costuming links

These are the costuming links that I particularly like. There are several general costuming sites, with instructions on most things that you can imagine, and some that you probably can't. I've also included a number of Medieval/Elizabethan pages, and the few that I've found for Middle Eastern and Victorian costuming that were useful to me. There's also a section of suppliers, some of which I've used and some of which I haven't, so I don't necessarily know how reliable they are, but they are all sites that I would be willing to use.

general

Milieux. This site is a comprehensive archive of other costuming pages. You can find just about anything you want here, from sites on making armor to sites on making reptile costumes. The Holy Grail of general costuming sites.

The Costuming Page. Another site along the lines of the Milieux site, but also with a focus on basic sewing. Lots of links to lots of sites, and very well organized.

The Garbery. From their userinfo: Here is where you can come for ideas and inspiration for that kick-ass frock, or first aid solutions for that terribly torn tunic. Please feel free to post pictures of things you have made or ideas that you have, to inspire others and tell us about your good and bad experience with different fabrics and designs (horror stories encouraged). And do not hesitate to share resources and instructional pages that you have made/found.

Dress Diaries. Dress diaries from all periods, posted to LJ.

Corsetmakers and Corsetry. A pair of LJ communities devoted to corsets of all kinds.

victorian

Truly Victorian. As well as having a number of well-researched patterns for sale, for all different periods from about 1850 to 1900, this site has a number of other useful features; of particular note is the messageboard, for quick help with costumes and other topics.

The Ladies' Treasury of Costume And Fashion. This site has free patterns! Also has a bunch of stuff related to the Victorian era that is not specifically about costume.

Victorian links. One of the things I quickly found out, when I started Victorian costuming, was that there is a lot more ephemera known about the time period than there is about Elizabethan, and there are a lot more people who are interested in that ephemera. This site is a good collection of links.

Books N Threads. Perhaps the closest I've come to finding the sort of very comprehensive site with diaries of dresses that I've been used to in Elizabethan costuming. Very pretty pictures.

elizabethan and tudor

Elizabethan Costuming. This site is the first stop for Elizabethan costuming. There is a section on Costumes of Other Lands, but the main focus is Elizabethan. Lots and lots of good information and links, well designed and well laid out. The instructions are easy to follow, although - be warned - I have had trouble with some things, so read all the way through and make sure that it makes sense before you cut anything.

Sempstress. I like this site. A lot. Even though it's not as extensive as the Elizabethan Costuming site, in many ways I prefer this site. There's more emphasis on what she's done and less on what others have done. She also responds to questions, or at least question, as I've only had to send one. If you can't sketch, I recommend Dial-A-Dress in the Tools section.

Mode Historique. This site has undergone revision since the last time I looked at it, apparently, and one of my favorite features - her humourous rants on costuming - has apparently disappeared. However, the diary of her costumes is much improved and a useful reference. Also, if you have questions about Kilts, this is the place to look. There are multiple periods of costume represented here.

One Tough Costumer. Margot Anderson's costume site. She does excellent, high quality work, and holds herself to very high standards of authenticity. Also has information on California Gold Rush costumes and humourous rants that I suspect I'm not supposed to find funny.

Elizabethan Garb. LJ community for Elizabethan garb creation.

medieval

Costuming Through The Centuries. Medieval costuming seems fairly basic - especially given the amount of skill you need to create garb that will "pass" in the SCA, though not win any awards - once you've started Tudor/Elizabethan that I think it's easier for costumers to forget about it, particularly as recreation societies that I've been involved in didn't seem to pay much attention to it. This isn't truly a medieval site, but most of the content on it is pre-1500, so I've put it here.

SCA Garb on LJ. All about medieval & Renaissance garb as it is made & worn in the SCA.

middle eastern

The Art Of Middle Eastern Bellydance. This site is run by Shira, who you may have heard of. It features information on lots of stuff, including the serious Troupe Wasila and the not-so-serious Veiled Threats.

The Desert Dancer Page. A bellydance troupe with good info, and stuff for sale. I like this one a lot.

Belly Dance Gear. An LJ community for belly dance costuming. Whether you make them yourself or just like discussing the many aspects of what to wear from Cabaret to Tribal this community will cover it all.

miscellaneous

Pennangalan Shoes. Very, very extreme shoes, and someday I will be able to afford a pair.

Angel Emma. Fake dreadlocks and hair extensions. As with the shoes, someday I will do this, but the issue is current hair length rather than money.

stores

If I haven't used a particular link, that is noted. Otherwise, I've used them all and recommend them.

Display And Costume. All sorts of bizarre costuming/wedding/christmas party supplies. If I need something weird, I check here first. Unfortunately, so far they have a better selection in store than they do online, so unless you're near Seattle and can go check, they may have something that is not posted.

Corsetmaking.com. Corset (and bra) supplies. Inventive ones, too. I get rolls of spring steel here, and grommets and other supplies.

Fabrics.com. I haven't used them yet, but I probably will wind up doing so.

Laughing Moon. Victorian patterns and some other supplies. I haven't directly used them, but my first corset and underthings pattern was Laughing Moon, and I liked it.

The Ring Lord. Chainmail supplies, advice, and pictures. Very helpful service, and very, very knowledgeable people.