Frequently Asked Questions
Do you stock a large inventory of outfits?
Each order is considered special and each costume is sewn using heirloom sewing methods. The skirt of a costume and/or an apron is gathered using the old method of pulling two rows of stitching. Arm holes and seams are finished with a zigzag stitch and there are no raw seams or thread tails showing. Hems are completed by using a hem stitch rather than a row of straight stitching. When hemming a skirt or apron made of very delicate fabric, the hem would be hand stitched. I strive to have the inside of my costumes and dresses look as good as possible. I take a great deal of pride in my sewing and it takes many hours to complete a custume to my satisfaction. Because of this, I do not carry a large inventory.
Why did you decide to make folk costumes?
In some regions of Europe the folk costume tradition is still alive and some people continue to make costumes and wear them. In other regions, costumes are still made but are used primarily for dance or choirs. In other regions, the folk tradition has almost disappeared, completely, but the folk dress from those regions is revived through paints, museum collections and written accounts. I am proud of my ethnic background and I hope very much that by striving to make the costumes as authentic as possible might help to develop an interest in girls to learn more about their ethnic background and to deepen their pride in their heritage.
How long does it take you to make a different folk costume?
The first thing, and very often the hardest thing, is to find a good picture of an authentic folk costume. It is very, very difficult to find a picture showing the front and back of a costume. After I have the picture, I draw pattern pieces, cut the pattern pieces from fabric, sew the costume together and fit it on the doll. The next step is to make corrections in the pattern where necessary and take the same steps for the second time. It is not unusual to go through these steps 3 times or more but the end result is always so satisfying. I honestly cannot specify a length of time it takes to make a new folk costume because each costume is so different and many also involve portions of hand stitching.
Where did you find the frames to use in your category pages?
The Victorian Frame Company graciously allowed us to use the photos of their frames on our website. Their frames can be viewed at www.VictorianFrameCompany.com
Where did you find the picture used for your Home page?
This is a framed picture we bought years ago at a store which has long since gone out of business. It has been hanging on our wall all this time. The picture fit the theme of the website, but we were unable to find the author.
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