Portrait of a Man in a Ruff
General
Costuming Resources
Patterns/Reference
Sites
Webmistress
Pick:
Men with
Big Hair; The Costume Movie Link Pages
This is an awesome site featuring breakdowns of historical movies
with all the "Ahs!" and "Faux Pas" of the
entertainment world! A++++
The
Mileux Costume Site This is an awesome and comprehensive site
for EVERYTHING! Ready made-patterns-supplies: You want it? It's
likely to be here.
The
Costumer's Manifesto A comprehensive index that I ran into
several times which trying to find 17th century costume info.
Eras
of Elegance - This site lives up to its name. It also uses
many pictures from popular culture/entertainment - so expect to
see some familiar faces here.
The
Costume Page One may see this page referenced a lot but it has
a lot to offer and does warrant some thorough investigation
The Great Pattern Review
A great site which offers reviews of many historical patterns and
their producers
Five Rivers Chapmanry A
wonderful pattern reference site. Extensive selection.
Reconstructing
History - Features Renaissance, 17 century, Irish, Scottish,
and Landsknecht on the way! They also
have some interesting information on Japanese fashion through the
ages (with some accompanying patterns on the horizon!)
Earthly
Delights
Sewing Central I
highly recommend them! Friendly, quick, and a good selection. She
doesn't do ren faires since people who attend faire USUALLY don't
want to make their own stuff - But do not let them slip you by! I
purchased my upcoming cavalier costume pattern from them
Lavolta Press - Lavolta
Press publishes high-quality books on historic costuming. They
sell to individual customers, retailers, wholesalers, and
libraries. They have been in business since 1993.
Amazon Drygoods -
What an absolute TREAT! Amazon Drygoods offers catalogs for
everything such as historical clothing patterns, home decor, and
even historical shoes. I have ordered their standard four catalogs
and shivered at the number of things I would be interested in
buying. They do specialize in Victorian period but do cover other
eras.
Dragonfly Design
Studio Dragonfly Design Studio also stocks patterns
Quick
and Easy Tabard/Tunic - [PDF file] Great for those who are not
sewing machine friendly :) Here's a fun way to make a
quick costume on short notice -
Thanks go out to Larry for finding this one!
1633-by Frans Hals
Historical
(Ready To Wear)
A
note about historical clothing: My definition of historical (as it applies
to this site and MOST perceptions) will fall into
more historical inspired. You will VERY RARELY find a clothier who sells
100% accurate reproductions. If I discover a place that will vouch for that
- I will make a note. The best way to get 100% accurate is to get a pattern,
do some research into time appropriate materials and go from there.
Excalibur Leather - I've also
mentioned them above. Check here for
Musketeer tabards of the 90s 'Man in the Iron Mask'! I am a long time customer
of theirs and did business with them before I discovered these gems!!
Pendragon Costumes Another example of great
workmanship.
Chivalry Sports A reasonably priced range of ready to wear Renaissance Garb
Dragonfly Design Studio Dragonfly Design Studio has a wonderful selection of items for Rennies AND great personal service.
Jekyl
the Hidesmith - Producing a wide array of good for the
Renaissance Faire enthusiast, this site was recommended to me for
their quality and their great customer service.
Jewelry and Accessories
Ladysmaid Jewels
- Have you spent months and months of time creating the perfect medieval or
renaissance period costume? Here's the place to find the perfect period
jewelry to accompany your costume!
Fantasy
(This is a tough category since history and fantasy cross sometimes subtly,
and sometimes not so subtly, in popular culture.)
House of Anoria Some very nice and unique ideas in leather garb
Nero Emporium Another nice leather place... Has leather armor too!
Elandah Leather - A large
variety of high-quality leather mugs for your Ren Faire needs.
Catch them in person - check their schedule on their site.
Rose Leather Works Kind, courteous, and makes a wonderful product. Might not be good for
your typical Ren Faire Costume but if you are looking for some sharp looking deerskin products - Look no
further!
Weapons (More to come)
Replica Guns
and Swords - Looking for a replica firearm for your "Cavalier" or
other gear? Check out this site for a wide variety of replica goodies.
The
Academy of Defence A authoritative reference on fencing and fencing
groups.
Have
a favorite site you'd like to share? Let me know!