FIRST: I would like to explain how the term "UP-CYCLED" refers to my costume creations. The local Goodwill stores have an arrangement with some smaller department stores and regularly receive unsold inventory. 90% of the clothing I purchase there is brand new, but sometimes I can't resist a very gently worn, brand -new looking item. I DO lightly wash them after I have finished my restyling. They may or may not still have labels in them depending on how I have restyled them, but I will give fabric content and care instructions which may have changed due to trims added.
SECOND: Renaissance Fair attendees should know that most all of the fabrics/trims I may use in my pre-made items are replicas or possibilities for the correct historical times. Grommets are NOT historically correct, and that is why I mostly don't use them. Shiny silk or sheer fabric was available in olden days, and I am using polyester to replicate them, especially for my belly-dancer or gypsy pieces.
THIRD: If you are wishing to go to a Medieval Fair in costume, I know you already have a great sense of creativity and adventure - you do not have to wear boring colors with no detail just because that's what you see others are wearing! I am a professional costumer, have researched, and promise to give you an "authentic" look for your FUN garb. I can also custom-create natural fabric, competition-worthy costumes to order.

GIVING YOU MORE in all my creations is my promise. MORE value because of the low cost of unique fabrics to me ... MORE professional details, strength, and adjustability ... MORE knowledge of design ... MORE "WOW" for you!

Coming from a long line of talented home-sewers, I'm the only one who has made a career as a seamstress. After 30 years of my own home-sewing and costume making for friends and family, which had led to commercial wall-upholstery employment of 7 years, I had a serious auto accident. I was knocked out of that physically-demanding work, but met a wonderful mentor who introduced me to my now 17-year-long career as a professional costume technician. Per my contracts, I'm not supposed to mention company names, but I've worked for many cruise lines, a ballet company in DC, the most famous Christmas show, and am enjoying my 7th year as a contract seamstress for all the "Mouse" touring shows and the "greatest show on Earth". My skills include fitting, styling, handling of specialty fabrics, construction for strength and long-wear, and re-purposing.

I also have a business on a well-known auction site, selling fabric roll-ends and trims from a high-end home decor workroom. I enjoy passing on great fabrics to new homes through my auctions, but I wanted to create with them, as well - especially since the cost to me was very low. Purses and handbags were my first endeavor, and they have been well received as you can see from my feedback. In my studio in SW Florida, I'm combining my knowledge, artistry, skills, and gigantic stash to create ALWAYS one-of-a-kind purses, accessories, and costumes.

While recently working on my latest gig with the circus, I decided to expand my offerings to include costumes. I agree with what you are probably thinking - what took me so long to get that idea??? Very excited and busy and looking forward to meeting/working with my new audience - costumes for Renaissance Fair, Halloween, etc. will be listed very soon with "steam-punk" creations on the way, as well.