Organized by: Justin "J'ortsa" Thibeault
Makers Space is a View series about interviewing the makers, crafters, and artificers of the Realms and sharing their creations with everyone! I know I take pride in my work so I know you all must as well. That being said, how often do you get to humbly (or not so humbly) brag about your creations, so this is your outlet! Tell me everything!!
1. What is your OOC name?
Maria Carr
2. What is your character's name?
Liselle Silvermaple
3. What crafting mediums do you typically work in?
Fabric (Sewing), Embroidery, Vinyl, Fabric Paint, Yarn
All photos provided by Maria
4. What is your favorite medium to work with? Why is it your favorite?
Fabric by far. I love how there are so many different patterns there are to sew and how fabric can change the look of a pattern. Also, many of my other mediums are just different ways to dress up my fabric.
5. What is the most challenging part of working with this medium for you? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging part is the same reason that I love it, the different kinds of fabric. Some stretch or are smooth and silky, thick or delicate and with that are different methods of how to handle each one from changing tension on my Sewing machine and/or serger and to figuring out which fabrics will work best with iron on vinyl and embroidery. I have overcome this with lots of trial and error and I am still learning new tricks and methods all the time.
6. What is the piece you are most proud of? Why?
The piece I am most proud of is the formal garb I made for Shandar. On the day I received my gold wolf, I presented Shandar with a formal doublet in Invictus colors that had detachable sleeves and a side cape. The unique part about this is that the inside is lined with studded leather. It was an interesting challenge as it was the first time that I had done anything with garment grade leather and studs.
7. What is the piece you have done most recently that you are allowed to share? Tell us about it!
Recently, I was commissioned to make Rhiassa new tabards. Jason wanted a new style of tabard that had a split in both the front and the back as well as ties on the side. The entire tabard is lined in one inch bias tape.
8. What is the earliest piece you made? How long ago did you make it?
It’s hard to recall what I made early on in my garb making career since it spans 27 years. Also, back in the day I took pictures with a camera and 35mm film, so I don’t have many digital pictures of my early works. The earliest piece I can remember making is a dark blue doublet with silver trim that I made for Nate/Aelias in early 2000’s, so roughly 20ish years ago. It’s still around and my brother, Antonio/Mistral, wore it to Black and White last year.
9. What medium do you wish to learn more about or have been interested in?
I am looking into doing more with leather.
10. What advice do you have for the rest of the community when it comes to crafting and making?
That it takes many years, hours, failed projects and lots of practice to get good at a craft. I once made a dress that I was so excited about, and it didn’t work out as it ended up being too big. I was very frustrated because of this and didn’t sew for about 6 months. What did I learn, and my best advice for anyone who is learning how to sew…make a mockup first so you make sure it fits and then adjust from there.
11. What inspires you to do what you do?
When people see the garb they have requested and put it on, they become so excited and that makes me feel so good. It’s also inspiring to see items I have made, still being worn.
12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?
My goal is to help create a more immersive experience one piece at a time whether it’s a by making a banner, favor or garb for myself or for others.
Many of the things I have made for the game over the years have been tabards and banners, embroidered sashes and favors. I made tabards for Mythguard, back in the day, worked with Diana/Kiira to make the new Invictus tabards and most recently for Rhiassa.
Right now, I am working on a big project that I can’t talk about just yet, but it will be seen at an upcoming event before the end of the season.
12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?
My goal is to help create a more immersive experience one piece at a time whether it’s a by making a banner, favor or garb for myself or for others.
Many of the things I have made for the game over the years have been tabards and banners, embroidered sashes and favors. I made tabards for Mythguard, back in the day, worked with Diana/Kiira to make the new Invictus tabards and most recently for Rhiassa.
Right now, I am working on a big project that I can’t talk about just yet, but it will be seen at an upcoming event before the end of the season.