50 Times People Didn’t Have To Go Shopping And Made Their Own Awesome Things, As Shared In This Online Sewing Community (New Pics)

Johan, aka u/YohanXQsme, told Bored Panda all about his knight outfit that went viral on r/sewing. "The time spent planning takes the longest. Inspiration can't be forced. Additionally, lots of considerations need to be taken into account. I must be able to fight in it, it must be warm/cold enough to wear outside, and of course the look itself," he explained that he looked for inspiration on Google.

"Most of the pictures had a chainmail skirt, but I know the oil would ruin my robe, so I decided to use an underdress instead," he said that he adapted the designs he found to suit him best.

"Once that was done, and I had the money, I bought the fabric from a friend who owns a fabric shop. After that, making the actual robe and hood took a total of 10 hours. It's a really easy pattern, so it was not much trouble making it," the LARP enthusiast shared with us.

He noted that he didn't forge the armor himself, as that would be extremely difficult to do. For one, you'd have to invest in some very specific tools. "The armor is real iron, and in total (including the helmet which is not in the picture) it weighs about 30 kilograms [66 pounds]. That's besides the fabric. In total, it is around 35 kilograms [77 pounds] or more."

Johan added that walking around in the armor isn't as hard as you might think. "Proper weight distribution makes all the difference. Ideally, the only body part to be under more stress should be your legs, since they have to carry the extra weight no matter what. The only downside is your sprint speed is limited, but apart from that, you still maintain all your mobility. That being said, after a few hours, you do get tired. Good exercise though!"

Johan, from Denmark, shared how he got into live action role-playing in the first place. He said that he was first introduced to LARP at an event that was hosted by his local commune. He then got some of his friends who already did LARP and they all went on to do a campaign, a monthly event. "Then I never stopped," he told Bored Panda. "I've visited so many LARPs, and I don't intend to stop."

"My passion comes from the creative side of LARPing, not just making cool outfits," Johan explained that a core part of his hobby is expressing yourself through the characters you play. The only limit is your imagination.

"I can be a noble knight who will do anything to stop the evil of the world. Or I can be a bard who cares only for wine and women. Or I can be a pirate, seeking his own fortune, no matter the cost to others. Sure, it started as an escape from reality, but now it is a way to express and explore the different sides of me, and test my limits as an actor and warrior! Also, the community is a strong and loving one. I have never seen such inclusive people, making sure everyone feels welcome. No matter your gender, religion, or the color of your skin. That keeps me motivated."

LARP expert Johan shared some advice for anyone who feels like it's something they'd love to do but are a bit scared of taking the first step. "The best advice for someone who is new is to just get out and try it! Contact the local GM (gamemaster or event organizer) and ask them if you can try it out. Most places have some gear you can borrow, so make sure to ask them. If you love it, then go buy some basic stuff: a weapon, a shirt, some pants, and a belt with a weapon holster. Don't spend everything on a full suit of armor or something like that, before you know this is something you wanna spend a good few years on. LARPing is a hobby. And hobbies are expensive."

He pointed out that quality costumes aren't a necessity for LARP. "It may vary from game to game and what their standards are, but just getting out there and having fun is the most important part. Of course, if you wanna look cool, then put some time into your gear. But remember, it is a journey, and you don't have to sprint it to win it!"

He added that he's currently hosting a campaign in Løsning. "This campaign is Danish, but I will attend Krigslive, which is the biggest international event in Denmark. The outfit [in my post on r/sewing] was actually made for last year's Krigslive, and I will wear it for the next one as well."