Faire Ladies, Faire Lords

Quality, American-Made Renaissance Costumes

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The June List

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Hello everyone! Its been a while since I posted, I know. Let’s catch up, then talk about The June List! I hope everyone had a great spring. I did, and my shop at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire did as well. The best part? Seeing so many returning patrons from seasons past and from online interactions here too. Seriously, faire is my happy place. I also met some wonderful new patrons, made new friends and can’t wait to do it again next season.

So, you may have heard about the June List for special orders at Faire Ladies, Faire Lords shop this season. Every year it seems I’ve got more special orders incoming. I can’t help it, I really enjoy the work and knowing that my customers are getting something they want specifically makes me happy. What I’m doing is corralling all the work into a set block of time to keep me from derailing my studio production schedule. And, one of those blocks of time is the June List. There is also a December list, but that’s another whole blog post. 🙂

Another bit of news is that I’m working this summer with apprentices! I finally figured out how to use social media to recruit apprentice helpers that are super motivated about learning design skills and how to run a studio. These eager young folks are helping with cutting, stitching, and basic work duties to build their skills AND give me a helping hand fulfilling the orders on the June List. Win win. Be still my heart! I am being cautiously optimistic.

Last bit of news, if you’ve placed an order with me since end of March 2023 and it was a backorder or special order item – I’ve got you! We are cutting, we are sewing, we are making all the things. You probably already know who you are, but feel free to contact me to clarify info if you need it. I’m always happy to hear from you.

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Its the beginning of my ‘summer break’ aka inventory build for Northern Faire coming in September. I am lurking here at home with my smoking hot husband, fuzzy doggo and the floofcat.  Weekends I tend to my garden and hope for warmer weather.  You can find me here via email, on Facebook, and more blog posts too.

Ciao!

Those amazing linen shirts

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All last year there was a shortage of those amazing linen shirts. No matter how fast I worked, I could not keep enough in stock to keep you folks supplied. This year, I have a plan. I’m  making more inventory, sooner. Inventory for the website AND the booth at faire. Double the number of white linen shirts, and if all goes as planned, about 30% by volume over all.

stacks of folded linen shirtsSo far at this end of January, I’ve got tan linen shirts done, small sizes in white 100% finished, and the larger sizes of white are ready in a week or so. Next will be the stone grey color. And, I’ve updated the webstore with the tiny amount of inventory left from the fall, a few small sized stone grey shirts, a 3x in olive linen too.

Sorry to report, there’s probably not going to be black linen in stock this spring. I’m having issues with my supplier and the quality of fabric they sold me is unacceptable. I’m sure we’ll get things worked out, but probably not in time for spring faire..

So, the plan is for YOU to get these amazing linen shirts while they’re hot! Yes, you could (and should) pre-order so I’ve got up to the minute info on inventory needs. They are the same price as last year so that’s a bonus too.

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Its the middle of my ‘winter break’. I still have weekends at home with my smoking hot husband, and I tend to my garden too.  I plan to be at The Renaissance Pleasure Faire in the spring of 2023, on Clothier’s Row. Look for the red/yellow striped roof and my RenLady logo signage. Meantime, you can find me here via email, on Facebook, and more blog posts.

Faire Ladies, Faire Lord shop

Children’s renaissance costumes

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YES! You read that right, children’s renaissance costumes are coming back to my regular offerings in the booth this Spring 2023. Its been a while, I think two or three years. And conditions are right (again) for expanding my faire inventory with these hard to find pieces. Keep reading below to get the full story.

I got an intern this year! If you look at my facebook page, you’re likely to have seen me posting about that. Her name is Kayla and she comes to me by way of a referral from a faire friend we have in common. She sews, she’s artistic, motivated and best of all we get along well. She assisted me with the summer inventory build and also acted as my #2 at the booth during the fall faire season. All this and she wants to learn the business too. Huzzah!

So, one of the ways I know to teach sewing techniques and methods for adult costume is by making children’s versions of the garb. It makes sense, right? And it works well. I’ve done it before with students and its a win-win for both parties. They gain new skills, I gain salable children’s costume.

This past month or so, we’ve been taking commissions for custom work from clients. Like I do now and again. And one of my longtime friend/clients/faire buddies asked for an outfit for his new baby child. Said child will be a year old in the spring and *needs* a little outfit. This is what we came up with, its got room to grow and so so cute! Posted with permission from mom and dad of course. Dress, chemise, and a little biggins cap.

Even if your child isn’t as ridiculously photogenic as this baby, I’m certain we’ll be creating some great picture moments for you and your family at faire next year. Its going to stay simple; shirt, chemise, biggins, pants, vests, and little dresses. All will be made of linen and washable and fun.

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Kayla and I plan to be at The Renaissance Pleasure Faire in the spring of 2023, on Clothier’s Row. Look for the red/yellow striped roof. Meantime, you can find me here via email, on Facebook, and more blog posts.

Fall renfaire season is done!

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I’m home finally, the Fall renfaire season is done! It was a great season at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. I had new staff, lots of product, and the crowds were THICK. So many attendees in fact, that the Saturday of the final weekend they closed the gates to entrants. Wow.

So, as many of my regular patrons know, I’ve been short handed for a while. Lets just say its hard to find qualified help that are willing AND able. I went through a few booth helpers over the recent years, none were quite the right fit. That changed this season. I got a referral from a friend (thank  you Rachel) about a young lady with the right skills and I got in touch. Well, we hit it off! So much so that she’s interning with me as well as helping out in the booth. Then, quite by happenstance this past Spring I asked a patron if he wanted a job at Northern. He thought a moment, then said YES and that is SO awesome. They are both smart, charming and easy on the eyes. I’m beyond excited and so very hopeful these will work out to long term arrangements. So, everyone meet Kayla and Ezekiel.

       

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Now that my 2022 faire season is done, its time for restocking the website AND taking special orders. This is your big moment. If you want that martina vending at renfairespecial shirt, or doublet, or gown, you need to get in touch with me asap. Kayla and I are working on special and custom orders until the end of the year ONLY. After that its inventory fill only. In fact, we are already working on inventory fill – linen and cotton shirts are the first up for cutting/sewing. I’m estimating that the first new drops of shirts will be in December. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL FAIRE STARTS TO ORDER A SPECIAL SHIRT. I’m really trying my best to hook you folks up, but I need you to work with me on the schedule. You know who you are, friend. 🙂

Thanks everyone for a fantastic year. I know I worked super hard on making this year solid. I appreciate you all. See you soon at faire!

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Also, have I mentioned you can find me on Facebook? Its a bit wonky these days (thanks Zuk) but I do check in there regularly. Ciao!

 

 

Summer restocking programs

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Its time for a status on the summer restocking programs, yes?

Wow!!! Spring renfaire season was exciting! To say that our return to faire was enthusiastic is a huge understatement. And thus as many faire enthusiasts know, inventories are low to gone for most wares. Vendors like me are scrambling hard to meet the needs of loyal patrons. And its been difficult, just saying. Delivery interruptions and labor shortages are affecting my shop just like the rest of the world. Fear not! I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Good news: Cotton shirts with pleated collars (and without) are in stock. Doublets are beginning to be added to the shop in Royal Blue and Black. More to come steadily through the summer. Shoes, yes lots of them and lots of socks too. Breeches are starting their first round of cutting this month of July. Bloomers in July. August is for ladies skirts, bodices, kirtles, gowns. Fingers crossed everyone, nobody jinx this okay? LOL

Linen shirts are expected in hand SOON. HUZZAH! I cut a huge batch in June, and my team member is doing amazing work finishing the final bits. So, if you are one of the ones waiting for a shirt – get ready. Your order is important to me. I have not charged your card, and will not until its time to ship. Plus, I’m gonna send you a little something extra for being patient. Because I care.drafting tools and a pattern

All this summer restocking programs work is aimed at filling two needs; my upcoming season at Northern California Renaissance Faire and keeping a healthy online inventory. Its happening, its working, huzzah!

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Thank you for reading my Blog. I appreciate your reading and your patronage so very much! Did you also know its pretty easy to keep up with my writing if you Get the Insider’s Newsletter? You can also find me on Facebook. And as always, I will see you at faire!

Pre season sale at Southern Faire

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Greetings to all my friends and patrons! I’m having a pre season sale at Southern Faire. Its finally feasible, I have a great new booth, and have been working like a mad woman for the past 4 months to make inventory for the new season. I’ve revamped a few patterns, and added 2 new styles to the line. I promise, there will be a good amount of stuff for you to see and purchase for the season.

I plan to bring as much of my faire costuming inventory as possible. Some items just aren’t ready yet, but I’ve got a lot of good stuff. Additionally, I will be bringing non-approved items like my fabulous socks and brocade fabric pockets. And, as an extra fun thing, I am bringing my clothing line inventory. Its fabulous, and you should check out the website at the least.

This pre season sale is for all the participants at RPFS and is not open to the public. It will be held the Saturday and Sunday prior to Opening Weekend. The dates are April 2nd and 3rd. The booth is located on Costumers Row, on the southeast side of the event. Look for that red and yellow roof. The sketch here is from 2020 season.

All pre season sales are discounted 10% for cash, and the clothing items, socks and non-approved items are available only on this weekend. They go home on Sunday and cannot be purchased from the booth during faire.

So please, stop by during your Dress Rehearsal weekend and say HI. I’ll be there working on making fixtures and dressing the booth. I’m planning to have a new booth helper there too, Darren. We’ll be keeping things casual, since it is a build weekend.