Area Seamstresses * Gowns and Patterns * Men's Wear * Fans
Gloves * Shawls * Shoes * Corsets *Misc.

Check our suggestions for Men's and Ladies' attire:
Preparations for March 9th: The Men
Preparations for March 9th: The Ladies

Connecticut Seamstresses

Doreen Demeyers

Doreen used to work at the Prudence Crandell Museum. You can get in touch with her by calling: (860) 450-0607 or write to her:
Doreen Demeyers
566 Devotion Rd.
Baltic, CT 06330

JOMA Designs

Joanne King is a talented seamstress who can make gowns from photos or drawings. She will work with you to create the dress of your dreams. You could also bring a conventional pattern (see list below!) to be made up. Call her at: (860) 529-8455 or write to her at:
Joanne King
JOMA Designs
Old Wethersfield, CT.

Ye Olde Hampton Dressmaker

Katina Mitsopoulos is very knowledgable and competent. Her expertise is in Revolutionary clothing, still appropriate for a Regency Assembly Ball. She woks out of Hampton CT (near Pomfret).
Call her at: 860-455-2232
or send and e-mail YeOldeHmptnDress@aol.com

Fierberg's Costume Co. Inc.

Fireberg's is a professional Costuming warehouse. You can rent costumes from them, including gowns and military uniforms. Men's suits from the period are also available. Average Rental price ranges: $65 to $85
Fierberg's Costume Co. Inc.
98 Meadow Street
Hartford, CT 06114
(860) 296-1634
Or visit them online: http://www.fierbergs.com

Period Dresses and Patterns

Butterick

Butterick has two gorgeous Emma-type patterns in their costume section. The patterns are in their "Making History" collection and are numbered: #6630 and #6631. #6630 includes two different ball gowns (one with a train) and a long sleeved empire waist coat for over the dress. #6631 has a pattern for a rather low cut "V" necked gown and a gorgeous spencer. Both of these patterns call for hooks, eyes and buttons. You get a free pattern simply for looking at their website. Maybe you could choose one of these!

Simplicity

Simplicity carries two different Regency style patterns. One, #9221, features two different Pride and Prejudice style gowns and a spencer. The other, #9225, looks more like a Kate Greenway style dress, but includes patterns for a bonnet, cap, shawl and gauntlet gloves. The dresses have lower waists and longer (elbow-length) sleeves than the first pattern. These dresses call for hooks, eyes and zippers.

Sense and Sensibility Clothing

Jennie Chancey has a wonderful site which includes instructions for making your gown, and a terriffic pattern for both dresses and undergarments. She is also a seamstress and will make up dresses to your specifications.

Regency Regalia

Regency Regalia is run by Lauryl Lane, a professionally trained seamstress and personal friend. She is currently taking orders. Check out her site for pictures of her work.

Past and Present Creations

Past & Present creations is run by Tracie Arnold. She will work with you to create any dress from a movie or of your own design. Visit her site for photos of her work.

Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc

Jas. Townsend and Son carry the hard to find Folkwear patterns which include Regency dresses and cloaks. They also carry Revolutionary War patterns and Menswear.

La Mode Bagatelle

La Mode Bagatelle was one of the first to offer a full Regency wear pattern. You can visit their site for more information.

Amazon Drygoods

Amazon drygoods provides a resource of innumerable types of vintage reproduction clothing, patterns and supplies. They carry a full range of patterns and materials. Call or wirte for their catalog ($7)
Amazon Drygoods
2218 E. 11th Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Orders: 1-800-798-7979
Questions/Consultation: 1-319-322-4138
Onlin at: http://www.amazondrygoods.com

Folkwear

Folkwear pattern #215 is a lovely Regency Gown. It can be bought from Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc or Amazon Drygoods. A Review of this pattern is available here: The Heyerlist.

Period Impressions

Period Impressions pattern #460 is another beautiful Regency Gown. It too can be bought from Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc or Amazon Drygoods. A Review of this pattern is available here: The Heyerlist. It has options for both short and long sleeves.

The Heyerlist

Devoted to Georgette Heyer, this page, nonetheless, boasts an impressive list of Regency gown patterns and reviews. Want to know how easy or difficult these patterns really are? Look here!

Men's Wear

Preparations for March 9th: The Men

A specially prepared article by Marc Casslar. How to create a period ensemble from clothes you already own.

Regency Gent

Regency Gent, run by Marie-Bernadette Strang, features custom made gentlemen's attire, as well as ready made articles such as gloves, stockings, and braces.

Ages of Elegance

Ages of Elegance specializes in the manufacture of historical clothing for Weddings, Museums, Collectors and Re-enactors.

International Male

Yes, a lot of it you wouldn't be caught dead in, but International Male IS your source for ruffled Regency shirts (look under shirts: novelty,) cloaks and other clothing items. A wide selection at affordable prices.

Austentation

Also visit the Men's Wear page at Austentation.

Fans

Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc - $4.00

I was also able to find the same thing (scented sandlewood fan) at Cost Plus for $2.99.

Shawls

Nature's Intent now carries a wide variety of imported shawls- from Pashmina to imported wool and silk and more! They are perfect for use with your Regency gown. Check them out here!

Gloves

Gloves are one of the more readily available accesssories. Most department stores carry them, at least at Christmas and from Easter through the busy Prom/Wedding season. Many "Teen" stores such as Claire's Boutique also carry them.
For authentic "Kid" gloves, try antique stores and tag sales.

Shoes

It is not very difficult to find shoes to go with your period dress. Ballet flats look nice and come in a variety of colors. Try to get leather ones if possible. Lace up half-boots are also appropriate for day wear.
www.weddingsforless carries a wide variety of ballet shoes and bridal slippers. Check out their fabulous selection.

Corsets

Sense and Sensibility Clothing

Jennie Chancey sells a fabulous "boned chemise" pattern that is quite easy to make. Visit her site for more information.

Fredericks of Hollywood

Yes, ladies. Among other things Fredericks does sell *passable* corsets for your gown. Both 50640 and 51350 are workable with Regency fashion.

Ebay

Even Ebay has a special corset section. You can check out what's available- many new items for nearly half the retail price- but do be careful!

Misc.

Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc

carries a wide assortment of goods including steel corset stays, beautiful cloak clasps, buttons, coins, and the Folkwear dress and cloak patterns. Definately ask for their free catalog!

The Bradley Company of the Fox

is a fine on-line supplier of reproduction clothing. They have a wonderful selection of ladies caps and cloth bonnets (all reasonably priced) as well as several styles of plain straw hats. They carry ostrich plumes, steel corset stays, and other finishing touches, as well as completed garments and accessories.

Aston Suttler

also carries ready made women's garments including drawers and a bustier, as well as petticoats, stockings, and mitts. Their wool felt bonnets are beautiful and hard to find. They come in a variety of colors. They also have the best price on mob caps and cloth sunbonnets I have yet seen ($5). You will need to e-mail them for a catalog, though, since they are not yet on-line.