Since time immemorial, dwarves have always been a fixture in the myths and sagas of any culture—no wonder that they have an inherent place in fantasy literature as well. For this project, Victoria May of ”Maykätzchen Costumes” used a set of Burgschneider’s garments to fashion an intriguing costume for a dwarven warrior.
Collar Alex: I shortened the collar to make room for my plate pauldrons while making sure to retain the basic square shape. After that, I used thick yarn to add some embroidery.
Birka coat Siggi: I detached the sleeves so that the sleeves of the undertunic could still be seen (layered look). I also shortened the coat by a few inches, in order to visually compress the wearer’s appearance, before embroidering it with geometrical patterns and attaching a wide band made from woolen fabric to the lower seams.
Pinafore dress Jodis: I shortened the dress a little bit as well and cut out a godet from the middle of the front so I can wear it under my chainmail, which precisely follows the hemline of the dress.
What was changed?
Beard and cap: a beard, of course, is crucial for a dwarf. and the cap further defamiliarizes the head shape. The beard is from Maskworld, and I sewed the cap myself.
- Plate pauldrons: By Thoradin Ambolt’s farriery on Facebook
- Broad leather belt: By Luzys Pirate Leather (https://lpl-shop.de/de/)
- Bracers: Bought at the Drachenfest, I don’t remember from whom.
- Gloves: So the hands don’t fall off. I’ve owned these since I was a child.
- Gaiters: By Runa-Rian (http://www.runa-rian.de/)
- Velvet coat with chain: Handmade coat, chain from a home improvement store, clasps by Burgschneider.
Outfit in progress
The final result
About the creator
Victoria May
I have always been intrigued by exotic cultures and characters, and I am convinced that even rookies—with the help and dedication of experienced LARPers—are capable to create something exceptional.
In 2016, in addition to LARP, I started cosplaying und depicted—among others—Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean), Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Melisandre (Game of Thrones). In 2018, I finally fulfilled my long-cherished wish and designed my first elvish character based on Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, while, at the same time, I was also working on a costume for a feline creature. I love drafting costumes and creating something new in an unconventional fashion, so I taught myself sewing and embroidery.
I have been wearing homemade fantasy clothing and accessories since 2017, primarily, of course, for dwarves. Thus, “dwarvenizing” the clothing by Burgschneider was a welcome challenge and a great opportunity to show how—even without extensive sewing skills—it’s possible to create a compelling dwarf costume.
