We love costumes! And everything we do is made in the USA.
I started studying costume design in college. I moved on to costume history/museum studies in graduate school, and I worked in theatrical costume shops for years. Now I own a custom sewing shop in St. Paul, MN. My passion is costumes, and my specialties are historically accurate period costumes, as well as ethnic/folk dress. We also do character costumes and formal wear, including wedding and prom dresses.
I lived and worked in Vienna, Austria for about three years and learned a lot about folk costumes there. I sell a lot of dirndls, as well as folk costumes from other European countries. Karen, our main stitcher, is also an expert on Norwegian folk dress.
I try to ensure that everything I sell is comfortable and well made. Most of what I sell is made with good quality, machine washable materials and meant to be worn again and again. Seams are enclosed or serged. We use industrial machines (including the serger) and I generally make my own patterns. It is made in a clean, smoke-free, pet-free sewing shop (not anyone's home).
Everything we make can be changed to fit your needs at no extra cost - different colors, lengths, styles, fabrics, etc. You can also find your own fabric and ship it to me. Please contact me with your specifications - I can make anything out of fabric for people of any size! Unlike most sellers on etsy, we make our own patterns from scratch - which means we welcome customers of any size (including children and plus sizes).
I also do museum quality vintage restoration and reproductions. Don't confine yourself to what you see on the rack! If you love something and it doesn't fit, let me know and we'll see what we can do!
While this is what I do for a living, it is also a joy - I am not in it to fleece my customers. Our prices are kept as low as possible to accommodate your budget. I am happy to discuss changes in style or materials that may lower the cost to you. From what I've seen on etsy, we have the most reasonable prices of any shop in the US that provides the same quality standard. If you find things significantly cheaper, please note that there is probably a reason (foreign/underpaid labor or poor quality fabrics and construction).
Sheila is the designer and owner. She does the customer service and initial consults, purchasing, cutting, and about half of the sewing. Karen is our most regular stitcher. We also have a couple of other overhire stitchers who help out now and then with large orders and during the Halloween rush.
