Resources
General Resources
- The Whole Costumer's Catalogue
Probably the most useful general resource for costumers, including sources
for anything and everything: books, patterns, supplies, rentals, beads,
metalwork, foam products, and on and on. Updated yearly; a bargain at
any price (but only around $20!).
- FilmCostumes electronic mailing list
Aficiandos of film costuming will surely want to check out Penny Ladnier's FilmCostumes e-mail list. Sign up on the OneList web site.
- For online information and resources, the following large and well-organized metasites are invaluable:
The Costume Page
Maintained by award-winning Seattle costumer Julie Zetterberg, this comprehensive index of over 3,000 links includes historical, ethnic, science fiction/fantasy, theatrical and other resources.
The Costumer's Manifesto
Over 300 pages, mainly devoted to costume; includes specialty links (the sections on 17th, 18th, and 19th century costume are quite comprehensive), a how-to book for designers, free web graphics, and more.
Milieux: The Costume Site
Online costuming sources for historical, science fiction and fantasy costumers. A meta-list of links to all types of costume-related web sites.
The Costume Gallery Website
Another great resource on costume and fashion, run by Penny Ladnier, contains information on costume designers, fun events, and an on-line library for research.
Patterns
General Commercial Patterns
Most of the large commercial pattern companies offer fantasy, science fiction, historical and specific film- or television-related patterns in their "Costume" sections. Not the most sophisticated design or construction, but may be a good place to start!
- Butterick
Publishes the "official" Xena, Hercules, and Star Wars
costume patterns, as well as Robin Hood, Renaissance and other
fantasy/historical items. Retro Butterick features new patterns for garments circa 1947-1952.
- McCalls
Recent catalogues include a growing selection of medieval, Renaissance, and other historical patterns for both
men and women.
- Simplicity Patterns: Costume Collection
#8881: An Elizabethan inspired by Shakespeare in Love
#8399: Simplified versions of both the Titanic jump and flying
dresses.
#8393: Marilyn Monroe collection (The Seven Year Itch
and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes)
Also "official" Wizard of Oz costumes, and a variety of historical
patterns (Renaissance, Civil War uniforms, Puritan, 18th century and
Victorian women's patterns). The company has also started a "Retro Simplicity" line which includes a zoot suit pattern.
- Vogue
Vogue's most intriguing patterns are the new "Vintage Vogue" collection. This includes a variety garments (dresses, suits and an evening gown) from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
Specialty Patterns
- Pegee of Williamsburg: Gone with the Wind patterns
Barbeque Party Dress (also hoop skirt pattern), Green Curtain Dress,
Bonnie's Blue Riding Habit
- La Mode Bagatelle
Regency Wardrobe collection, Artistic Reform Teagown pattern collection
Pattern Sources
- AlterYears
Premier mail order source for historical, ethnic, and fantasy costume
patterns, from a large number of suppliers (including their own Renaissance
pattern collection). Also costuming supplies, books, etc. Well worth the
$5 catalog price!!
- Amazon Drygoods
Another mail order supply source, featuring costume patterns, supplies, and
accessories.
- Lacis
Located in Berkeley, the store offers a budget-threatening selection of
vintage pieces, as well as supplies, books and patterns. They also do
mail order.