Faire Ladies, Faire Lords

Quality, American-Made Renaissance Costumes

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My summer plans

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My summer plans: Its time to get moving on my retail inventory. I am hopeful (read: twitching and running in circles like a toddler) to be boothing at Casa de Fruita in Northern California this fall. That website catalog isn’t gonna fill itself either. I need a better work/life balance than I had in the past few decades. And so, I am switching to ‘inventory build mode’ here in the studio.

What does that mean for you? It means that I’m not taking any custom or special orders for the near future. Unless otherwise already arranged (you ladies know who you are).

I’m hoping to develop and release a few new products this fall. I know it sounds simple, “just sew up a buncha stuff, it’ll take a day or so”. HAHAHHAAAAA! I wish. Its a lot of work to draft, test, fit, sample, and then grade a pattern block for something new. Even before starting the actual creation of sewn garments.

I’m planning to have a Womans Doublet, a plain partlette, and a new style of mens doublet too. And, I will be making the usual gowns, chemises, shirts, bodices, caps, and breeches and all the wonderful things I carry regularly off the rack.

Its busy, a good busy. I’m truly working on having a balance of work/life and this is a step in the proper direction. I think I’m working smarter, not harder this summer.

And those are my summer plans.

Reminder: I am looking for new booth help.

If you or someone you know is looking for work at faire and join my faire family, please let me know. I’m picky about booth workers though, so bring your best game. Literate, conservative looking, clever, motivated and preferably non-smoking. Able to sell, and do business transactions is very important. Physically able and willing to work on setup, merchandising, sales, all of it. If I had to pick the most important attributes I’d say the retail sales ability plus being upbeat and resilient. Everything else is learnable and can be arranged.

Patrick and I Renfaire is a lot of fun, and also a lot of work. Pay is weekend stipend and commission, plus food and camping/accommodation. I will help you with costuming. I’m all about work hard, play hard, no fear. We got this, and we are a family.

Meanwhile, please share this post with some friends and have them join my Insider’s Newsletter list by sending me a message. Insiders get neato discounts and coupons straight to their inbox as well as first notice of great things, like new products and events. You can also find me on Facebook.

Northern Faire is ON!

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Northern Faire is ON! Huzzah!

I got word late last week. The Northern California Renaissance Faire returns to Casa de Fruta for a full six weekends, starting September 18th through October 24th.

I have been a guest vendor at this show for a few years. Let me tell you, I had to work (aka beg) HARD for a decade to even get that far.

I’m hoping to pick up as many weekends as I can from Opening through Closing with only one weekend where I might need a manager in my place. Of course, I prefer to be later in the run, but I’m happy to be there any weekend. Any. Weekend. I can be very flexible about booth location and size too. New products, got them. I’ll do classes if necessary. Fully vaccinated, you betcha!

I am looking for new booth help.

If you or someone you know is looking for work at faire and join my faire family, please let me know. I’m picky about booth workers though, so bring your best game. Literate, conservative looking, clever, motivated and preferably non-smoking. Able to sell, and do business transactions is very important. Physically able and willing to work on setup, merchandising, sales, all of it. If I had to pick the most important attributes I’d say the retail sales ability plus being upbeat and resilient. Everything else is learnable and can be arranged.

Renfaire is a lot of fun, and also a lot of work. Pay is weekend stipend and commission, plus food and camping/accommodation. I will help you with costuming. I’m all about work hard, play hard, no fear. We got this, and we are a family.

Patrick and I Meanwhile, please share this post with some friends and have them join my Insider’s Newsletter list by sending me a message. Insiders get neato discounts and coupons straight to their inbox as well as first notice of great things. You can also find me on Facebook. HUZZAH! Northern Faire is ON!

Mom goes to renfaire

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Photo by Sydney Martin – thank you Sydney!!
Moms love renfaire

Are you one of those lucky people whose Mom goes to renfaire? With Mother’s Day coming right up, I wanted to put in a good word about things I make that I know will help convince your mom to come out and spend a day with you. If you’ve ever wanted to invite her to go to faire, now is the time. Everybody is so excited to spend quality time with their loved ones, so issue the invite and give her a gift for her that fits the occasion.

First up; clothing seems a very likely gift for your mom. Because I think we all agree that showing up in costume makes the adventure extra fun, extra amazing, extra extra. My personal recommendation, especially if your mom is a bit unsure is to get her a hat with a shady brim. Why? Well, you NEED a shade hat at faire. Its hot, sunny, dusty and heatstroke is not a great way to spend the day. Plus, its not a lot of $, but neither is it so expensive that you’re overdoing it. She can spend her shopping time finding feathers, pins, ribbons, all sorts of fun things to decorate your gift. OMG, get two and be twinsies!! Moms dig that kind of thing.

Second; accessories like a cloth pouch are also fun and easy. Again, this suggestion is based on affordability and practical use. What goes in pockets? Trinkets. And handses.. but mostly trinkets and there are a lot of them to see at renfaire. Now she can carry them away in triumph. You’re like the favorite child at this point.

Last, third, finally; think about a Gift Certificate. This gift is all about scalability. You can be frugal, you can be extravagant (think about that Favorite Child status), you can give her the gift of choosing the best costumes for herself. In her size, her favorite colors, all of it.

Meanwhile, please share this post with some friends and have them join my Insider’s Newsletter list by sending me a message. Insiders get neato discounts and coupons straight to their inbox as well as first notice of great things. You can also find me on Facebook.

Yes indeed, Mom goes to renfaire, because Mom always liked you best.

CA Relief Grant program for me? What?

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I got this email today: All parties have completed You have been selected! Your Grant Agreement from the CA Relief Grant program is here!

Hi Martina,

On behalf of the State of California, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to receive the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant. Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature announced this grant program on November 30, recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting health and economic crises have been extremely challenging for many Californians.  To that end, the hope is that these grant funds will help to alleviate your financial strain. Please click here for a special message from Governor Newsom about these funds.

Attached are your Grant Documents ready for signature. Please sign and return within the next 48-72 hours for processing. Please make sure that you have provided your bank information.  After receipt of your executed grantee agreement, grants funds will be awarded to you within 7 business days and can take up to 5 days to show in individual accounts depending on your bank.

Congratulations again for being selected for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant! Please know that the State of California is working hard to support you along with its network of small business partners on the ground.  For more resources, please click HERE.

++++++

Faire Ladies, Faire Lords
Surprise!

Assuming this isn’t a giant scam, I am stunned. I never win ANYTHING. Yes, I applied for this back in January. The odds of my business being selected were very small. I’m waiting for the other shoe, and/or a deposit into my bank. Either one will let me know if this is real.

Meanwhile, if you like my blog or like my costumes and want to keep in touch, please join my Insider’s Newsletter list by sending me a message. You’ll get neato discounts and coupons straight to your inbox as well as first notice of great things. You can also find me on Facebook.

~ Martina

On Quality; or, please don’t buy cheap imported costumes

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I saw such a sad thing online the other day. A woman had found this super cute top by a popular costume shop being advertised on a renfaire based group. The price was low, she bought two. She was so disappointed, she got cheap goods. Didn’t fit, flimsy, poorly made in India. I was disappointed for her. So, I’m going to share my thoughts on quality in renfaire costumes, what to do and how to get it. I’ve been doing this a long time, I think I can share with you and help everybody out.

Back in the stone age when I began in this industry, almost all renfaire or SCA costumes and historical clothing were handmade by independent stitchers or at most a small non-professional hobby group. That started to change in the early 2000’s. By 2009ish, there I was at a Halloween costume manufacturing convention, and there was this guy taking catalogs from folks and handing out his card. He was representing a manufacturer from India and his company wanted to get into the renfaire costume business. Pirates, too. Sure enough within a year or so the cheaply made goods started flooding into the US, from all over. It really changed the market.

It changed the kinds of people who sell costumes too. Now, all you need to set up shop is a good bank account and the ability to get accepted at renfaires that are not particular about promoting art, crafts, and artisans.

black guy tudor era cool hat
This is Bob. He got the good quality outfit that doesn’t fall apart and now has cash for an extra beer. He won’t wear cheap synthetic imports. Be like Bob and have a better life!

How to start?

The implications of this firstly, is that you have to be aware of whom you buy from. Pictures of young cuties with lots of boob showing are not necessarily going to get you something good to wear. Just saying. So, ask where are these made? Do you make them? Be nosy, be curious. A true craftsperson and artist is going to be so happy to talk to you about their favorite thing, you will not regret it. Be sure to ask if its prewashed for shrinkage.

I always advise people who want to dress up and don’t have a lot of cash to get creative and focus on quality. Borrow stuff, ransack the thrift store and find some treasure. Maybe scout around for something second hand from a renfaire online swap and your renfaire friends. You’re going to look and feel so much better than buying a cheapo import. Bonus: recycle reuse remake and you’re making the planet a better place too. Good job mah lil’ sparkle pony!

Natural fibers are important. You are gonna sweat a lot at an outdoor festival. Think long and hard about the implications of wearing a shiny taffeta skirt on uneven ground in 100 degree heat and 80% humidity. Yeah…

This next part is most important to remember. A great festival outfit evolves over time, it does not happen all at once. This means you SHOULD focus on quality, one piece at a time. You won’t have to replace it every few wears if you get the good shirt made of good cotton or linen by a local artisan. Save your nickels for the good stuff, and enjoy yourself along the way. Now you have the cash for an extra beer on your adventure day at the renfaire.

Faire Ladies, Faire LordsIf you like my blog and want to keep in touch, please join my Insider’s Newsletter list by sending me a message. You’ll get neato discounts and coupons straight to your inbox as well as first notice of great things. You can also find me on Facebook.

~ Martina

Renaissance Era Middle Class

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Now that I’m getting the hang of writing and sending out newsletters and blogs; I thought I’d re-publish some old gems like this, ‘Renaissance Era Middle Class’. I used to write a newsletter in 2000 through 2004. Lots of it is good stuff, written to promote interest in the middle-class renaissance people, one’s persona, and costuming.

The newsletter was and is about what can be done, definitely not about telling people what they cannot do. It is full of researched information on period style, society and the arts, and offers creative interpretations to enhance the experience of renfaire enthusiasts, SCA members, and now cosplayers. I think it bears memorializing in this format online, and I hope you enjoy. I have edited it a tiny bit for better reading.

I’ve added some new customers to the newsletter inner circle. If you are getting this email/blog for the first time, welcome aboard! I hope you find value in my writing. If not – that’s okay. Just message me and request to unsubscribe.

renaissance middle class woman
Goodwife in Fauentina Italy, Habitus Praciporum 1577

The Middle Class as a Social Entity

“It is the best of all estates; they live very nobly, can wear clothes fit for a king; they have falcons… fine saddle horses… when the knights are obliged to go to the army, the bourgeoisie stay in bed; when the knights go to be massacred in battle, the bourgeoisie go on swimming parties and picnics.”

by Renard le Contrefait, 14th Century

The middle class encompasses varying levels of social strata, from wealthy businessmen to small merchant – artisans alike.  All in all, the middle class can be defined as the ‘bourgeoisie’ (boo-zshwa-zee), or professional and freemen with no landed titles or noble blood.

The bourgeoisie begin to rise in prominence during the later Middle Ages, around 1200 AD.  It was during this time of increasing trade and productivity that freemen and townspeople became recognized as an independent social class.  Increased trading and exploration furthered this growth.

As the middle class grew wealthier, they attempted to imitate their ‘betters’ with their dress, deportment, and education. Sons that previously would have been trained in the family business were sent to college or university to achieve a noble education. The wealthier individuals became patrons of the arts; and everyone attempted to dress as expensively as they could!

By the time of the Renaissance, capitalism and trading opportunities in Europe and the New World had spurred the growth of a wealthy social class that exhibited political force, considerable financial power, and supported kings, emperors, and clergy through financial assistance and by means of trade and industry.

Members of the renaissance era middle class were Merchants, Bankers and Financiers, Dyers, Fullers, Bakers, Money-lenders, Ship’s Captains, Ship’s Owners, and Government employees just to name a few.  The variety of occupation and opportunity afforded to this portion of society is a reflection of the social flowering of Renaissance period itself.