Faire Ladies, Faire Lords

Quality, American-Made Renaissance Costumes

Faire Ladies Faire Lords

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!

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.

       

+++ What’s Next?

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!

 

 

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.

Sneak Peeks

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Hello everyone! This blog post is to give you a bit of a costuming sneak peek to pique your interest (haha did you see what I did there?) in the coming spring faire season. Lets talk about new fabrics and new designs for 2022 at Faire Ladies, Faire Lords.

First are the lovely lilac stripes you see in the picture. This sneak peek is all about bloomers. Yes, the linen bloomers are back I am planning them in 3 colors – grape, lilac and ivory stripe, and ivory. That stripe fabric is so sweet, its a linen/cotton blend and a nice lightweight too. Imagine wearing those lovely bloomers with a lilac or ivory color half chemise.

Next sneak peek is a new dark grey in my mid-weight linen blend, pictured below. I’m planning its first style for the menfolks and Venetian Breeches is a nice choice. I envision color blocking with an offwhite shirt, the dark grey breeches. It is a neutral palette which gives a lot of leeway for adding other colors to a man’s costume. Also a bonus, the dark grey is easy to keep looking nice and cleans easily in case of misadventure. LOL

Third sneak peek is a Pirate Jerkin for the menfolks. It is a deep scarlet color and features a Vneck with no collar. This is an experimental style, and like everything I create is about the line and cut of the garment, not so much about trims and fussy details. I’m hoping it catches on. If so, there will be other colors in future seasons. Sorry, no photos yet.

Recap

4 bolts of fabricThis spring season will see a lot of neutral colors and spring colors for women and men’s costume. I’m building inventory in new-ish styles like short Chemises, and the new Jerkin. There are plans for more styles, stripes, and surprises. Like all plans I make they are not certain until everything comes together; time, fabric, sewing and the million other details that are part of the development process.

Finally, for those who are fans of the over the knee socks I carry – at this time they are now available only online. I am not juried to carry them at Southern so be sure to get them in my online costume store early. I don’t want you to be without.

Yes –  Faire Ladies, Faire Lords will be at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, CA. You should be there too. New booth, new staff, new designs, and as always lots of fun. I’m hoping for Sunday Lunch With Friends to become a tradition.

+++Patrick and I

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? Anybody who reads so thoroughly deserves a nice reward, like a discount coupon for my website. Hint, Hint. You can also find me on Facebook. And as always, I will see you at faire!

Meet my booth manager trainee!

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RenFaire opens this weekend at Casa de Fruita outside of Hollister, CA this weekend! Anticipation is high, there’s more stuff to do than hours in the day to do them. Me, I am out the door this Friday morning. Putting the last touches on my booth and filling the shelves with my awesome renfaire costumes. But I am not taking this all on alone. I have a manager trainee for the booth! Everyone, meet my booth manager trainee, Alicia!

headshot of AliciaAlicia is new to me, but not new to faire. She has worked a solid 12 seasons so far. In food booths, even in the reptile zoo. Perseverance! She came to me in response to a post I made about needing help, and let me know she wants to learn. To be trusted to do things like handle money. To be more than just a body. I’m thinking this is just about perfect. I have been hoping for someone I can train up and rely on.

Opening weekend is our big training opportunity. She’ll be learning all the things, from merchandising to setup to closing. Its a lot, but she’s smart and I’ve got a lot of confidence in her already. Alicia is getting a bit of a ‘trail by fire’ during this first season. I’m going to be offsite the 2nd weekend and that means she’s In Charge. Yes, she’s taking the helm and going for it. Solo, baby!

So, please do stop by the booth and meet my booth manager trainee. Come out and show her what a great, kind group of customers and patrons I’ve got. It will be a good time. My booth is placed on Costumer’s Row, between Tickle Thy Fantasy and Heart’s Delight. I could not ask for a better spot. Bonus, my neighbors are really great people. Bonus Plus, I’ve got garden produce to give away.

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You know that I appreciate your reading and your patronage, yes? Did you also know its pretty easy to keep up with my writing if you Get the Insider’s Newsletter? Anybody who reads so thoroughly deserves a nice reward, like a discount coupon for my website. Hint, Hint. You can also find me on Facebook.

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.

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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