Faire Ladies, Faire Lords

Quality, American-Made Renaissance Costumes

kids costume

Faire Season is Upon Us!

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Like the title says, Faire season is upon us! Out here on the west coast, The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is about what, 5 weeks away? Build starts in about 2 weeks. Here online its time for sneak peeks and teasers. This year like every year, is a mix of new styles and everyone’s ‘favorites for a reason’. I think we can all agree there is never too much of a good thing.

Favorites for a Reason

First up, those amazing linen shirts are back in offwhite, stone, black 100% linen, and red. PLUS there is a selection of them loaded on the website already. Because showing up to faire already looking fine is awesome. Mens doublets, YES. I’ve changed sewing teams and I am really pleased with the quality of these doublet vests. Likewise the buttonfly Venetian Breeches are back too – I made a few tweaks to the pattern and I’m sure everyone will be thrilled.

a child's renfaire dress on a hanger

Ladies, this year is about more bodices, more gowns! I’ve got a small selection of bodices already online, and more coming. If you haven’t seen the plaid Irish Dress online yet,check this out!  Also, plans for closed front gown are underway, in a bold blue and the infamous Goose Turd Green. March is going to be busy for sewing! I’ve got new colors of Bloomers one of which is a black 100% linen, and a stash just for the website.

Bringing forgotten styles back to the booth:

martina in the studio Styles from years past that come and go, and are back in the booth inventory! Flat caps! Because you’ve been asking me to bring this back and I finally was able to make time and get them cut in LINEN. I’ve even got childrens sizes. Which leads me to CHILDREN’S RENFAIRE COSTUMES. Its been a while since I had a large selection, so I brought a few pieces back to the booth inventory last year. Things went well. This year I’m doing much more. These are not on my website – yet. Little Irish dresses, skirts, pants and shirts, biggins and hats!

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And so, if you have questions about the faire or any of the items in my online shop, please reach out and get in touch. I’m here to help, so use this link and shoot me an email. I can also be found on Facebook. I’m slogging it out in the studio cut cut cutting. Though, I will respond to you within 1 business day usually. Better yet, drop in to say HI at the booth this coming April and May. I will post updates about my precise location after stakeout/build weekend.

 

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.