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There are many wonderful sites and services online, as well as sutlers who appear at events across the country. Many can be found on eBay; others are independent sellers. Here are a few of our favorites:
Ah-We-Na-Sa, (eBay) sells beads and other supplies for making Native American jewelry projects. Crown Galleries, is a purveyor of native designs that are manufactured in China. RTL has to work within a budget and often must supplement with non-Indian goods. However, in the Crossroads Trading Post we are careful to distinguish who made what. Crown Galleries provides a vast array of jewelry, including Navajo works in liquid silver. Native Collections, has a vast array of books, DVDs, clothing and all manner of information and artifacts. Santa Fe Trading Post, (eBay) supplies us with blankets, rugs, and various artifacts, made by native artisans, among them Brena Saunders, a Navajo in Farmington, NM and Gene George, a Navajo in Sweetwater, AZ. RTL thanks these and their comrades for keeping the ancient crafts alive for us to enjoy and from which to learn. The Southwest Indian Foundation, sells goods to raise money to aid indigenous Navajo and other local tribes to a better standard of living. Butternut and Blue Bookstore -- inventory includes books from major publishers, university presses, and small book houses, also a fine selection of out-of-print and rare titles. Patterns are wide ranging -- in sizes, durability, and difficulty. Some are exact reproductions of original dresses; others are adaptations. Some have instructions that are simple, clear and concise, while other instruction sheets are archaic, abstract and nigh incomprehensible. With time and practice you will either master each pattern's peculiarities or adapt it to your understanding of clothing construction. Past Patterns -- Patterns from 1789 through the 1940s for women, children and men, all classes, undergarments and outer wear. Patterns are well made with easy to follow instructions.The Pattern Goddess (eBay) provides a selection of patterns for all sizes and time periods. Ursula's Alcove sells Folkwear and Rocking Horse Patterns, as well as other necessaries for a lady. Patterns may also be found at Smoke and Fire -- Additional information below. Dakota Prairie Treasures sells patterns, scanned and reproduced on CD. Primarily, the patterns are early 20th century with a focus on the Flapper Era. To price fabric, go to a local fabric store and see what is being charged per yard for the fabric you want, then cruise online to find a better deal. Silk, for instance, usually runs anywhere from $8-$30 per yard. Many eBay sellers have comparable silk for less than $5 per yard. When you know your fabrics you know when you are getting a good deal. Avoid modern blends if possible -- rayon, polyester, etc. Stretch fabrics are right out. Some blends are beneficial, especially those that mean that your clothes can be washed at home rather than dry-cleaned. As a general rule we prefer blends of silk and cotton, cotton and linen, silk and linen, linen and wool, silk and wool. If you can afford it, buy more than you need. Not only will you find uses for scraps -- like making period dresses for dolls -- but you can sell extra yards to others. We hope to have an online "yard sale" for those with extra fabric, lace, trim, ribbon, etc. Oregon Silver (eBay) -- has wonderful silk that shimmer in the light. Most are sold in 4+yard pieces, sufficient for making many clothes of the period.Dove Originals (eBay) -- has a vast selection of trims, ribbons, laces and appliques that add an authentic enhancement to any period garb project. Carter & Holmes (eBay) -- primarily sells neckties and other modern garments, but also sell beautiful printed silk twill, such as was used to make an RTL 1880s tea dress. Thorny Rose sells a variety of costumes, as well as buttons, clasps and other notions. They have silk thread for embroidering and silk fabric by the yard. Princess Designs -- fine fabrics and exquisite laces, ribbons, and other sewing notions. Civil War Lady -- online version of Civil War Lady Costume & Dry Goods Division, based in Iowa, but do not have a retail outlet available. However, they specialize in mail order and custom made historical clothing. Alter Ego Erotics (eBay) -- Although not a purveyor of period corsets, AEE's has several models that work wonderfully for most mid to late 19th century costumes. Prices on AEE's eBay store are very reasonable and the seller is extremely helpful in getting a size that will fit you comfortably. Victorian Millinery -- a unique shop specializing in head wear and novelties for the Civil War lady, 1850-1860's. No woman's toiletry was complete without an appropriate head covering. To supply this need, they create a variety of delicious bonnets, hats, caps, hoods, and coronets for all occasions and portrayals. Aisle Gowns (eBay) -- your hand-crafted costumes deserve protection while in storage. Aisle gowns sells zippered garment bags in clear. vinyl S&A Beads, 6929 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD (301-891-2323 vx, 301-496-2899 fx) sells all manner of beads and beading accessories. One of RTL's favorite local sources. Smoke and Fire -- Excellent accessories, ready made clothes, patterns, and all manner of necessities to completing an historic portrayal. The Victorian Trading Company -- features a wide variety of clothing, hats, and accessories. Most are "re-imagined" with the modern woman in mind, but throughout both their online and printed catalogs you will find unique items that will further improve your portrayal. Treasured Finds -- Chatelaines and accessories. Whether your portrayal is that of a housewife or seamstress with her sewing needs near at hand or someone of greater class with a mirror, perfume bottle and a watch, you'll find . Undiscovered Treasures does not have a website, but features wonderful jewelry and charms. Proprietor Christina M. Cowan has a table at several conventions, including Darkover, Katzukon, and Otakon. |