The Armor of Balin

This is my full set of armor. I worked on this set on and off for the better part of a year. The suit has been completed for quite some time now but I'm just now submitting it here. The full costume consists of many different pieces.
1) a helmet with chainmail aventail (pictured in a previous submission)
2) Chainmail sleeves. I because I was making a full suit, there are certain things under pieces that can't be seen, so there really is no point in making them. The chain mail only covers my arms and around my neck but gives the illusion of a full chainmail shirt.
3) A Red Tunic. Yes, I'm a guy that can sew, I made it myself. Red sueded fabric with black trim and red stiched.
4) Guantlets. Made of sheet metal and copper, these guantlets cover the back of the hand, wrist, and forearm.
5)The Curiass. Also known as the breastplate and backplate. The front and back are each made up of 3 articulating peices which overlap to provide maximum protection while allowing for more flexibility and a better range of motion than a single piece brestplate. The brestplate has decorative copper pieces riveted to the chest.
6) The Tassets. These are the upper leg protection that hang off of the brestplate.
7) The Grieves. These pieces, which can barely be seen in this photo, tie onto my shins to proctect the lower leg and knee.
8) The Cloak. Like I said, I can sew. I made a long black cloak that hangs down to my ankles. It is modeled after the elvish cloaks seen in Lord of the Rings, with a long pointed hood.
9) The Sword. I did not make this sword. It is a celtic short sword that I got that just happened to go very well with the suit. Besides, what is a knight without a sword.

The picture was taken at the Georgia Renaissance Festival last summer (Yes, it was really freaking hot!). The shopkeeper at one of the jewelry shops was so impressed with my armor, he gave me the honor of sitting on his throne for a picture. While I was there I had tons of people ask to get their picture with me.
Now, I have a girlfriend and she is one of the most amazing women in the world. I love her. But for all you single guys out there, let me say this; Chicks Dig the Armor. Girls are always looking for their knight in shinning armor. I had tons of girls asking to get pictures with me. Make your own armor, and go to a festival. They ask for a picture, you ask if they would like to join you for a turkey leg. Maybe you'll find your own fair maiden or damsel in distress.