Buying Civilian

[Elaine Kessinger]

In an effort to make the AC even better, I am embarking on a project and I need your help.
Merchants look at statistics to decide if a business decision will help them reach their target demographic. Here on the AC, we have membership statistics and outreach statistics... but that doesn't tell a civilian merchant how much of an interest there is on the AC for their products.
One easy way to get the statistics on those who would buy civilian garments, whether to portray a civilian or compliment a particular military ensemble, is to take a poll.

If you would buy a civilian garment or pattern from an AC Approved Vendor, please take a moment to answer this poll. :-)

I will create an email, using both these statistics and the overall membership and outreach statistics, to illustrate to known makers of civilian goods and services the benefits of becoming an Approved Vendor on the AC.

[beltplate53]

Re: Buying Civilian

As a Docent, interpreter, and reenacter who has worked at different museums, I find that civilian garment vendors can be as difficult or more difficult to navigate then military vendors. The military side of the house is driven by appropriate regulations were the civilian side is more open to what was worn during the time period. In a way, civilian ware can be a challenge for you have to be in tune with the period as through more research. I personally have as much or more fun factually interpreting a civilian than military person.

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Buying Civilian

There was a document circulated here a few months ago about what garments were appropriate for what impression. One item I would love some guidance in is the appropriate fabric for garments in light of social class, economics, etc. In my research into life in western Illinois during the war, I've constantly seen ads for cassimeres, satinettes, etc., and I'm not sure when those fabrics would be correct. Additionally, the proper weight of modern fabric for us would help as well. Blue flannel and blue-green kersey are a lot easier to understand.

[7tharkinf]

Re: Buying Civilian

Our group uses civilian men's ware for early war pre Shiloh but we usually just buy patterns and make our own. They don't call us the ragged 7th for nothing.