costumers helping costumers

costume books!

2007-02-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

the following books are donated by bauhausfrau

(please note: all these are stock photos)

Kyoto Costume Institute book: Costume (paperback)

2006 printing by Taschen & Barnes/Noble Taken from the amazing collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute in Japan, the examples of fashion of all cultures are splendidly presented in this oversize book filled with hundreds of colour illustrations. The text is succinct andnti informative. A beautiful addition to any collection of fashion or costume design.

See it on ebay HERE!

Paris Fashion, a Cultural History by Valerie Steel (paperback)

"Steele aims to underscore the importance of style and dress in modern society and concurrently to reveal why Paris has long been designated the center of world fashion, yet she claims, "This is not a history of Paris fashion, still less of haute couture ." The book is indeed both, with no disclaimer necessary. The title is perfectly apt, for Steele draws from the literature, politics, and art of the 14th to the 20th centuries; she is as fascinated by the treatment of "sartorial" distinctions in Proust and Baudelaire as she is by fashion images in 19th-century French painting. Ultimately, her strongest chapters deal with this century, but her research throughout is broad-ranging and her notes and bibliography extremely useful."

See it on ebay HERE!

The Importance of Wearing Clothes by Lawrence Langner (hardback)

See it on ebay HERE!

Illustrating Fashion, Concept of Creation by Steven Stipelman (hardback)

See it on ebay HERE!

For The Interested

2007-02-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

There has been some interest in this so I thought I'd open up the option. If there isn't anything in the auction that interests you or you don't win but still want to contribute, you can donate directly through paypal.
Happy bidding!

Historic Fashion in Detail: the 17th & 18 Centuries

2007-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

(stock photo)

donated by laurenmonkey

"Historical Fashion in Detail: The 17th and 18th Centuries" (Paperback)

A must-have for any costumer interested in these eras! This book "...offers a rare, close-up look at the exquisite, labor-intensive details seen in fine historical clothing. Perfect decorative seams, minute stitching, knife-sharp pleats, and voluptuous drapery--all are here, alongside more unusual techniques such as stamping, pinking, and slashing. Most of these effects cannot be replicated by machine, yet many of today's fashion designers take their inspiration from the past, adapting these details to a more contemporary idiom, and to the realities of modern manufacturing.

Drawing from the Victoria and Albert Museum's world-famous collections, the book contains a gallery of exquisite photographs," accompanied by clear line drawings showing the construction of the complete garment and a text that sets each in the context of its time. This book will appeal to anyone interested in fashion, historical costume, or textile history, from cut and construct to fabric and trimmings."

See it on ebay HERE!

300+ vintage jewelry findings

2007-02-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

donated by laurenmonkey

300+ vintage jewelry findings, mostly art nouveau in style. Varying in condition, these findings would be perfect for making jewelry or adding embellishment to your costume!

See it on ebay HERE!

Dark blue silk/wool blend fabric

2007-02-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

donated by koshka-the-cat

7+ yards dark blue silk/wool/slight poly blend.

Katherine says, "This is a truly gorgeous fabric. I bought it some time ago, but it showed as a light blue and is actually a navy, which was a little darker than I
needed! The fabric has a blue silk front and black wool back. The right
side is woven in a paisley design. There is a little polyester mixed in
with the fabric--unfortunately I don't remember the exact amount.

The fabric would be perfect for just about anything, such historic or
fantasy costuming, modern clothes, or home decoration."

See it on ebay HERE!

handbeaded mermaid necklace

2007-02-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

donated by padawansguide

A lovely whimsical handbeaded necklace by Maggie. It features pale blue seed beads, several larger accent beads and with a brass tone mermaid pendant! Approximately 24 inches long, screw closure.

See it on ebay HERE!

Silver Butterfly ID Case

2007-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

donated by gilded-garb.

Carry around your essential mundane items in this cute silver case. The embossed butterfly design and compact size make this case perfect for tucking into a pocket or reticule at your next costume event!

See it on ebay HERE!

Pink and Gold Changeable Silk Fabric

2007-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

donated by gilded-garb

I found this crisp pink 100% silk fabric on sale and the price was too good to pass up! I had no plans for it and now you all reap the benefits. There's a little over 4 yards of this - enough to use for a jacket, trimmings, petticoat, and even a dress if you squeeze.

See it on ebay HERE!

pink and cream striped fabric

2007-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

donated by lmcbeth

The coveted stripe!! This is 2 yards of 56 inch wide cotton twill fabric with .5 inch cream and pink stripes.

I bought this originally hoping to make a Victorian corset or jacket bodice and just haven't gotten around to it. What would you do with it??

See it on ebay HERE!

Handcrafted earrings

2007-02-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

donated by jennylafleur

The perfect finishing touch to your costume or everyday wear! Made by Jenny-Rose herself, these one of a kind sterling silver earrings are graceful and feminine. They feature champagne colored stones, glass pearls and pewter rondelles. Approx 1.5" in length.

See it on ebay HERE!

gold silk taffeta reticule and accompaniments

2007-02-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

donated by lmcbeth

Isn't the last thing you think about, while working on that fabulous costume for your big event, a bag? Here's one worthy of your finest fashions and, ready made! Just add an emergency sewing kit, a bit of cash, and your car keys!

This handmade reticule is shot silk taffeta that is a warm gold color with shimmer!

It is interlined with cotton, lined with ivory silk dupioni, the drawstring is made of the same silk taffeta, and the bag is trimmed with 5 lush tassels.

I am also including a cockade made with silk taffeta, ivory needlerun lace, and a heavy goldtone button in the center. This can be used to decorate the reticule or used to trim a hat so the two will coordinate perfectly!

Finally, a simple muslin drawstring bag is also included to protect the silk during storage or travel.

(picture to show lining)

See it on ebay HERE!

fyi!!

2007-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

More items to be come!!

We need a little more time to get the remaining items posted--So please stay tuned for updates!!

Thanks for looking and remember the auction will begin Monday, February 5th!!

Gorgeous Galadriel - burnout rayon fabric and lining

2007-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

donated by sewphisticate

4 yds@45 inches (burnout Rayon)
3 yards & change@60 inches polyester lining

I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it--no matter what your monitor says, in life, it is a soft, soft, mint green (not nasty fakey at all--in fact, it has a hint of gray in it) and a beautiful pale lavender. I originally planned to make a teens gown out of it--it has a fabulous drape--but then, and I don't know why, it suddenly took on the name of Galadriel. I kept looking at it and trying to name it something else, but it wouldn't let me, and all I could see was "elf." And me? So not an elf!--but it would make a gorgeous, ethereal elf dress. But it's not limited to elfiness! It's just my dopey brain!

Others who aren't as mentally deranged as I will be able to move past the moniker and see this fabric for itself! The rayon is German rayon--the best in the world. The lining, while poly, has a matte finish and is a perfect match for the lining! See, here at the auction for Aubrey we don't force our friends to the local JoAnn's for any reason!

I won't tell you what I paid, but it was worth it. I know you will love it. Bid! Galadriel commands it!

See it on ebay HERE!

18th Century Silk Covered Hat

2007-02-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

donated by jennylafleur

This fetching hat has a straw base covered in slightly slubbed 100% silk Dupoini in ivory. The hat has been covered completely by hand, sewn with silk & cotton threads. It is trimmed with high quality double-sided poly/satin ribbon, arranged in box pleats. The button featured in the cockade is hand cast pewter. Perfect to wear for a period re-enactment or a high tea!

This auction also includes the leftover 64" of 1" wide ribbon used crown the brim. Use it to trim your frock or to add more trimmings to your new hat!

(white cap shown in pictures not included in auction)

See it on ebay HERE!

Handmade cards

2007-02-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

donated by elegantmusings

Handcrafted valentines, perfect for sending to your loved ones this holiday or just about any time you want to let someone special know you care. Small note cards are made from card stock, an antique paper "heartchain", and embellished with hand-drawn accents. Because of the handcrafted nature of these items and the use of antique elements, each card varies slightly from the next. A set of six, including matching envelopes.

See it on ebay HERE!

Antique book-Women of the American Frontier

2007-02-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

donated by chloeandrudy

Woman of the American Frontier by William Fowler, hardback, green embossed leather cover with gilt letters. Good condition. Beautiful illustrations. Frontispiece does have yellowing.

"A valuable and authentic history of the heroism, adventures, privations, captivities, trials, and noble lives and deaths of the 'Pioneer Mothers of the Republic'" Published in Hartford, CT 1878.

A good reference history for female reenactors.

(click image for book detail)

See it on ebay HERE!

Edwardian style hat

2007-02-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Donated by chloeandrudy

A large 18 inch Edwardian-style white straw hat. This lovely hat is hand decorated. The brim is covered with white netting and a collection of pastel silk flowers and vintage silk pink bows. Not vintage.

See it on ebay HERE!

the details

2007-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who have replied to our previous post regarding this auction! It’s wonderful to know there is still a little more support we can give Aubry and Nate.

After some discussion, we’ve decided that our community has shown enough interest in moving forward, so we will!

This is just a quick note with the details we’ve worked out so far concerning donating your items.

We would like to have information and pictures of items to be donated by Monday, January 29th, and we’re projecting the auctions will start 1 week later (though possibly earlier) February 5. We also plan on having a preview of items to tempt you ;) ! We would like to limit donated items to 2 per person. If we receive more donations than anticipated, we will decide which items we’d like to put in the auction.

We are debating whether or not it will be necessary to have donated items shipped to a central location (Sara’s house) where she will then take on the responsibility of shipping sold items. The alternative is to have donators ship items to the sellers.

So, in your email kindly include the following information:
1. Item description
2. a few good shots of the item and detail shots if necessary (for hats or necklaces, maybe a shot on a body)
3. an estimated value (what would you like the items to start at), and a lower price you would be okay with them it selling for (for example, if you’ve made a necklace you feel is worth $20, would you be disappointed if it sold for $10? Remember lower starting prices sometimes raise more interest, thus more $$!)
4. Please answer whether or not you would be willing to mail packages directly to the buyer within 48 hours of notification of received payment (we would notify you that payment has been received and give you the mailing address)

Sara (gilded_garb) has offered both her ebay & paypal accounts for our use. We will take all responsibility for posting items and receiving payment.

If you have any questions regarding any of this please email us at

Thanks again for your kindness and compassion!

a benefit auction?

2007-01-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

This post is directly from my livejournal, reposted here for people not on my friends list but interested in helping!! Thanks for you time!

"Hello all kind and wonderful people in LJ land--

As you may already have heard, a friend to many of us, girliegirl32786 was recently affected by a fire .

Aubry and Nate were very foturnate in not losing everything, but they did have to find a new place to live and will be moving very hastily. Due to other circumstances, I believe times have been a bit tough for both of them as Nate recently lost a job and Aubry is a fulltime student.

I was moved by their situation, especially when hearing about the fire and wanted to do something to extend a helping hand.

My thought was to have a benefit auction of costume related items. Another fundraiser started by jennylafleur has been successful and I know many of my own LJ friends have already donated but also showed interested in donating items to such an auction.

I am willing to organize the auction (with the help of the lovely gilded_garb , who has graciously offered her assistance) but want it to be successful and wondered who would be interested in donating, what would be donated, and also if you would be willing to bid on donated items?

If there is a great enough response to this we will definately move forward with the auction.

Again, the idea was that the auction would be for costume related items so that we could keep it managable. This list is all thing costume--things every costumer loves like movies, books, fabrics, trims, accessories (jewelry, gloves, shoes, bags, hats), whole costumes or even costume pieces (maybe things you've kept in case your friends need something to wear, or things you've grown out of and have been meaning to donate somewhere else)!

Also, I know that everyone of us has a talent that isn't always directly related to costume: knitting, crocheting, sketching, drawing, etc. and these items would also be appreciated (if I've left something off this list that you'd like to donate, please let me know).

Our decision to move forward should be made very soon, so I will be considering responses to this post until 11am on Monday (as the other fundraiser will end at 12 noon on Monday).

Other things to note about the auction and how it will work are:
-this auction will be secrety organized, Aubry doesn't know anything about it
-the monies raised by the auction will be for Aubry and Nate to use at their discretion for whatever needs they have
-items donated and bid on will pay their own ebay fees

You can contact me for this cause at

Thanks so much for your consideration and to everyone who has already donated! Your generosity will truly touch their hearts! Please spread the word about our little project, we would love to give all the help we can!"