While some of the following can sound discouraging, we are by no means trying to talk you out of it.   It’s an AWESOME experience!!  It is an amazing feeling that first time when all the pieces are done, you put it all on, and look at yourself in the mirror to see the portrait looking back at you!  Not to mention when you walk out at one of the events and see the amazement on people’s faces.  It’s such a proud feeling to know that something you worked so hard on is adding wonderment to people around you.  It’s also an inspiring feeling when they come up, start asking questions, and you find that you really do know so much more than you thought you did.  It’s all this, and so much more, that has gotten many of us hooked on this type of project and have more portrait garb planned for the future!

With that being said…. there is a lot of work, time, money, etc that goes into this.  Here are some things to think about when considering joining this type of project......

 

Sewing Skills – Or Lack Of

Anyone is welcome to join in a project regardless of sewing skills.  We all help each other out so don’t be discouraged if you are new to sewing.  We will guide you so you can do as much of it as you can.  Those involved vary greatly in sewing experience.  There are several who have been sewing for many years; however, that is not the case for everyone.  For example, the participant (Isabella) who recreated the dress of Mary Tudor had only been sewing for about six months when she jumped in.

 

While each person does as much as they can on their own pieces, others will jump in to help with those parts that need a bit more skills than you may have yet.  You will also be expected to jump in and help others with those things you can do.  Even the newest sewer can iron and it seems like there is never an end to wrinkled fabric!  This is truly a group project as everyone has had some hand in everyone else’s outfits.

 

Involvement

It is important that you be involved in the process as much as possible.   Not only will this increase your sewing skills, but a lot more than just sewing goes on at the Sewing Room.   This is the perfect time for everyone to share information they have found during their research.   This enables all of us to learn more about the history, etc, than we would be able to on our own.  It is also where we all learn how things go together, some of the challenges we face, and what we have to do to overcome them.   It is important to be a part of this so when we go to events you can answer questions.  We have found that many people at events are very interested in all aspects of the clothing, history of not only the people but the society, etc.   The more you learn the better you will be able to present yourself and our group.

 

Events & Demonstrations

We have been invited to do some awesome appearances (see the “Past Events Gallery” page)​ due to our people not only being able to look great, but to also be able to discuss the outfits and the historical person in an informed and educated manner.  Many times attendees also want to know not just how the outfits were made, but also about the people in the portraits, and the time they lived in. This is why it is so important to be as involved in the process as your skills allow.  This may sound daunting but when the time comes it’s really not so bad.  After spending MONTHS working on your outfit you will know intimately exactly what it took to get it together!  And all the time working together with the group you will hear, and be part of, many casual discussions about the different historical people and that period.  By the time you attend an event as a Portrait Garb Participant you will find that you learned a lot more along the way then you imagined you would.  If you get stuck…. never fear…… you won’t be alone!  We always do these events in a group so you can always come to one of us for back up assistance.

 

Just side note…..no one is required to participate in these events.  They are great fun, but it’s also known that not everyone is interested.   Not a problem.  However, please note that when we are in a time crunch the work focus will be on those people that are working on outfits that will be involved in an upcoming event.

 

​Cost of Supplies

These are recreation clothes, not just Halloween costumes, so there is a time and money investment to think about.  Plan for a minimum of $200 in supplies. A few were able to do it for less as they were able to barter for some supplies or had some stuff on hand that was perfect.   On the other hand, there have been people that have taken over a year and more than $1,000.  It all depends on the outfit you choose, the supplies needed for the decorations, the types of fabrics you use, etc.  The time and money doesn’t have to be committed all at once, we just want to give everyone a starting point as to what to expect.

 

Overall Time of Construction

Before the sewing can even start expect it take a minimum of a month or so for patterning to be done.   As each outfit is made to fit you it takes a bit to get a custom pattern worked out.   Another thing that takes some time before sewing can even start is finding the right fabrics for your specific outfit.  Depending on what you choose depends on how long this can take.  We’ve had some lucky people that found what they needed within a month or so.  Others, it has taken a year or more.  Once supplies are gathered, plan for a minimum of 6 months of sewing time.  A few people have taken less time but they chose a simple outfit and worked on it almost daily.  Please note that some outfits have taken closer to 2 years to complete.   There is no way to know ahead of time exactly how long it will take.  It depends on how complicated the outfit, how much hand decoration has to be done, how much time you have to spend working on it, etc.

 

So….if after reading the “General Information” and these “Things to Consider”…..you are still eager to go forward, it’s time to read: