hold the yoga ball that looks like a chair with a back and all, but still an obviously bouncy yoga ball 😂

[@SkillTree]

LOVE THIS IDEA

[@ihavekalashnikovyoudomath9275]

You joke, but I had an aunt that had literally this. It was a swivle chair with a back, but instead of a seat, it was a hoop that the yoga ball sat in

[@Avaene]

I'm here for all the sass. All the interactions were so adorable.

[@juryrigging]

Cotton blends are definitely not good for drying (hence you might hear "cotton kills" in many outdoor ventures in wet or temperate climates). Bast fibres tend to be more wicking, and thus faster drying, which is why the hemp/linen blend turned out better-both are bast fibres.

[@nomadicchaos406]

So does this mean there's a beach episode coming

[@eroneron810]

FOR THE FIREBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@OutlandStation]

A Vikings Storming The Beach To Sunbathe episode...

[@josecolon4404]

Yes but it's just going to be clever in a fur loin cloth

[@TheDeepDiveLLC]

Calm your urges down, stranger...

[@RensStoryteller]

​@@josecolon4404and?

[@keithonline20]

I saw Rachel bobbing slightly and was like, "why is- oh right, yoga ball!" And then Kit calls himself out about 4 seconds after I figure it out! 😂 4:57

[@osanneart9318]

Rachel was an amazing host. I know it was (probably?) intended as a one time only, but it would be fun to see her more often on the channel! She matches your vibe perfectly and gives solid explanations.

[@AdamMclardy]

Rachel is fantastic on camera. She’s a natural, good at explaining everything. With a fun personality. I need more of her on my TV

[@dalewayward4540]

i am betting all the edits means she is hyper and rambles a little

[@MitchellDowns]

I can't wait to see the Ember Island Players adapt the first two years of Skill Tree for the stage...

[@gregbrightwell662]

If you don't get a second channel going with this absolute treasure of a young lady......you out yo damn mind! Intelligent, wholesome, high energy, and coquettish. Great video, great topic!

[@nahkohese555]

As an armorer, I would like to say in my own defense the few chain maille bikinis I have made have all been to order and i make them from anodized aluminum, making them terrible armor, but swimming friendly (lightweight, won't rust, etc.). And, depending upon the pattern I use, they can lead to some very interesting tan lines. 😁 As tor your design, cute, practical, pretty close to "period correct", and relatively easy to make. Another variation would be to make it from deer skin - not as a swimming costume, but for a female barbarian/wildling character. Hmmm . . .

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

for about 15 years, I was a full service maille smith working ren fairs, and SCA events, plus doing costuming for theatre, and performance arts. while my main focus was armor, both combat and stage, over time I branched out into jewelry, clothing, artistic and home pieces. on the performance art side, I made several costumes for belly dancers, and eventually straight up bikinis for customers that liked the feel of maille, and wanted them for beach wear. made with small stainless rings ( 18-5/16 ) rings, or slightly heavier duty aluminum ( 16-1/4 ) rings I was able to get coverage that was child friendly, in comfortable fabric feeling sheets. I made the bikini cups by making two triangles, and sewing them together on the long side ( opposing ring lay, makes a good seam) the bottoms were triangles for front and back with a strip joining them. this was also how the belly dancer costuming was done, but I added a LOT of jingly bits, and shiny pieces to them. draping chains with more bits and bobs on fleshed it out. it is doable, and I have been told that they are actually very comfortable for all day wear, including in water activities.

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Seeing how she problem solved and figured out her pattern was super helpful. I've stuck to really simple baggy patterns so far but I'd like to try something a bit more fitted.

[@ElliottRodgers]

Definitely need Rachel back doing stuff. She's amazing!

[@zoescott779]

Random tip for making something look wrapped when it's a single fabric, just run stitching around in a slightly darker shade than your fabric. I did this or a chest cover meant to mimic a bandage bra, but it's just a strapless top with some beige stitching in the Patten of wraps! It's actually pretty convincing, and I used a similar technique to make Zoro's belly band from one piece (to make the verticle lines, I just made vertical stitches in black) you just choose your stitch to match the desired line weight!

[@sirrabbitthered8496]

She needs to join this channel. The charming banter and energy is contagious. I love it.

[@kay9520]

My only warning is that white linen/fabric tends to become transparent when wet...I learned this the hard way when people gasped while covering the eyes of their children at a pool during a re-enactment event!

[@markus4732]

Holy moly - I did not expect Rachel to be that buff! 💪😯

[@teamcybr8375]

There's a couple larps where I always go swimming in the creek! This will rock for that!

[@Arcane_Leatherworks]

This video was dope. I would absolutely subscribe to Rachel's channel if she had one. I really appreciate the thought that went into this design, i.e., not just how it would look when you first put it on, but how it would hold up after hours of wear, getting wet and drying off, etc. Really well thought out and presented. Thanks!

[@danieltaylor5231]

Join us next time when we watch Cl3ver built a LARP surf board out of firewood and scrap leather with perfect ovals!! Same Skill Tree time, same Skill Tree channel!

[@brassarrow1587]

Should do more guest appearances with your discord or subscribers that’ll be dope

[@CalliopePony]

When I saw the image in the thumbnail I thought it looked somewhat like Katara's suimsuit, so good job there.

[@SharmClucas]

You two were loads of fun to watch together. I wouldn't mind it at all if she came back for more guest appearances. A LARP bathing suit is a great idea, and I liked this look into how you can do drape drafting of a pattern without needing a dress form.

[@Arkandos]

As Somebody who regularily visits the "Zuber" at conquest and other Con´s across Europe i gotta tell u that most people go in there naked. But its not like a NO-GO or something. There have been Zubers in the past that didnt allow clothing whatsoever but not at Conquest. Have fun and good luck

[@Lillyluri]

This is really really pretty. Again a thing I never knew I wanted, and now I need it. And no one would have minded slightly coloured water if you hadn't mentioned it! 😂 I was completely focused on how pretty this fabric moves with the body. I'd make more layers where I wouldn't want anything to come through wet fabric - or maybe make a wet fabric test with several layers and then decide the plan?

[@elfieblue3175]

Another good material to make this wrap is supple fish leather. Wet fish leather clings to skin like latex in the water; you have to peel it off. It works best for the less-hirsute people. The problem is getting the fish leather.

[@demonicbunny3po]

The test fitting, I kinda liked the look of the asymmetric coverage.

[@Lillyluri]

It's so funny that it's you from whom I learn about Bernadette's Skillshare content, rather than from herself. It fits to her well, though.

[@shellnet411]

I would use a modern lining and then do the linen over top of it as a covering for the aesthetics find a cheaper pair of underwear that you don't mind cutting up and just cut this side and make your pattern easier faster

[@Boony_34C]

All my sewin is done by hand... Im glad theres actual classes out there on this tailorin skill 👍

[@OpusX2010X]

Great video and excellent guest! Hope you all have a blast and can't wait to see the content

[@wednes3day]

Damn it looks good underwater and in use! ❤

[@lurchvater2387]

At most german larps you are expected to go into the Zuber naked, mixed gender and usually they are not blocked off from sight. Its fairly common to walk besides a party in a Zuber, talk to them, bring them stuff (for ingame money) or that they wave a crossing bard to play something for them. Its a quite puplic experience. But nobody cares. I have never seen someone watching the Zuber or people going in and out. And even if, the ZUber staff would do something about it. Also, its mandatory to shower before you enter the Zuber, most Zuber-Camps have showers in Camp, or at least good washing areas. For a lot of groups it is custom to keep hats on in the Zuber. So you are not fully naked :D And, depending on the Zuber rules, bring drinks to get hammered in the warm water :D

[@IsNotAPipe]

I love this! I’d love to see more textile projects. Tbh I came to this channel for the textile projects, so it’s always good to see them pop up again

[@bmobert]

This was fascinating! And it's a wonderful design, too! Thank you both!

[@MechaBorne]

Ah man I already made a swimming koteka with a left over gourd and some hemp twine, but great episode!

[@AutumnFictions]

Kit just makes a Skillshare videos with all of the skills he's built up over the years... except metal working. jkjkjkjkjk Honestly though, a solid leatherworking basics type video would be epic. You have videos on the channel of course, but they are all surrounding particular projects where you learn different lessons with each. A place to gather the basics and knowledge learned from those lessons would be, as previously stated, epic.

[@quinnaustin3233]

I absolutely love the energy these 2 have together! I know it's not necessarily feasible, but I hope we get to see more of her on the channel in the future.

[@terrybartleywriter]

That looks great! Very Rey from Star Wars

[@NemFX]

More stuff like this please.

[@metajock]

I'm always amazed by those of you who can do patterns. Good job.

[@mrkultra1655]

Excellent work. You have really great skill with fabric, that’s for sure.

[@LaineyBug2020]

Congrats Rachel!

[@ashcartoa6143]

Glad to see you bringing more people on, even if it's only for once. I definitely loved the snark from Rachel, it was very entertaining. As a person who has never been to a larp and genuinely dislikes to be under water, this was an interesting video to watch. Very well done.

[@BowsettesFury]

That was pretty cool. Compliments her frame and muscle tone too. Kinda feels like we could this design some where back in history and yet still looks modern. 👍

[@jannikf2504]

Good on you for supporting fellow youtubers while supporting us supporting you

[@anthonywestbrook2155]

The bottom piece is very similar to the "thu" worn by men on the island of Yap (from my second-hand understanding; my brother lived there and explained it to me).

[@TrueSighted]

She's great. Fun episode.

[@zetsumeimaru]

A bathhouse dress would have been great for this project.

[@sageandstone8977]

We would watch your Skillshare for sure!

[@MattHooker]

this is fantastic. I could tell instantly from the thumbnail what it was inspired by!

[@Lihweja]

Awesome idea! It looks great! But I went to german ren faires quite a bit and usually those bathing houses are for nude bathing. I 'dont know how it is at conquest though. In any case I hope you find some body of water to splash around in and have some fun wearing this outfit

[@Glimmlampe1982]

The same, typically it's a nude thing, like saunas.

[@HikuroMishiro]

Neat, and she picked a great source for inspiration. I'll have to echo some other comments and wonder if she also has a youtube channel, since she does seem natural in front of the camera. But maybe larp people are just naturally extroverted and adaptive to it. As a side note to save some time/extra precaution one could just wear a modern bathing suit as a base, then have something like this as a wrap around.

[@krisb294]

4:30 in and hearing that it was a cotton blend... Yeah, that was it's downfall. Sorry hun. For anyone wondering, cotton absorbs moisture and holds on to it, while hemp & linen will absorb moisture as well but then will try to get rid of it quickly. Not only will this help with drying faster, but also for staying cool in the heat and for not getting as smelly going a long time at events without proper washing.

[@johnsullivan6560]

That was dope! No, really interesting, explained well, without to much sewing jargon. I enjoyed seeing the design changes and why they were made. Clear water would haves helped! I would have liked to see it modeled both dry and wet. How long did it take to dry and did it shaft any while drying? How expensive was the fabric and where did you score it?

[@leafeonstorms1021]

the stretching thing you were talking about (around minute 22) that is often a tension thing.

[@thedeaderer8791]

Great I'd that most ppl probably don't think to make but it's perfect. And please please please have Rachel on again ur guys on screen bantering is amazing

[@schmucklesux6468]

That turned out pretty slick

[@issinho]

Awesome!!!

[@Orodben]

Hey, I just found your channel and started binge watching. I have a comment about a bathing suit in medevial times. It is called a skin suit. People weren't as prude as today and didn't care about being naked. I understand you need one if you are being filmed and the video would be shown in the US. But if you want to 'travel in time' - realise you are as beautiful/ugly as everybody else and get comfortable with being naked in public. :) Love your content!

[@tobiasprice5378]

I would love to see more of Rachel on the channel. The interaction between you two is so much fun!!!

[@ColinDagwell]

That was a dope episode!

[@zacharylindahl]

Really cool sewing techniques! I'd love to see a guy's version based off of those one piece "strong man" style swimsuits they used to wear

[@markfergerson2145]

What she made is pretty close to your stereotypical “loincloth” except for the side ties. It should be easily adaptable.

[@LaineyBug2020]

If you get jersey knit linen it's naturally more stretchy.

[@seandevine3695]

Rachel is kind of awesome. You should definitely have her on more. She’s great on camera.

[@TheLord0Ice0Wind]

This was awesome

[@storyspren]

Dope does say it all, AND it's a pun too since we're working with hemp here! (I'm aware that the strains grown for fiber are low in THC but it is the same species)

[@-Slinger-]

I love your channel, we can learn so much from you. A real treasure trove of knowledge. That being said, hand over the channel to Rachel please.

[@marshallerickson493]

I’d love to watch your skill share class, so long as it isn’t about metal casting

[@porkchopulator]

That's pretty slick! I wish i had the room to sew in my apartment. I'd love to start making my own clothes. It's difficult enough to find the room to hand sew all my leather projects.

[@jennglow4647]

Very cool 😀

[@DrachenGothik666]

It's a nice design! Now, all I think it needs is some colour, maybe a spot of embroidery to brighten up the grey-beige? 💖

[@Certawin]

Okay lol, it was the ovals comment that got me. And realized that yeap. She can handle her own. And poke fun in jest. Nice work as well. Have a great trip.

[@sebby_kat7215]

This Sew dope! But I agree this is really cool and educational 😉.

[@lorrosdorborin4790]

As someone hoping to eventually be able to start getting into leathercrafting, I would watch the SHIT outta your skillshares on the subject. Also, ya do great stuff, always love watchin yer vids. Keep leveling up, you.

[@IgnizAnima]

Dope is such a dope word. I too use it a lot. Maybe it's an 80s baby thing.

[@lilalicat32]

Just an FYI for anyone...there is a 15th century bra and underwear you could model a swimsuit on. Look up the Lengberg Bra. It might be good for busty individuals like me. 😊

[@jmoneyjoshkinion4576]

FOR THE ALGORITHM!!! Time to watch a good video!

[@LaineyBug2020]

Oof, even I felt that metal casting comment!

[@kameljoe21]

Super!

[@toddmc1012]

She is beyond talented. And she has amazing muscular arms. 💪🏻

[@greenevegiebeast]

You need more guests like her. Not only is she better looking. She likes to pick on you as well!!😂

[@sarahrosen4985]

30 seconds in and THIS is going to be fun!🎉

[@frankm2343]

I would so watch a leather working skill share

[@vbuongiorneable]

Rachel, send your arm routine 🤩🤩🤩

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

its a great project. Sadly many if not most Zuber Houses dont allow any textile. Still hope you had a nice Zuber Experience on Conquest and you guys come back next year

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Could we possibly get a picture of the back in the description? I'd love to make one, but I couldn't quite picture how the back straps wrapped.

[@oakmaiden2133]

Awesome guns lil sister! Yeah I’m talking about those biceps. Go kick butt!!!😊

[@charlottesmith4493]

Love all your videos just a little insight you can go to a Goodwill or Salvation Army . And pick up sheets bedsheets and you can us those to make your pattern before you cut into your good material

[@jurgenruttlowsky3302]

At Conquest, everybody is nude in the Tubs.

[@SkillTree]

Well then..... there is that🤣. Would have been a MUCH easier project.

[@beckymurphy4714]

So...would that be SkillShareTree, or SkillTreeShare? Rachel rocks! (Snark was on *point*!) Loved seeing how she worked out the design, and that she wanted the swimsuit to be "in character." The bottom piece seems to be a modified breechcloth. Very well designed outfit and great tutorial.

[@Nixon665]

You guys coming up to Bico this year?