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Once again we are looking forward to our wonderful fall fair, TRF.   Now is the time to be thinking about garb. Who will you be this year?  Not only am I working on several outfits for fair I am now working on a couple of Victorian outfits for the Steam Punk crowd. I love bringing your ideas to reality. Can’t make up your mind on a pattern, because you love the sleeves on this one but you really like the bodice on that one, not a problem. I can piece patterns together to give you that one of a kind look. I think one of the things I enjoy most is the custom creation I produce for the individual. I don’t think any 2 garment have turned out exactly alike.  I have used the same fabric for several outfits but each one was made differently and thus is unique.  Clothing is such a wonderful way to express yourself!

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all of you who have been pleased enough with your new garb to refer me to your friends.  Other than my website and a few business cards I do not have any way of getting the word out that this is what I do so your referrals are the best advertising that a person could ask for.  I appreciate it greatly.

Now is the time to start thinking about garb for Scarborough Faire. I know April seems like a long way off, but it really isn’t! So for those of you who have been considering a new outfit, I am ready to start sewing! And remember in addition to garb, I also make pheasant fans and feather, beaded and other types of headpeices! I’m looking forward to see what creations emerge.

Although my specialty is Renassiance and medieval garb, I can and will make other types of outfits, though I prefer not to make modern clothes (especially those with zippers or lots of buttons).  I have made Capotes, Victorian dresses and cloaks as well as fairy, belly dancer and am willing to tackle other types of costumes.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me just because you don’t see a picture of exactly what you are looking for.

I normally suggest allowing 2 weeks for a complete outfit.  It usually doesn’t take quite that long but this allows for interruptions that life can throw our way.  Right before or during fair season, you might have to wait a bit longer depending on the number of customers in front of you.  Also you have to allow for fittings, so if you are unable to schedule more than one fitting a week, it is possible that your garb will be delayed while we wait for that fitting.   While rush jobs are possible (they will cost more) they are not reccommended.    The best time to order garb is 30-60 days prior to your anticipated fair date.

This is probably the question I get asked the most often. There isn’t just one answer as there are a lot of “it depends”. So to get you started here are the points that must be taken into consideration before purchasing your fabric.

1. What type of persona are you wanting to adopt. Do you want to be a wench or rogue, lady or lord, noble class or merchant,?

2. What style of outfit do you want. Look at the pattern books, look at the photos on various fair websites. Get an idea of the style you want to wear.

3. What time period…You wouldn’t find Velvet Tudor garb being worn in King Arthur’s court.

4. What season? Is it going to be hot or cool out?

5. What is your budget? I’ve made garb from fabric that cost 1.00 a yard and I’ve used fabric that cost up to 25.00 a yard.

Once you have those parameters defined then the right fabric is easy. Sometimes you have to search a little longer than others to find the right colors to go together but then shopping is half the fun.

For those who have never worn garb, it can be a bit daunting to put on a full court dress, complete with hoopskirt, corset, lace up bodice, petticoat, underskirt, overskirt, chemise, and sleeves. Those outfits that the “courts” or performers of Fairs wear are HOT and HEAVY. Most people don’t realize that a full outfit can weigh 25-30 lbs (or more) and that doesn’t include armor, chain mail or all of the accessories worn on the belts and carried, such as weapons, mugs, money pouches. Thus for the initiate I suggest they get something simple, lightweight and easy to wear. A good basic outfit for the ladies is a simple skirt, bodice and chemise, and for the guys, usually a pair of drawstring breeches or a kilt and a shirt. Vest or doublet can be added. If you choose colors that work well together you can add to your wardrobe a piece or two at a time and have several items that can mix and match thus creating several outfits.

Another season of sewing has begun. I look towards each piece as an artist might look at a blank canvas. I enjoy being able to create; finding the perfect look for each person. I find myself torn as to whether I prefer the client who knows exactly what they want, or the one who give me creative control. I enjoy going shopping to find the fabrics, finding the perfect color, texture, and material type that brings out the best in both the style of garment, the lines of the pattern, and will compliment the wearer as well. I select trims the way many women choose the jewelry they will wear. Each finished garment is a piece of wearable art. Each order is the vision of what a character will become. Last week, a noble lady of the Arthurian court, this week a Viking maiden; for it is the clothes that show others the persona we wish to adopt.

Beginning this week, I would also like to devote a space to answering your questions so please feel free to email me at fallonsfrocks@austin.rr.com