Seamstresses

[Johnny Lloyd]

Citizens-

My wife is overhauling her kit because it's rather farbacious (new word??? LOL) in nature and she knows it now with the help of Mrs. Clark. :D
Any quality seamstresses in the CT/MA/RI/NY areas? Again, I am but a poor man in this big, scary realm of the authentic female civilian and I know what I'm looking at, but cannot effectively describe to my wife.

Despair...:(... frustration...... fear...... lost...

Help... Johnny Lloyd:wink_smil

PS- I have now exhausted all applicable emoticon alotment for this month.

[TraciAnn]

Re: Seamstresses

While Anna Allen is not located in those areas... working with her via e-mail and regular mail is one of the best ways to go. As long as you can get measurements (and she has a great sheet on her website that contains a diagram of everything she needs) it's like having a seamstress right in your own home. I live in Pennsylvania but have ordered several things via her website and through custom orders. Her work is impeccable and I recommend her highly!

She is an approved vendor here on the AC and here is the link to her site - The Graceful Lady.

Traci

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Seamstresses

Miss Ann-

Yep, I already tried suggesting that with her first since I'm on here all-the-time, but she was looking for someone she can meet and deal with in-person. That's what put us in this quandary in the first place.
Jeez... women. LOL:D

If no joy this way, then I'll seek Miss Allen here under the Approved Vendor list.

Thank you for the advice, ma'am. Duly noted.

I remain your most humble-
- John Lloyd

[Spinster]

Re: Seamstresses

Your wife may not be understanding the process of dealing long-distance with a seamstress.

This is not just a 'send in a few measurements and wait for the results'--there is an intermediate stage of 'making a muslin' in which a muslin bodice, partially assembled and marked, is sent to her for fitting over her proper corset and underpinnings.

That's how folks get a good fit, whether they are working directly or by mail order. Its still the same process, except the muslin moves back and forth by postal worker rather than you traveling somewhere.

Miss Allen's work is excellent---and I've seen pieces where she never laid eyes on the wearer, but did the work solely by mail. Still, if your wife insists on face to face dealings, there are folks in your area of the country--Robin Stokes being a fine example, and available here http://www.robinstokes.com/
She lives in New Jersey, and also has a wonderful period home in Gettysburg.

[turfwriter]

Re: Seamstresses/Dressmakers

I second Mrs. Lawson's suggestion!

I have been fortunate enough to work firsthand with Robin Stokes for nearly all of my civilian clothing--from unmentionables and work dresses to day dresses, silk carriage dresses and sheers -- and it has been well worth it. She also has some wonderful period knitting kits for ladies who are handy with the needles.

She can personally fit clients in either New Jersey or Gettysburg.
Please feel free to e-mail me at call2post@gmail.com if I can help in any way.

[turfwriter]

Re: Seamstresses

Oh -- I forgot to mention that besides her website, Robin Stokes has a new eBay store that would be worth checking out (so you can see the quality of her work):

http://stores.ebay.com/Robin-Stokes-Civil-War-Clothing

Regards,

Laurel Scott
141st PA

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Seamstresses

Citizens-

Thanks so much for all ya'll's input so far. Mrs. Clark has taken my wife under her gracious wing and written her to help in some of her frustrations. She's very green to this hobby and especially the side of authenticity, but this will be a slow process and nothing but. Good products take time and research, as we know.

To be honest: I have just as much fun reading what Mrs. Clark has to say as my wife does, as it is foreign to me on the ladies' side-of-the-house. ;)

You are right, Mrs. Spinster... I have tried to get her to deal via mail, but she wants to try meeting someone locally first. I am familiar with the process for men's gear, but my wife is persnickety like that. We'll use mail if no joy on the local side, rest assured ma'am.

Please keep the e-mails coming!

All are welcome and appreciated- Johnny

[Spinster]

Re: Seamstresses

Mr. Lloyd,

Just shop carefully---in looking for someone close by, your wife's untrained eye may find a dress that looks delightfully attractive--but the wrong cut or the wrong material.

Give her my phone number--its in your private mail box.