*Background
I am a full time student working on both a business major and an honors certificate at Butte College. I've reenacted the Civil War with my family since 1999 - I started out as a completely clueless, disinterested "farb", and am now enlightened, enthusiastic, and hopefully at least moderately knowlegable and authentic. Currently, I am the secretary of the 79th New York. I would love to branch off into other eras of reenacting, except there are very few other eras avaliable in California :-(
*How I Work
I have only been sewing since 2001, and began to sell my products to my reenacting friends in 2003. I sew in my little room at home: perched on a stool in front of my 1986 Pfaff, one 180 degree turn away from the edge of the ironing board, fabric piled on the floor, "works in progress" hanging on the back of my door. Not prime working conditions, I know!
I also have a hand crank Singer machine, dated just before 1920, which I love. For extra labor time, I will sew garments on it *wink*
*How Long will it take to Finish a Project?
My weekends are not only full with reenacting, but also with music, as I play in both a pipe band and a fife and drum corps - all in addition to the random family vacation.
This, as you should begin to see, shows that I am not in the position to be a full time seamstress. I try to use my time as efficiently as possible, but things can pile up!
Therefore, be prepared for orders to be placed on a waiting list. I am getting a good idea about how much time it takes me to make a product, so I should be able to give you a reasonable deadline.
*Terms and Conditions
Very Important! I reserve the right to refuse to make, or to alter a product, if I feel the design, style, fabric, cut, et cetera, is not authentic to the given time period!
Since my products are custom, some garments - specifically ladies dresses and mens civilian dress coats - require a fitting. I can do this at my home or at reenactments, or by mail if you can fit your own muslin dress bodice (for example). Contact me if this is an issue.
I will gladly put together a project for you - labor only - if you have fabric you would like to provide. Just check to make sure it is authentic! ;-)
*About My Rates
Also Very Important! As I expand and improve my little home business, my prices will be undergoing various changes. Don't be alarmed.
The way I figure out my rates is an odd combination of a flat hourly rate (for instance right now I charge no differently for machine vs. hand sewing) and taking a look at the market, then fairly matching my products with "the going rate". I knew a seamstress - a very good one too - who charged $60 an hour for her work. This is not the way I am going to work, and you would be spending over $500 for a simple pair of pants - ridiculous!!! I want to not only be fair to myself, but also fair to my customer. I'm not out to gouge anyone. At this point, there is no need for me to overcharge for anything, as this is a part time job, I am a full time student, and I am living comfortably in the family home.
I also offer "special" discounts; if you need to ask, you probably don't qualify ;-)
*About this Website
This website is provided free from Geocities. It goes "down" without warning, so always make sure to check back at a later date!
Someday I hope to have higher quality photos of my work loaded up here, but right now, there is not enough space to do so. Please be patient.
Mens Measurement Guide
Authenticity Standards