Thimble Raven

This is part 2 of 3 in my favorite suppliers series. Part 1 was focused on fabric and notions suppliers, and part 2 will focus on historic costuming-specific suppliers.

• Burnley and Trowbridge // At the top of my list for historically accurate fabrics and some notions in part 1, they also have some historical accessories like straw bergere hat blanks, stockings, and an amazing selection of historical reproduction block printed handkerchiefs.
• Penny River Costumes // Straw hat blanks, hat pins, block printed handkerchiefs, aprons, pockets, ribbon, stockings, wool embroidery thread, and more! Jessica also sells several lovely kits that take a lot of the “un-fun” work out of making accessories. I have purchased and made up her silk market bonnet kit, and it was fantastic.
• LBCC Historical // Historical beauty products like pomades, hair powder, liquid and solid rouge, and perfumes.
• Virgil’s Fine Goods // A selection of historic reproduction fabrics, ribbon, and terrific patterns.
• Dames a la Mode // MY JEWELRY OBSESSION. A huge selection of gorgeous handmade historic reproduction jewelry like crystal collet necklaces, stone and pearl jewelry, brooches, and beyond.
• Willoughby and Rose // Lovely handmade chemises and shifts, caps, handkerchiefs, and more.
• Redthreaded // Fantastic source for high quality finished corsets and stays, plus patterns and supplies if you choose to make your own (I have used almost every pattern they sell, they’re great!).
• In the Long Run Designs // Lots of super gorgeous historical jewelry designs!
• Jenny la Fleur // Fantastic historical hairpieces. Such a timesaver, and hugely elevates the vibe and authenticity of your entire look! I am terrible at styling my hair, so these hairpieces are a lifesaver.
• Clockwork Faerie // I have only purchased her patterns (more on those below), but she does offer bespoke finished corsets!
• American Duchess // Huge resource for historic and vintage shoe reproductions. Women’s shoes go up to a size 12, which is a must for me. They recently started offering some shoes in wide widths, which is a GAME changer for me. They are on the pricey side, but look out for sales and clearance items. I’ve had a very good experience with customer service thus far. I’ll go in to my favorite styles in the next post! Also sells buckles and some stockings.
• Fugawee // 18th and (and some 19th) century shoes. Sizing and availability is a bit hit or miss/limited, but quality and authenticity is great. I have some buckles of theirs that I love!

PATTERNS:

I am only including brands that I have personal experience with, and that are inclusive with their sizing range.

Scroop Patterns // I ADORE the quality of Scroop’s patterns. I even got to be a tester for their Cassandra stays pattern when it was in development! The instructions are extremely detailed with an exceptional number of clear illustrations (I’m a very visual learner, so this is great). The included fitting guides are invaluable for achieving a perfect fit, and I’ve really never found such detailed fitting advice from another pattern brand. They teamed up with Virgil’s Fine Goods on the 18th century patterns, which are what I have most of my experience with. I’ve actually made items from most of their historical pattern range! My very favorites are the 3 Georgian mantle patterns, and the Aidah and Angelica gowns.

Virgil’s Fine Goods // I LOVE VFG’s 18th century cap patterns! User friendly directions with good illustrations, and the finished caps are just adorable. VFG teamed up with Scroop on their 18th century patterns, which can be purchased in paper/printed format from VFG, or digital format from Scroop’s website.

Black Snail Patterns // Black Snail’s patterns are very well graded and nearly always fit me perfectly. I’ve made so many of her designs, and my current favorites are her 1830’s stays and underwear collection, and Edwardian straight front corset.

Laughing Moon Mercantile // Fantastic range of patterns, most in a very inclusive sizing range. I have made a number of their patterns, and I’m especially fond of #126.

Truly Victorian // TONS of 19th and early 20th century patterns. I have made many of her designs, and my experience is mostly good, but I would recommend for intermediate (vs. beginner) sewists and above, due to the instructions assuming a fair amount of sewing experience, limited illustrations, and I’ve always had to made some fit/alteration adjustments, especially at the shoulders and sleeves. I especially like the bustle era patterns I’ve made!

Clockwork Faerie // A range of corset patterns with a very inclusive sizing range, and options for custom measured and designed patterns. Also offers finished corset options!

Blue Fine Goods // Adorable, size inclusive Edwardian combinations pattern.

Redthreaded // I have made every pattern that RT offers except for the regency short stays (not for a lack of inclusive sizing, rather that Regency short stays are the only ones not offered in an extended size range because they simply do not work well on fuller figures). They’re all great patterns, but the 1780’s front lacing stays are my VERY favorite.

Burnley and Trowbridge // I have made their patterns for a Sultana robe (LOVE mine!!), mitts, and a cap. They are great!

Fig Leaf Patterns // Very well researched 18th-19th century patterns, with an especially lovely range of Regency styles. Informative instructions!

Out of a Portrait // So many amazing hat and bonnet patterns, from Medieval to 1920’s.

Timely Tresses // 19th century bonnet patterns, plus buckram and lots of amazing ribbons.

JP Ryan // 18th century mens and women’s clothing.

Margo Anderson // Incredible resource for Renaissance era patterns. The instruction manuals alone are a treasure!

Past Patterns // This is at the “bare minimum” threshold for me in terms of recommending for size inclusivity. Some of their patterns go up to size 48″ bust.