Have you ever been hammered by an “expert” or costume know-it-all? I certainly hope not, but I do know that there are some out there who would choose to tear apart someone’s best efforts. Aside from horrific behavior, it’s a shame to see someone who thinks they are above all and chooses to express it negatively.
If this happens, you should stand up for your work and have a ready response on why you did or used something such as a tight budget, lack of knowledge or skill, etc. Then you can apply new knowledge and methods to your next project. Remember, everyone started from scratch.
You will definitely not hear degrading remarks from me. I don’t believe that’s right. Oh, goodness, you should see my first costumes! Granted I had been sewing my own clothes for nearly 15 years, but Victorian fashion was new for me. I stumbled and picked it up fairly easily, which is, as my friend Val remarked, those of us with this gift are responsible for passing it on.
I have dreamed of living in a quaint Victorian town in the 1870s. To get close to that dream I make historical garments from that time. It is my gift and desire to encourage others who yearn for that same idea – even if that means I see them using a slippery teal charmeuse for a tailored 1890s day dress. If that gives them happiness to experience history in their own way, I will lift them up in the process – even knowing from my own research that was a poor fabric choice to represent the era.
It is my job to share my research and knowledge of what our ancestors used for clothing. All I can do is share and encourage. It is ultimately up to the individual to challenge themselves to learn from the charmeuse “mistake” and use more period appropriate textiles. I can’t make them and they may not want to. But that is not something for me to judge.
We’re made to serve one another and lift each other up. That includes even if you don’t snark to their face but do so behind their back. Negativity and destructive thoughts, even when alone, is detrimental to the spirit.
I have to work on this every day and especially when at events. Just because I know more about costuming than they do, it is not right to look down on them.
So let’s work toward having a JOYFUL supportive community – no matter where individuals are in their costuming level. Those who know more are looked upon for guidance. But even the beginners will know something you don’t. Just because that teal fabric is screaming at you, that costumer may have figured out a better method of putting that bodice together that you may have overlooked.
Nobody should be dismissed for their lack of talent or a meager budget. We’re here to have fun, study history and create a glimpse of the past into our busy lives. This is why the Historical Sewing blog and school exists.
Costuming keeps us dreaming.
Let the dream live – for everyone.
Here’s a thought. I try to get the right fabric and colors for my garments and patterns that are as close to how they would have used. But, I don’t feel the need to construct them exactly the way they would have put them together by hand and I feel guilty for it.(even though I really shouldn’t) I’ve justified using modern machines in this way and maybe it will help any of you that feel the same…..
Those that are adamant and rude about putting yourself in their place need to think about THEM being in our place. Anyone from the 19th century or before would marvel and stand with jaw agape staring at all the wonderful science and technology we have at our disposal to construct garments or accessories and think us crazy not to use the methods we have to make something! Instead of thinking about them in the past, embrace what they would think of our world and our toys putting together clothing and garments from their’s.!
Great article! I am still in the learning/beginning stages of costuming and am trying to get a good knowledge of the construction techniques first. They will be applied to not-so-authentic fabric; that I already know because of my budget, but my idea is to learn a new skill properly and then bring it up to speed once the foundation is solid. This is how I taught myself sign language, piano, and quilting; and it is how someone else taught me driving and cooking! 🙂 Many of you will be happy to hear that I WILL have the proper unmentionables though! Years ago with my first Civil War dress I quickly realized the need for such things. This time I’ll have them! And hopefully that, combined with proper construction, will help distract from the more modern fabric. Guess I’ll wait and see! And I figure it is a good way to test a new pattern and see if I like it before investing in an expensive fabric. 😉
Bravo, Jennifer! I know what is period correct, but when costuming for the stage or just for fun, I just use what looks good, and what will hold up for numerous performances. And, I hope I would never criticize a newbie’s work. In my talks, I give historically correct info, but allow for creativity to reign when it comes to costumes.
Thanks for writing this!
Such a wonderful article, thanks Jennifer! ~ I think it can already be some what intimidating to learn new things, and when knowledgeable people behave in an arrogant manner, it is definitely discouraging to the newbs. It’s really great to see that you, and many others are willing to share your skills, and be so kind, and helpful. My biggest problems are over researching, and getting distracted by other interests, such as… I will be looking for the Sims Victorian Town, you have posted here, or is it something that you created?
I don’t play Sims but found this by Google search, of course.
The only hard and fast rule that my sister in law and I adhere to–besides good foundations, is beware the lampshade hoop skirt!!
But please, please, please, wear the proper foundation garments! The silhouette is the key!
I love lots of different kinds of costume events. I’m a retired 20 year veteran of the Texas Renaissance Festival, newly come to 19th century wear. In addition to enjoying authentic historical recreations I’m also an avid steampunker who likes to fantasize alternative 19th centuries. To top it off, I’m plus-sized. This makes for some interesting costume decisions and sometimes some compromises. However, it also means that historically I needs must fall short of other people’s expectations. You know what? I don’t care. Not anymore.
Years ago during my early RenFaire days the head costumer rejected a dress I had slaved over for months because, she said, the people of the 16th century didn’t wear pink! I took my dress to the director who laughingly passed it immediately. Nobody in 1520 wore pink, he chcukled. Really? What do you suppose they wore when their red garments faded?
I have kept that comment in the back of my mind. I have a limited budget (like who doesn’t) and I do this because I love it. There is no other reason to do it. That means that some costume pieces must fill more than one function if I am to dress for all the different kinds of events I wish to attend.
Now when the costume police try to bully me (and that IS what they are doing, make no mistake) I tell them that they can go away unless they are going to pay for what they deem an appropriate alternative.
Thank yo for this wonderful and positive message. It is so important to be supportive to all. One can be instructive without be destructive.
Also – I abhor the expression ‘fabric Nazi’ and ‘sewing Nazi’. It’s in poor taste and had no place anywhere.
Nancy
Hear Hear! Thank you for reminding us all to think carefully and speak kindly to everyone we meet in “silly suit” as my friends and I like to call it. What miffs me the some of the pattern makers would tell us all that theirs is correct and lead some to make costly mistakes based on one persons opinions. Research is key and this site is so helpful to the experienced and the newbie. Have fun! My first dress hangs in the closet and teaches me something every time I look at it.. Oh my goodness!
There is no excuse for bad behavior. However seeing something that could use improvement could be a teaching moment…I bless those in my journey who whilst chatting about my new outfit, with kindness and tact explained to me a better/easier/faster/more historically accurate way of doing something. It takes a lot of talent to find the right words to encourage and help and none at all to snark.
Well said! I hope everyone takes this and passes it on!
I want to thank you for this article. I have run into my fair share of the ‘nazis’ in my reenacting career. I try my hardest not to be one of them and I think I have succeeded so far. I hate it when someone says that they ‘never’ did it that way or they ‘always’ did it that way…. prove it to me! I am a volunteer at Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento, CA and we try very hard to get as close as we can to authenticity but know that it can’t always be done. As long as it isn’t an obvious polyester 1960’s fabric, we don’t poo-poo it too much. We will make suggestions, offer shopping trips or help of any kind the person wants.
I just can’t ever imagine saying something rude about another person’s clothing, to their face no less. I might have my opinions, but I keep them to myself. Apparently people have forgotten the rule of “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Wearing the clothing should encourage us to wear the manners, too.
Hear! Hear! Great article. I have a friend that went to CoCo last year and ran afoul of some hurtful remarks. I don’t know if she will come back. So Sad when this happens, you hit the nail on the head with your article.
I wonder how many nazis killed the interest of a newbie. My friend and I want to start a club here in Canada and our first rule was to make it fun! It is not fun to show up to an event all proud of your outfit only to be told that it isn’t right.
As someone who WAS willing to jump right into Elizabethan costuming AND ran afoul of the SUPREME costume nazi at a Renaissance Faire, I cheer your positive and encouraging and supportive comments. I’m not quite ready to jump right in to 1880-1910 clothing…yet, but I love the clothes, the look. I went to the Palace of the Legion of Honor’s The Cult of Beauty: the Aesthetic Movement last week. What glorious clothes and paintings were on display! Oh My Goodness! So, again, thank you for your supportive comments.
I’m really glad you posted this, because it puts the focus on the fact that we are all in it together, and working towards the common goal of sharing and helping each other with a mutual interest. Not everyone has the same skill level or resources, and we all have to start somewhere. Sometimes I have to check myself when mentally critiquing an outfit with memories of some of my own first “ensembles”. I remember how happy I was to just participate and be involved in something I loved. I may not always agree with someone’s aesthetic or methods, but I am happy to encourage and learn from them or offer whatever help I can. Difference of opinion is what keeps this interesting! I think we are each always learning from each other, and the message of this article– community– is terrific.
Thanks Samantha. Welcome!
What a wonderfully refreshing outlook from a costume expert! Thanks for posting this and we love your site!
Right on! I agree totally.