Costuming Supplies

[AllianceNJ]

a few resources of costuming supplies I use. Some require you to be a business or require bulk orders:

Grommets - the real kind not the fake eyelet kind. They also sell grommet setters as well
www.siska.com

Trim. of all types, including sewable boning
www.cheeptrims.com

Also I highly recommend the Fabric Warehouse (mainly in NJ) for fabric. They have quarterly 40% off sales and you get some of the most AMAZING tapestry/drapery jacquard. they have a website too: www.fabricwarehousedirect.com
Their online prices are more expensive than a sale in their store

more trim, especially bias tape for those who dont like to make their own:
www.jkmribbon.com


Patterns:
Aside from the new historical stuff coming from Simplicity, Mccalls and butterick I recommend:
AlterYears Patterns
Folkwear

and Vogue. Vogue has some amazing bodice/corset patterns in their bridal section which concert very well to medieval wear.

Happy Costuming!
Erica
AlliancelarpNJ

 

[Fynwei]

General US Resources:
Joanns (kind of a no duh) - If you're going to do costuming and are short on basic patterns, watch for sales on Simplicity and Mccalls Patterns. Twice this year I have seen both companies have sales where all patterns were $3 or less. Generally a good selection of cheaper costuming/clothing fabrics. Some of the larger stores have wonderful button selections as well.

http://caitlinsclothing.com/costuming2.html - There are some good beginner patterns her: Free downloadable pdfs.

Sunburst Bottle Company: Great resource for plastic, aluminum, and glass bottles of any shape and size. The sample sizes would make great potion containers. http://www.sunburstbottle.com/


Resources for MN folks:
Party Papers (Anoka) - This store carries Ben Nye makeup (including airbrush makeup), wigs, costumes, and some nicer leatherwork (belts, pouches...). Around Halloween, their costume section extends into the front room of their store and they add some nicer quality costumes, including some museum reproductions.
SR Harris - Great wholesale fabric warehouse (sells to consumers though)... you could spend a weekend in there and probably not see every bolt.

Mill End Textiles - Smaller fabric warehouse, lots of brocades and other upholstery fabrics as well as a good broadcloth and quilting cottons section. Pricing between typical consumer and wholesale prices, but has 60% off sales periodically (check http://www.millendtextiles.com/ for any current coupons).