Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
The Illustrated Hassle-Free Make Your Own Clothes Book - a hippie book from the 60's or 70's - a quarter or so at a library sale Hee hee. I have that book too. It's..uminteresting! Dianne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Gosh, me too. I made a bunch of stuff from it in the 70s. I've even based some basic costumes on stuff in there - wizards, very early chemises, my first SCA event outfit... Not top of my list, but I don't think I could ever give it away. That stuff might come back into style some day! Lynn On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 5:35 AM, Dianne [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The Illustrated Hassle-Free Make Your Own Clothes Book - a hippie book from the 60's or 70's - a quarter or so at a library sale Hee hee. I have that book too. It's..uminteresting! Dianne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Does anyone have their favourite book Lists on amazon.com? I am keen to update my tiny library with more titles. Thanks Sidney ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
I still recommend this book to newbie costumers, especially teens, who are no end amused by its groovieness. Margo ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
At 11:02 PM 4/23/2008, you wrote: This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Books - right around 1100 Magazines - too many years to count of Sew News, Threads, Creative Machine Embroidery, Art Doll Quarterly, and a few issues of others along the way. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Don't remember now. What was your most recent purchase? Several - at Costume Con 26 - Il Costume Popolare in Italia by Emma Calderini - 1946 - over half the book is color plates, it's in Italian (which we don't read, but Pierre's brother does) Gothic Painting by Jacques Dupont and Cesare Gnudi - 1954 - Study of paintings between the 12th and 14th centuries - 110 color plates printed separately and hand-leaved in. (Margaret Manatt of The Gilded Bat (vintage costume books and other stuph) is WYY too dangerous to shop at!) And others What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Don't remember. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? None What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. QEWU and Dressing a Galaxy (the one with the fabric swatches) What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! The Illustrated Hassle-Free Make Your Own Clothes Book - a hippie book from the 60's or 70's - a quarter or so at a library sale Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Yes - the guest room has 3 bookcases and the upstairs landing has 3 also, plus one in Pierre's sewing room. When did you start collecting? 20+ years ago Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Pleasure - definitely don't make any money from this!! Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 6 - Janome 11000, Husquvarna Designer 1, 25+ yr old Kenmore mechanical, a basic White serger, a Janome SewMini for travel, and a cobbler's machine we haven't had a chance to play with yet. How many sewing patterns do you own? A 4-drawer filing cabinet stuffed full, a 3-drawer filing cabinet full, and several boxes and paper grocery bags stuffed and not sorted. One of the more urgent house projects to be taken care of soon is organizing them. Probably close to 400 or 500 total. I would like to add one more question: Time to come clean...What was the most price of you have ever paid for a book, collection of work, etc. We won't tell your mate! LOL! You don't have to name give the title, just in case you were taken to the cleaners on a purchase. Example: a book and the amount. Don't remember the book or amount, but almost guaranteed it came from the above mentioned Margaret Manatt. Sandy Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites Those Who Fail To Learn History Are Doomed to Repeat It; Those Who Fail To Learn History Correctly -- Why They Are Simply Doomed. Achemdro'hm The Illusion of Historical Fact -- C.Y. 4971 Andromeda ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Ailith wrote: snip The version of the FAQ currently on sca.org says that they have about 29,500 paid members, but that's still small by publishing standards. You do not have to be a paid member to participate, however, you must be a paid member if you fight or if you're an officer. Figures vary as to how many people really play in the SCA, but I've heard as many as 3 to 4 times the number of paid members. The actual number of participants could be as high as 118,000. This, I think, is high. Since the non-member surcharge at events has been in effect, the ratio in my area seems much closer to approximately one non-member for every paid member. I think something in the range of 60,000 members is reasonable and might even be a bit high. In standard book publishing circles, this is a small audience. However, in academic book publishing circles, where many works struggle to sell 500 copies, it's considered a decent-sized audience. Susan ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Blueprints--check with a local construction company or two; there ought to be somewhere that has a very large platen glass, and the construction industry will likely use it. Most blueprints are individually fed through a roller system; not suitable for a bound book, or any antique paper. Ann in CT --- On Thu, 4/24/08, Land of Oz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Penny wrote: These are the only original prints. They only see the light of day, when I show them to my college students. One day I will find a scanner with a large enough bed to scan them. You should check with the media department of the college. They might have a portable scanner that can scan your large items in parts, then reassemble them in a digital file. Denise Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
60,000 is a reasonable audience for some books, especially if there are also other markets. However, for many academic books, libraries are a very large and important market, sometimes the main market. Libraries are overall more likely customers than consumers, for some books. I should add, for anyone who thinks that if they just put out an e-book on the net and the world will beat a path to their door, that only about 15% of book sales are currently made on the Internet. You have to sell books in the marketing climate of right now, not in one that may, or may not, exist in some years. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com This, I think, is high. Since the non-member surcharge at events has been in effect, the ratio in my area seems much closer to approximately one non-member for every paid member. I think something in the range of 60,000 members is reasonable and might even be a bit high. In standard book publishing circles, this is a small audience. However, in academic book publishing circles, where many works struggle to sell 500 copies, it's considered a decent-sized audience. Susan ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
And do you have the sales figures on (a) what gangbusters consists of in terms of both units sold and profits realized, and (b) how many of these copies were actually sold to SCA members? Do you? I can ask Ian Stevens when I see him tomorrow. Although I doubt that he has such figures at his fingertips any more than I would be expected to. That I get answers from various publishers who are pleased with their SCA sales makes me think that we are not a contemptible source of revenue for them. Even the larger reenactor markets are not great sales markets. I find theatrical costumers to be a much larger, more profitable, and more reliable market. They will usually buy a book if they think it will facilitate their work; in other words, if they have a real professional need for it. Hobbyists usually pay less and are less likely to buy rather than borrow, or to not read the book at all. Considering the less than stellar costumes we have been treated to in various theatrical attempts this year I'd say that Theater Costumers are pretty much wasting their time buying these books on costuming. The basic thrust of all theatrical costume books I've seen and have seem to be far more interested in creating the look than the accurate cut and construction of clothing. Some renditions are enough to gag a maggot - The Tudors being the worst I've seen lately. The costume library of the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon (not a shabby small town effort) is exactly that; a library meant for costumers, not researchers. That does not mean that the SCA is the only or main market of Maney Publishing, or anyone else outside the SCA community. Of course not. They publish a great many journals for many societies to include the Costume Society. Why in the world would you expect them to I've lost track of how many members the SCA has, but last time I checked it was a few thousand. Present PAID memberships in the SCA are 29,500. This does not count those who play but do not pay. My experience both here in the US and in Europe is that there are between 5 and 10 active SCA players to every paid member. This is the result of not requiring an actual membership to play except to hold an office. Therefore we have a large number of college students and even some quite old members who simply refuse to pay to play. It is always amusing to see the professional names of well known SCA members who are Medieval History professors in their mundane lives. For costume books with patterns, there is a solid if niche bread-and-butter market of professional costumers who will buy them because they need them, and that's what we really rely on. Costume books for professional costumers... Certainly there is The Tudor Tailor, published by ladies who clothe the docents of Hampton Court, but Film and stage costumers intent on accuracy, or on the look Any market is better than no market No, it is not. Unless a market is a certain size compared to the costs of book publication, the book is not worth publishing. Unless a publisher is subsidized by a nonprofit, they simply cannot lose money and still stay in business. The days of such publishers may be numbered. Those who refuse to publish, or publish with no intention of affording the authors of scholarly works with any type of royalty (Kegan Paul in one incident I know of) may find that publishing via the internet will become a viable alternative. I have favorite Science Fiction authors who have had a problem finding a publisher until lately. I was introduced to their work by a friend and now go to their website, pay either via Pay Pal or credit card, and download the books. I then put them on my computer, or my hand held (the Kindle may be one of my next purchases if they come out with a back-lit screen option for reading in the dim light of an airplane). Certainly nothing would stop me from doing the same and printing it off, or sections of it off if I wanted. The authors would then be assured of receiving at least something for their efforts. This assumes that the authors aren't doing their publish or perish thing for academia. For those who really want to put their information out to the public. Publishers do not generally publish a book and then find a market for it. That is much too risky and expensive. They do considerable research to find out how many members of a target market or markets there are, where to locate them, and so on, before even beginning work on a book. Publishers are also sometimes surprised at their market since they never even thought to look outside a narrow academic field. The existence of Oxbow and David Brown provides information on that. I spoke to Ian Stevens today and he mentioned that they are going to be getting some sale books from Cambridge. He was also interested in what type of books I knew would be of interest to the several lists I'm on, from Cookery to
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Wanda Pease wrote: And do you have the sales figures on (a) what gangbusters consists of in terms of both units sold and profits realized, and (b) how many of these copies were actually sold to SCA members? Do you? I know exactly how many copies of each book I've sold, and how much each has earned to the penny. I also know how much it cost to produce, exactly how many copies I printed, and exactly how fast they've sold. I've got a whole set of spreadsheets for each book, as well as summary spreadsheets comparing figures for the different books. I've also got a database program written on top of Microsoft Access specificially for my business needs, which contains different sections with names and addresses of different kinds of customers and potential, totaling many thousands. I've got paper files full of printed info of reviews, customer comments, all kinds of stuff. I also know which exactly retailers and wholesalers I'm selling to, which pay their bills regularly, etc. This is all information I absolutely have to keep track of to stay in business, and it is comparable to that of larger publishers I have worked for. Since this is my business competitive information, no one else knows it but my husband/business partner, and for the financial part, my accountant and the IRS. Many publishers don't reveal this kind of info outside their businesses. I can ask Ian Stevens when I see him tomorrow. Although I doubt that he has such figures at his fingertips any more than I would be expected to. I have them right here on the computer I am working at. That I get answers from various publishers who are pleased with their SCA sales makes me think that we are not a contemptible source of revenue for them. I did not say contemptible. I said that every book has multiple markets if the publisher can possibly find them, some considered primary and some secondary. The SCA is just one market, and it is not the usual primary market for academic books, which is university professors and students. Considering the less than stellar costumes we have been treated to in various theatrical attempts this year I'd say that Theater Costumers are pretty much wasting their time buying these books on costuming. Not at all. Theaters have their own constraints and needs. They are not only by no means obligated to meet the accuracy standards some reenactors want to impose on them, usually they can't. I'm not responsible for the quality of the costumes theatrical and film costumers make, and I don't care what they do with the patterns in my books. If they want to take a bustle dress pattern and make it up in turquoise PVC with little electric lights all over it because that's the director's vision for a production of _Midsummer Night's Dream_, that's fine with me. The basic thrust of all theatrical costume books I've seen and have seem to be far more interested in creating the look than the accurate cut and construction of clothing. You cannot generalize and say all books in a genre are the same. My books are my books, and other publishers' are theirs. I am not responsible for the contents of anyone else's books. Theatrical and film costumers often use SCA-sanctified sources like Janet Arnold too, you know. Some renditions are enough to gag a maggot - The Tudors being the worst I've seen lately. The costume library of the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon (not a shabby small town effort) is exactly that; a library meant for costumers, not researchers. They buy mine too. So? Of course not. They publish a great many journals for many societies to include the Costume Society. Since I've been a member of the (British) Costume Society for decades and have also bought many of Maney's books, I know that. Present PAID memberships in the SCA are 29,500. This does not count those who play but do not pay. That's nice to know. Maybe I'll consider the SCA as a market some day. No, it is not. Unless a market is a certain size compared to the costs of book publication, the book is not worth publishing. Unless a publisher is subsidized by a nonprofit, they simply cannot lose money and still stay in business. The days of such publishers may be numbered. If you mean publishers who lose money, their days certainly are numbered--except, as I said, for subsidized publishers. There are nonprofits--the Sierra Club is one of many examples--who publish books primarily to promote their vision, though they don't mind making money too if they can. Some museum and corporate publications are also subsidized. Those who refuse to publish, or publish with no intention of affording the authors of scholarly works with any type of royalty (Kegan Paul in one incident I know of) may find that publishing via the internet will become a viable alternative. I've worked in publishing for 24 years, know numerous publishers on and off publishing
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
In a message dated 4/29/2008 9:09:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You cannot generalize and say all books in a genre are the same. My books are my books, and other publishers' are theirs. I am not responsible for the contents of anyone else's books. But isn't that what you did when you said the following: In a message dated 4/27/2008 3:28:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The Civil War reenactors are a very large group but with few exceptions, tend not to be very interested in books or research. They seem to regard it as somehow virtuous to be conspicuously disinterested in everything beyond their immediate and very narrow time frame and geographic area, thus tend to lack a sense of context. They are conformist in ideas, and rely heavily on the system of one group authority reading a book and giving them a set of approved ideas to worth with. All reenactment communities do this to some extent, but the CW reenactors are the most likely to come onto an e-group and say, What is OK for me to wear? I want to 'fit in,' rather than doing any research or original thinking themselves. They also seem to have less formal education than the other groups, judging by how they write, spell, etc. Granted, we're individual people, not books, but the same concept applies. ~Joseph **Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. U, yes they do. I consider myself a serious researcher. I also will not buy any of your books. There is enough information out there from other authors that I seriously doubt I will ever miss your information. I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. That's fine. But there are lots of us out here that DO care! And we matter also. Cactus Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
I have my sales figures, you don't, and I very seriously doubt that many people who'd buy a book anyway would not buy it just because they don't like me. I am not my books. Also, you're right, I don't give a damn whether some stranger likes me. Fran I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Why does anyone have to be in a group to buy costume related books? I think that it's correlative, not causative. Patty ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
And a lot of people have to choose between books and fabric. You can't get fabric (or sewing machines!) from the library, so that often is where the money has to go. It doesn't mean these people aren't using books. --Robin Books are a lot easier to borrow than fabric! ;-) Patty ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Well said! Anne -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Shirley Hobbs Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 12:51 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. U, yes they do. I consider myself a serious researcher. I also will not buy any of your books. There is enough information out there from other authors that I seriously doubt I will ever miss your information. I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. That's fine. But there are lots of us out here that DO care! And we matter also. Cactus Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
To deflate your little power trip, guys, there have to be thousands of people in an audience to even make a dent or have any influence on book sales at all. I don't even know that many from e-mail lists, let alone that many who dislike me. It may be fun to run around thinking that what you personally do can make or break someone's business, but it's sheer illusion. And there is no reason why I personally should care what you think. Fran Anne Moeller wrote: Well said! Anne -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Shirley Hobbs Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 12:51 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. U, yes they do. I consider myself a serious researcher. I also will not buy any of your books. There is enough information out there from other authors that I seriously doubt I will ever miss your information. I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. That's fine. But there are lots of us out here that DO care! And we matter also. Cactus Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
I don't really think someone can dislike a person by just reading his posts and never seeing him personally. If you're not a genius writer, you can never express your thoughts just as you have them in your head, which may lead to misunderstanding. Nevertheless, a book and his author can be two quite different things. I think people should be objective and regard the book as a result of work and study of the author, whatever his personality is. Technically-based women and most men would have this a bit easier. They would be more objective and would tend to say strictly what they want, which might sound a bit - hm - rude. Nothing to blame for , it's just a different way of thinking... I think it's quite natural that you buy more books from an author who's sympathetic to you, but I don't really like the idea of doing the opposite - unless you have a very good reason for it. Zuzana Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To deflate your little power trip, guys, there have to be thousands of people in an audience to even make a dent or have any influence on book sales at all. I don't even know that many from e-mail lists, let alone that many who dislike me. It may be fun to run around thinking that what you personally do can make or break someone's business, but it's sheer illusion. And there is no reason why I personally should care what you think. Fran Anne Moeller wrote: Well said! Anne -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Shirley Hobbs Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 12:51 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own From: Lavolta Press People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. U, yes they do. I consider myself a serious researcher. I also will not buy any of your books. There is enough information out there from other authors that I seriously doubt I will ever miss your information. I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. That's fine. But there are lots of us out here that DO care! And we matter also. Cactus Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume - Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
I buy a huge number of books by people I've never met (many of whom are dead, so I never will), and some by people I can't stand personally. The only thing that matters is the content of book. Likewise, when working for other publishers and for computer companies, I have worked with some authors and co-workers who were temperamental, incompetent, had a lot of personal problems/crises, and who had other flaws that made them hard to work with. So what? I had to work with them anyway, so I did, and we did a good job together. What mattered was the work. I don't think it pays to look at the world primarily in terms of personal relationships and feelings, and particularly the business world. Quite simply, things are not all about any individual and their personal feelings, whether mine or someone else's. I don't kid myself that anyone publishing a book, even one that I gladly buy the minute I hear about it, gives a rat's patootie about me personally or would spend any time whatever catering to my own personal tastes. Not unless those personal tastes were similar to thousands of other book buyers, which apparently they often are. That does not mean I don't have a very sincere interest in costume--I wouldn't spend 14 years of full-time work writing about it if I didn't. Nor would I sew. That doesn't mean I dislike everyone in some particular group, including h-costume. It doesn't mean I have no personal friends. But I think it would be very silly to run my life according to who I personally like or who personally likes me, or to expect everyone to personally like me. If people like me, they do. If they don't, they don't. And that's true for everyone else, as far as I can tell. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com Zuzana Kraemerova wrote: I don't really think someone can dislike a person by just reading his posts and never seeing him personally. If you're not a genius writer, you can never express your thoughts just as you have them in your head, which may lead to misunderstanding. Nevertheless, a book and his author can be two quite different things. I think people should be objective and regard the book as a result of work and study of the author, whatever his personality is. Technically-based women and most men would have this a bit easier. They would be more objective and would tend to say strictly what they want, which might sound a bit - hm - rude. Nothing to blame for , it's just a different way of thinking... I think it's quite natural that you buy more books from an author who's sympathetic to you, but I don't really like the idea of doing the opposite - unless you have a very good reason for it. Zuzana ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
We realize we won't make a dent in your sales. We are just stating that yes, how we feel about an author can influence whether or not we will buy that particular author's books. Just our humble opinion, which I realize doesn't mean anything to you. But it does matter to some of us. And no, we are not the ones on a power trip. --- On Mon, 4/28/08, Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own To: Historical Costume [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 28, 2008, 1:42 PM To deflate your little power trip, guys, there have to be thousands of people in an audience to even make a dent or have any influence on book sales at all. I don't even know that many from e-mail lists, let alone that many who dislike me. It may be fun to run around thinking that what you personally do can make or break someone's business, but it's sheer illusion. And there is no reason why I personally should care what you think. Fran Anne Moeller wrote: Well said! Anne -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Shirley Hobbs Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 12:51 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. U, yes they do. I consider myself a serious researcher. I also will not buy any of your books. There is enough information out there from other authors that I seriously doubt I will ever miss your information. I think what you do is wonderful, but your attitude really turns people off. I know this discussion has taken place many times before and you have made it plain that you don't care. That's fine. But there are lots of us out here that DO care! And we matter also. Cactus Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1401 - Release Date: 4/28/2008 7:18 AM ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Subject: Robin Netherton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? I feel like I should start with: My name is Cynthia Barnes and I'm a costume addict. I've got 350+ books on sewing, fashion, then there's vintage 19th c fashion journals, some bound some not. Closely related are the etiquette, housekeeping dance manuals. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? I dont remember. What was your most recent purchase? Oh a handful. I was at CostumeCon this afternoon. Beginner's Blackwork is the most different thing for me. Then I bought some toupee clips. I went to a wig lecture found out this morning that you can sew these clips to falls switches then anchor them in your hair. Neat! I'm looking forward to trying these. This morning, my Jane Seymour necklace by Pewter Replicas arrived from the UK. I'm wearing it! best deal... I have 70+ 19th c hand-colored fashion plates; most were purchased in Europe at teeny-tiny book ephemera dealers' shops in obscure areas. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? 400+ 19th c photographs. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. I'd burn to death rescuing treasures and throwing them out the window to save them from peril. What is the worse costume book that you own? None! Just donated them for a nice tax deduction. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Double closet, 2 armoires, and 1/2 the garage. When did you start collecting? Dressups? Oh maybe age 5 or 6. I had the biggest collection in the neighborhood. Hats? Jewelry? Oh, once you have 2-3 of anything, people assume it's a collection and you get more. My aunts are particularly to blame for encouragement. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? I think if it more like a dragon's hoard. How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? Six. All working. 1897 portable cast-iron hand-cranked machine in it's wooden case with lots of nifty special-purpose feet, 1920s treadle converted to electric in the late 20s, the turquoise 1950s cabinet machine operated by knee instead of footpedal, a fantastic 1961 Kenmore that sews *anything* including kevlar, Viking embroidery machine, Babylock self-threading serger, and a hand-carved wooded flax(?) spindle because it was mechanically interesting. How many sewing patterns do you own? Two file cabinets of patterns. Do books of patterns count like the RL Shep reprints? How 'bout the ones in the bound journals like Godey's Ladies Book? I dunno. Conservatively: I'd say lots. I'm so glad we have these Costumers Anonymous meetings. I dont have a problem I can quit anytime. --cin Cynthia Barnes [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Books strictly about costume or sewing techniques about 60, including some photocopies. Then I have a large collection of the Rundschau drafting magazines (still not all) and many Burdas (I actually don't know why do I keep buying them when I never use them...I draft all patterns myself). What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Probably Peacock, I bought it in some bookshop in Germany. What was your most recent purchase? Fashion and Fetishism, All about silk, Fashions of the Gilded Age, vol.2 (all arrived at once from amazon) What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Probably succeeding to get the original of Medieval costume, armor, and weapons. For costumes, it's not very good, but the armor part is great and, there's a lot of pictures - redrawn, yes, but one could find the original when searching a little. I bought it for $50 fin a second hand bookshop. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? I don't collect them. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. The only not replaceable book is the already mentioned Medieval costume, armor and weapons, it's kind of a legend in the Czech republic and almost nobody owns it. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Probably What people wore or some Czech costume and fashion books that are really terrible. Then Geschichte der Mode im 20.Jhd. is also pretty scary. I would send some to Robin but the books are so awful that they're not even worth the shipping...and, almost none of them is in English. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Not really, the books are in my sewing room. When did you start collecting? When I started sewing costumes, about 5 years ago. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? For pleasure, a bit for business. I sew for customers, so I need some information, but sewing costumes is my real love:-D Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 3, one is Pfaff about 5 years old, one Janome oveclock (My lock213D) - perhaps 4 years old, and one Veritas about 30years old (an old Czech sewing machine company). I'd need some good sewing machine for straight sewing, maybe I'll buy some industrial sewing machine one day. How many sewing patterns do you own? 16, I don't use them much, I rather draft. Except for corsets, these I cannot draft. - Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Not all that many--finances are limited, so I try to only buy the ones that are truly useful to me. Since my costuming interests are strictly 15th-16th century, that helps. Though interests are expanding, and I have done everything from t-tunics to Viking to Elizabethan for customers. I traded a pile of custom-made t-tunics for a pavilion. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? My first big (and so far biggest) purchase was QEWU, about two years ago. Purchased it from a German seller via ABEbooks. What was your most recent purchase? The Tudor Tailor. Next will be The Medieval Tailor's Assistant and Moda a Firenze. (I may wait and try to get that from Poison Pen Press at Pennsic) ? About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? None What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. QEWU undoubtedly What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! See above--I have learned enough from other people to not spend my limited funds on books I won't use Do you have a room devoted to your collection? My books are in a bookcase in my sewing room, so not directly, but yes, only computer and sewing activities happen in this room. (I understand there is a whole house attached to this room, but I think it's a dirty lie...) When did you start collecting? About when I found the SCA, so about eight or nine years ago Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Both Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? I have an old Kenmore that is in need of minor repairs, and 1948 Singer 99k that is gorgeous and runs like a dream, a cheapo Brother that I use on a daily basis, and a Brother PE750D that does strictly embroidery. How many sewing patterns do you own? Not so many any more. I decided it was silly to hang onto most of my Big 3 patterns, when my tastes (and skills!) have gone in a more accurate direction, so I got rid of most of them. I have about 30 from the independent pattern companies (Margo Anderson, Reconstructing History, Alter Years, and Fantasy Fashion) that live in a drawer of my sewing table where they are easily accessible. Dianne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
It's not depressing that you are in the SCA, it's depressing that other groups do not seem to value books nearly as much. Fran monica spence wrote: Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
We are just lucky I guess. Most of us garb-and-research-types are book-aholics. She/he who dies with the most books wins the love and undying affection of she/he who inherits the books. :-) Monica -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 4:06 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own It's not depressing that you are in the SCA, it's depressing that other groups do not seem to value books nearly as much. Fran monica spence wrote: Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
At 21:06 27/04/2008, you wrote: It's not depressing that you are in the SCA, it's depressing that other groups do not seem to value books nearly as much. Fran Why does anyone have to be in a group to buy costume related books? Suzi Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Suzi Clarke wrote: At 21:06 27/04/2008, you wrote: It's not depressing that you are in the SCA, it's depressing that other groups do not seem to value books nearly as much. Fran Why does anyone have to be in a group to buy costume related books? What may be misleading is that a large proportion of the people on this list work in the medieval and Renaissance periods, so most of the people answering have been mentioning books from those periods. Many of those people are in the SCA, which is understandable given the size of the organization compared with other groups. So the impression may be more a question of the proportional representation on this list than anything intrinsic to a specific group or study of a particular period. I am not in the SCA or any other group, but I work only on medieval clothing, so my answers reflected that. I have lots and lots of books. It's the nature of my work. It's also the nature of Penny's work (she having started this thread, and she also specializes in periods later than medieval -- which is why she has lots of photos and magazines, and I don't!). The nature of someone else's work might be served by a very narrow set of references, depending on type of the costuming they do and the availability of sources. And a lot of people have to choose between books and fabric. You can't get fabric (or sewing machines!) from the library, so that often is where the money has to go. It doesn't mean these people aren't using books. --Robin ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Why does anyone have to be in a group to buy costume related books? In terms of marketing demographics, everyone is in a group or multiple groups whether they consider themselves members of such a group or not. Fran ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
We are just lucky I guess. Most of us garb-and-research-types are book-aholics. She/he who dies with the most books wins the love and undying affection of she/he who inherits the books. :-) Monica Truer words were never written :-) I have to watch my back around some of my friends who know the books will be offered to them first when they carry me out of my house. Then there are the ones who complacently watch my fabric stash grow to huge proportions (live near two Pendleton Woolen Mills seconds stores and come from Pendleton. At $3.99 a yard Pendleton wool can be cheaper than either dead dinosaur or cotton!). Certainly I have more than I'm likely to use in the next 20 years or so. Fancy sewing machines mean the new 1911 Singer Treadle I just got from Good Will with every attachment ever made to that time plus the original manual. Then there is the 1929 Singer electric/hand crank, or the 1960 Touch and Sew, or the 1960 Morris, or the 1981 Pfaff or... (Housemate is glaring and insisting that there are no more sewing machines to come to the house. She doesn't mention the three that she has rescued in the last year - chuckle!) I actually think that the fact that the SCA and it's offshoots in the re-enactment and Renn Faire arenas are the reason why many books see publication at all. Dress in the Court of Henry VIII was eagerly welcomed by David Brown/Oxbow books when Maney Publishing came up with the idea. They knew it would sell like gangbusters, and it has. Maney publishing is eager to hear from the book buying public about what we would like to see and spend money on. The museum in Italy that put out Moda was evidently completely surprised at the way it was received. Rumor has it that there will be a companion volume on male clothing from that same era now they know it will sell. The same is true of books on Medieval and Renaissance cooking and some of the more off the wall cookbooks. Who would think that a hardworking Family Assistance program manager would put out $125 for a translation of a 13th century Mongolian cookbook? (Well, the actual sale price was $225 when the idiots got through with messing with the number published and who would buy it but Barnes and Noble made the mistake of sending out a few at the lower price.) The answer is that SCA members and those who have fallen under their spell would. Any market is better than no market and a new generation is growing up that will never think to thank us for creating it. They will think that it's obvious that someone would be interested in the grave finds on the Isle of Man, or the cut and construction of Spanish clothing in 1578. Wanda ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
You don't have to own books to value them. If someone on a limited income would rather spend their dollars on fabric and sewing machines, they can use the public library to access the books. Cactus --- On Sun, 4/27/08, Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own To: Historical Costume [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008, 2:06 PM It's not depressing that you are in the SCA, it's depressing that other groups do not seem to value books nearly as much. Fran monica spence wrote: Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
to buy costume related books? What may be misleading is that a large proportion of the people on this list work in the medieval and Renaissance periods, so most of the people answering have been mentioning books from those periods. Perhaps a large proportion but not necessarily a majority. In a multi-era e-list, SCA members are usually the most vocal, therefore they often seem like a higher proportion of a group than they really are. Many of those people are in the SCA, which is understandable given the size of the organization compared with other groups. So the impression may be more a question of the proportional representation on this list than anything intrinsic to a specific group or study of a particular period. I belong to almost 100 Yahoo lists for historic costume and reenactment, and have for some years. Though, admittedly, I do not receive direct email from the vast majority of them, and these days, don't have time to drop into their website archives more often than once every few months. However, my impression is that SCA members are the group most inclined to research and with the highest understanding of what research actually consists of. That is, they are the least likely to do things like assume that original sources are always 100% accurate and unbiased, that secondary sources are always useless, and so on. They are the most likely to assume that a multi-era e-group is for them, often throwing out references to things like Is X in period? under the assumption that everyone on the e-list is always talking about some SCA period. However, they tend to be more interested in a variety of time periods and types of clothing within the SCA time frame. They tend to spend the most money on books, and buying the most expensive ones is a status symbol, as is buying other expensive things (such as fabric) that help in some way with an SCA impression. Although I've had less contact with them, 18th-century reenactors strike me as the group next most interested in research and in books. Early 19th-century reenactors come third, with an interest in original sources, but tending to confine them to sources approved by some group, and especially reprints of diaries and other personal accounts. The Civil War reenactors are a very large group but with few exceptions, tend not to be very interested in books or research. They seem to regard it as somehow virtuous to be conspicuously disinterested in everything beyond their immediate and very narrow time frame and geographic area, thus tend to lack a sense of context. They are conformist in ideas, and rely heavily on the system of one group authority reading a book and giving them a set of approved ideas to worth with. All reenactment communities do this to some extent, but the CW reenactors are the most likely to come onto an e-group and say, What is OK for me to wear? I want to 'fit in,' rather than doing any research or original thinking themselves. They also seem to have less formal education than the other groups, judging by how they write, spell, etc. I am not in the SCA or any other group, but I work only on medieval clothing, so my answers reflected that. I have lots and lots of books. It's the nature of my work. It's also the nature of Penny's work (she having started this thread, and she also specializes in periods later than medieval -- which is why she has lots of photos and magazines, and I don't!). I'm not in the SCA or any other reenactment group, but it's also the nature of my work to have lots of books and magazines, and I also collect vintage clothing. I don't have nearly as many photos as perhaps I should. They are mostly ones my parents bought at estate auctions, I haven't gone in for buying them myself. The nature of someone else's work might be served by a very narrow set of references, depending on type of the costuming they do and the availability of sources. And very often it is. But because my lifelong profession has always been various aspects of writing, editing, and publishing, naturally I like people to want to read lots of books. Everyone working in publishing wants people to read lots of books. Not only for marketing reasons, but people who read a lot usually believe that reading is enjoyable, educational, and generally a good thing. And a lot of people have to choose between books and fabric. You can't get fabric (or sewing machines!) from the library, so that often is where the money has to go. It doesn't mean these people aren't using books. I admit, I not only think books are where the money should go, I would always rather own the book, if at all possible, than go to a library. I like things right at hand where I can reach them instantly. I have a lot of fabric and lace too, but only one sewing machine. I've always sold the old one when I bought a new one. I hate the idea of a serger. I understand that many people find
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
For someone so gungho on authenticity, I am surprised that you would do period (whatever that may be) embroidery by machine rather than by hand. Cactus --- On Sun, 4/27/08, Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own To: Historical Costume [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008, 4:27 PM to buy costume related books? What may be misleading is that a large proportion of the people on this list work in the medieval and Renaissance periods, so most of the people answering have been mentioning books from those periods. Perhaps a large proportion but not necessarily a majority. In a multi-era e-list, SCA members are usually the most vocal, therefore they often seem like a higher proportion of a group than they really are. Many of those people are in the SCA, which is understandable given the size of the organization compared with other groups. So the impression may be more a question of the proportional representation on this list than anything intrinsic to a specific group or study of a particular period. I belong to almost 100 Yahoo lists for historic costume and reenactment, and have for some years. Though, admittedly, I do not receive direct email from the vast majority of them, and these days, don't have time to drop into their website archives more often than once every few months. However, my impression is that SCA members are the group most inclined to research and with the highest understanding of what research actually consists of. That is, they are the least likely to do things like assume that original sources are always 100% accurate and unbiased, that secondary sources are always useless, and so on. They are the most likely to assume that a multi-era e-group is for them, often throwing out references to things like Is X in period? under the assumption that everyone on the e-list is always talking about some SCA period. However, they tend to be more interested in a variety of time periods and types of clothing within the SCA time frame. They tend to spend the most money on books, and buying the most expensive ones is a status symbol, as is buying other expensive things (such as fabric) that help in some way with an SCA impression. Although I've had less contact with them, 18th-century reenactors strike me as the group next most interested in research and in books. Early 19th-century reenactors come third, with an interest in original sources, but tending to confine them to sources approved by some group, and especially reprints of diaries and other personal accounts. The Civil War reenactors are a very large group but with few exceptions, tend not to be very interested in books or research. They seem to regard it as somehow virtuous to be conspicuously disinterested in everything beyond their immediate and very narrow time frame and geographic area, thus tend to lack a sense of context. They are conformist in ideas, and rely heavily on the system of one group authority reading a book and giving them a set of approved ideas to worth with. All reenactment communities do this to some extent, but the CW reenactors are the most likely to come onto an e-group and say, What is OK for me to wear? I want to 'fit in,' rather than doing any research or original thinking themselves. They also seem to have less formal education than the other groups, judging by how they write, spell, etc. I am not in the SCA or any other group, but I work only on medieval clothing, so my answers reflected that. I have lots and lots of books. It's the nature of my work. It's also the nature of Penny's work (she having started this thread, and she also specializes in periods later than medieval -- which is why she has lots of photos and magazines, and I don't!). I'm not in the SCA or any other reenactment group, but it's also the nature of my work to have lots of books and magazines, and I also collect vintage clothing. I don't have nearly as many photos as perhaps I should. They are mostly ones my parents bought at estate auctions, I haven't gone in for buying them myself. The nature of someone else's work might be served by a very narrow set of references, depending on type of the costuming they do and the availability of sources. And very often it is. But because my lifelong profession has always been various aspects of writing, editing, and publishing, naturally I like people to want to read lots of books. Everyone working in publishing wants people to read lots of books. Not only for marketing reasons, but people who read a lot usually believe that reading is enjoyable, educational, and generally a good thing. And a lot of people have to choose between books and fabric. You
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
That is, they are the least likely to do things like assume that original sources are always 100% accurate and unbiased, that secondary sources are always useless, and so on. I must disagree. You definitely cannot rely on secondary sources, but it can be very interesting and you can learn many points of view, many opinions, by just reading them. By the way, some authors have done good research that can save your time in finding sources, relations, etc. You can always go deep in research by searching for the primary sources cited in the book. Here I should say that a book with no given primary sources really could be almost useless. Zuzana - Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Actually, I'm not an authenticity police person, as my books should tell you, if you've read them. For example, although I have entirely hand-sewn a few undergarments and accessories, and enjoyed it, I sew most repros by machine. The reality is that I do not have all day long to sew. I need to work on producing and marketing books, and making an income thereby. I don't have as much time as I'd like to sew, and with the time I have, I'd rather be sewing than doing hand embroidery. Besides, I love techno-toys and modern equipment. I adore buying a new computer. Buying an embroidery machine and software to go with it, and learning the software, is the kind of thing that I really enjoy. I don't think everyone has to conform to my personal standards of costume authenticity, and I have absolutely zero obligation to conform to yours or anyone else's. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com Shirley Hobbs wrote: For someone so gungho on authenticity, I am surprised that you would do period (whatever that may be) embroidery by machine rather than by hand. Cactus --- On Sun, 4/27/08, Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Lavolta Press [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own To: Historical Costume [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008, 4:27 PM to buy costume related books? What may be misleading is that a large proportion of the people on this list work in the medieval and Renaissance periods, so most of the people answering have been mentioning books from those periods. Perhaps a large proportion but not necessarily a majority. In a multi-era e-list, SCA members are usually the most vocal, therefore they often seem like a higher proportion of a group than they really are. Many of those people are in the SCA, which is understandable given the size of the organization compared with other groups. So the impression may be more a question of the proportional representation on this list than anything intrinsic to a specific group or study of a particular period. I belong to almost 100 Yahoo lists for historic costume and reenactment, and have for some years. Though, admittedly, I do not receive direct email from the vast majority of them, and these days, don't have time to drop into their website archives more often than once every few months. However, my impression is that SCA members are the group most inclined to research and with the highest understanding of what research actually consists of. That is, they are the least likely to do things like assume that original sources are always 100% accurate and unbiased, that secondary sources are always useless, and so on. They are the most likely to assume that a multi-era e-group is for them, often throwing out references to things like Is X in period? under the assumption that everyone on the e-list is always talking about some SCA period. However, they tend to be more interested in a variety of time periods and types of clothing within the SCA time frame. They tend to spend the most money on books, and buying the most expensive ones is a status symbol, as is buying other expensive things (such as fabric) that help in some way with an SCA impression. Although I've had less contact with them, 18th-century reenactors strike me as the group next most interested in research and in books. Early 19th-century reenactors come third, with an interest in original sources, but tending to confine them to sources approved by some group, and especially reprints of diaries and other personal accounts. The Civil War reenactors are a very large group but with few exceptions, tend not to be very interested in books or research. They seem to regard it as somehow virtuous to be conspicuously disinterested in everything beyond their immediate and very narrow time frame and geographic area, thus tend to lack a sense of context. They are conformist in ideas, and rely heavily on the system of one group authority reading a book and giving them a set of approved ideas to worth with. All reenactment communities do this to some extent, but the CW reenactors are the most likely to come onto an e-group and say, What is OK for me to wear? I want to 'fit in,' rather than doing any research or original thinking themselves. They also seem to have less formal education than the other groups, judging by how they write, spell, etc. I am not in the SCA or any other group, but I work only on medieval clothing, so my answers reflected that. I have lots and lots of books. It's the nature of my work. It's also the nature of Penny's work (she having started this thread, and she also specializes in periods later than medieval -- which is why she has lots of photos and magazines, and I don't!). I'm not in the SCA or any other reenactment group, but it's also
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Zuzana Kraemerova wrote: That is, they are the least likely to do things like assume that original sources are always 100% accurate and unbiased, that secondary sources are always useless, and so on. I must disagree. You definitely cannot rely on secondary sources, What I meant is that you can't unthinkingly _rely_ on any source whatever, primary or secondary. They all have to be viewed analytically, with attention to their limitations, biases, intent, and so on. I was educated as a historian and believe me, historians spend a great deal of time not only analyzing but creating secondary sources. Many reenactors think that if someone in period--whatever period it is--said something, that of course they are knowledgeable, unbiased, and truthful. Not so. It is also not so, that anyone who writes a secondary source, that is one that relies on primary sources, is automatically full of BS. One way to look at it is, to give an example: Suppose you analyze half a dozen newspapers and find ads for fabrics/materials for sale, which is the kind of primary-source research many reenactors do. OK, maybe you've found out something. Now, suppose someone else spends several years combing hundreds of newspapers for such ads published in a certain geographic area and during a certain time period, and compiles a statistical study that includes every single ad they found in those papers. They also do research to study why certain materials were more popular, for example, was it the local climate? Was it the price? Was it availability? Was it current fashion? and other factors. By the time they finish this study-- they know a lot more than you found out by reading half a dozen newspapers. Furthermore, if you didn't have several years of your own time available to do such a study, then you never would have found out all this without reading that secondary source. Granted, its author might have made what you believe to be misinterpretations--though the whole idea of misconceptions and errors is often not as black-and-white as many reenactors assert. You might however analyze the study and find certain things. For example, that the researcher only studied newspapers from large cities, and perhaps the patterns of textile purchase in small towns might have been different. On the other hand, many studies will openly say this, since some limitations are always placed on every researcher by available resources, which include not only research sources but their own time and research budget. So this lack would not be an error on the researcher's part unless they extrapolated to things they did not study without enough evidence for doing so. It would merely mean that at some point it would be a good idea for someone else to study small-town newspapers for that time period, geographic era, etc. It would however probably be perfectly legitimate for the researcher of big-city papers to read a few small-town papers, and say that on the basis of that limited research the patterns of textile purchase in small towns in their area seem to have been the same or different in certain ways, or admit that they are speculating or extrapolating to this or that, as long as they make it clear that they are doing so. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Hi Fran-- Why is it depressing that many of us are in the SCA? In order to participate in the SCA, a person has to wear a reasonable attempt at pre-17th C. clothing. A lot of us find there is challenge and fun in going beyond the minimum. I think that it is great that so many go the extra mile for their hobby. Monica Spence In Society known as: Baroness Catriona MacDuff OL,OP,CM,CSC,KoE,QoC,PA,PA,AoA,OSF,OSS East Kingdom I'm with Her Excellency. The reasonable attempt does two important things: 1) it doesn't scare off the new folks. We figure once you're here, you should be given time to see what's out there, and make your own choices. 2) it doesn't scare off the new folks. We're not re-enactors, having to come in with a full kit. Arlys -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 3:33 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Lavolta Press Books on Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
On Sunday 27 April 2008, Lavolta Press wrote: [snip] I've lost track of how many members the SCA has, but last time I checked it was a few thousand. By publishing standards, that's tiny, considering that something like one to five percent of people in a target market actually buy. The version of the FAQ currently on sca.org says that they have about 29,500 paid members, but that's still small by publishing standards. -- Cathy Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] You affect the world by what you browse.-- Tim Berners-Lee ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
In a message dated 4/27/2008 3:28:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The Civil War reenactors are a very large group but with few exceptions, tend not to be very interested in books or research. They seem to regard it as somehow virtuous to be conspicuously disinterested in everything beyond their immediate and very narrow time frame and geographic area, thus tend to lack a sense of context. They are conformist in ideas, and rely heavily on the system of one group authority reading a book and giving them a set of approved ideas to worth with. All reenactment communities do this to some extent, but the CW reenactors are the most likely to come onto an e-group and say, What is OK for me to wear? I want to 'fit in,' rather than doing any research or original thinking themselves. They also seem to have less formal education than the other groups, judging by how they write, spell, etc. I find your statements extremely offensive Fran. What precisely did Civil War Re-enactors ever do to you for you to label us so rudely? I personally know a great many that have higher levels of education than you probably attained yourself. Even if they didn't, the majority were raised in a manner that gave them better manners than to publicly smear everyone into a narrow minded generalization as you just did. ANY group of re-enactors, whatever their area of interest, are just as susceptible to your rant above as any other. To a certain extent, your statement that we are not concerned with much beyond our “very narrow time frame” is true. The American Civil War spanned from 1861 until 1865, so obviously there is a need for an extremely specific time frame in which to research, which in comparison to the SCA is extremely narrow. That being said, the decades leading up to the war are every bit as relevant to us as those four years, and I can’t think of many people at the moment who would refute that point.If I were 24 in 1863, I would have been born in 1839 and experienced many things beyond mere material culture. Those things constitute my life experience, and are of extreme importance in researching and knowing. Truth be told, some people don’t enter into Civil War Re-enacting for the clothing. That’s alright though. So that means that some will never research much past getting a basic visual impression together. And there is where the basic clothing guidelines and mindset that you’re currently slamming come into play. They aren’t specific to us, however. If this bias against Civil War Re-enactors is based off of the number of books you don’t sell to us, I would strongly encourage you to reconsider your position as to why. In this case it’s not usually disinterest in books and researching that keep us from purchasing your overpriced books. More to the point its that we’ve encountered the publisher of these books that hold little or no relevance to our period of history online in some form or another, and having experienced first hand how rude and derogatory she is toward us, have no desire to support her in any way, shape, or form due to her snotty and defamatory attitude. And assuming one could ignore that momentarily, it becomes a debate of spending $45 on a book filled with things that post-date the Civil War, and which the author has stated that accuracy is not the primary focus of, or one which is relevant on both counts. ~Joseph Stevens **Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
What I find both interesting and depressing in this discussion is that (a) judging from the books discussed, almost all the people who collect and spend much money on costume books are in the SCA and (b) a lot of people would rather spend money on fabric and sewing machines. Fran Not always a matter of would rather--but if money is limited, I might buy a book this month, some fabric next month...I have to be judicious with my purchases. And we don't use credit cards, everything is cash only. Most of the time, if I regretfully sigh and put back the book I'd love to have, it's because the household bills have to come before pleasure. Dianne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
. What precisely did Civil War Re-enactors ever do to you for you to label us so rudely? As I mentioned, this is very much the impression of Civil War reenactors I get from e-lists. And it's not my books I'm talking about, but many other discussions of how people do research and what books they read. snip Truth be told, some people don’t enter into Civil War Re-enacting for the clothing. I know that, and there is nothing wrong with it. More to the point its that we’ve encountered the publisher of these books that hold little or no relevance to our period of history online in some form or another, and having experienced first hand how rude and derogatory she is toward us, have no desire to support her in any way, shape, or form due to her snotty and defamatory attitude. People seriously interested in research do not buy or read a book based on whether they know or like the author. And assuming one could ignore that momentarily, it becomes a debate of spending $45 on a book filled with things that post-date the Civil War, and which the author has stated that accuracy is not the primary focus of, or one which is relevant on both counts. If you are referring to _Reconstruction Era Fashions_, I have never claimed that 1867-8 is during the American Civil War. Actually, I said nothing about the accuracy of my books. I said that I do not expect other people to adhere to my personal standards in making clothing, nor should they expect me to adhere to theirs when I make clothing. What people wear is not identical to what they know, and it's ridiculous to expect people to wear their resumes. As for the accuracy of the _Reconstruction Era Fashions_ itself--it is no flaw in the book that it was never intended to be for the ACW market. The title says, plain as a pikestaff, _Reconstruction Era Fashions_ and includes the dates 1867-1868. I don't know how to make it any plainer than that. My book on the early 1860s is still in the works. I can understand that if the late 1860s is not your area of interest, you may never have read the book. But if not, you are in no position to criticize its accuracy or anything else about it. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
And assuming one could ignore that momentarily, it becomes a debate of spending $45 on a book filled with things that post-date the Civil War, and which the author has stated that accuracy is not the primary focus of, or one which is relevant on both counts. BTW, I earn my living by publishing books, and I've put several tens of thousands of dollars and at least two years of my work time into every one of them, totaling several hundreds of thousands of dollars of my own money and 14 years of my time. I feel fully justified in charging the cover prices I charge, many people pay them, and given the page count they are actually less expensive than many other nonsubsidized books on the market. If you do not wish to pay them that is your choice, but I have to address audiences who will pay enough for me to pay for my groceries, etc. as well as book production. Fran Lavolta Press http://www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
snip The version of the FAQ currently on sca.org says that they have about 29,500 paid members, but that's still small by publishing standards. You do not have to be a paid member to participate, however, you must be a paid member if you fight or if you're an officer. Figures vary as to how many people really play in the SCA, but I've heard as many as 3 to 4 times the number of paid members. The actual number of participants could be as high as 118,000. With regards, Kate ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? About 30-35 (but 2 of those are Moda a Firenze and QEWU (bought from Amazon/Canada for $192, which included shipping) What was the first one you purchased? Historic Costume for the Stage 1974 Where did you purchase it? Humboldt State University for a costume class What was your most recent purchase? QEWU What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? A friend found the 3 Janet Arnold books at a garage sale and bought them for under $20, then gave them to me About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Loads, because my family took lots of photos, then threw them in a box. If anyone wants copies (some very nice turn of the century ones, I will scan and email to you What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Besides pics of my kids, nothing. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Let There Be Clothes Do you have a room devoted to your collection? no When did you start collecting? When I had some money Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? pleasure Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? One What types and age? Husquevarna/Viking new this year, finally had to bite the bullet and get new machine when old one (Elna) wouldn't work unless you picked it up and shook it really hard How many sewing patterns do you own? Tons, my friend, who was a costumer, gave me all she had after she decided not to do shows anymore -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Penny Ladnier Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:03 PM To: h-costume Subject: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? What was your most recent purchase? What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Do you have a room devoted to your collection? When did you start collecting? Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? How many sewing patterns do you own? Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
--- Penny Ladnier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Let's see - way too many to count. I have 3 two drawer file cabinets with needlework/cross stitch, quilting, weaving/spinning, and craft mags. Plus all the needlework charts and patterns garnered from years of trading with friends. Books on the same subjects as well as all my costume books take up 4 48 shelves. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Survey of Costumes for Theater. Mary Washington College Bookstore, 1972. What was your most recent purchase? Most recently I replaced my Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion 1560. I was stupid enough to lend my original copy to someone who was very careless and allowed it to be trashed. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? When I scored about 10 books from the needlework section of the library during the Buck a Bag sale they have every year. All ten fit into one bag. Pays to belong to the Friends of the Library and go to the pre-sale! About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Do old fashion mags count? What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! I have some of the Dover publications. I don't use them, but my kids gave them to me because they know I like to sew Old timey stuff. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Yes, I do. My workroom holds just about everything. When did you start collecting? Books, I have collected since childhood. Needlework and sewing since Jr. High. Costuming since college. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Both - Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 4 - Great-grandmother's treadle (1890s?), Grandma's cabinet Singer (prob 40s), Mom's Featherweight, my Bernina Dressmaker from 1983. And a Brother overlock that I use on occasion to make ditty bags for the Scouts. I also have loaned out to family members several machines inherited from my Great Aunt Mabel, but since I don't really expect to ever get them back I won't count them. How many sewing patterns do you own? Until about a month ago I would have said at least 1000. I've been sewing for other people since High School. I also inherited the sewing room contents of my Grandmother and her sister(Aunt Mabel)- who never got rid of anything. Because you never know when you might need just that color or a little bit of that color yarn or whatever. And for years I used to go yardsaleing every weekend and buy whatever sewing/crafting stuff I could find. Amazing what you can find that way. Unfortunately, last month while searching for something in the storage room off the garage my hubby discovered that the pattern boxes had become nesting sites for many generations of mice. So I didn't even sort through the boxes - most of them hadn't been opened since we moved here 14 years ago - I just sent them to the burn pile. So now I am down to the ones in the house - probably about 50. Rebecca Burch Center Valley Farm Duncan Falls, Ohio, USA The only twelve steps I'm interested in are the ones between the flat folds and the brocades. --Anonymous Costumer-- ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
In a message dated 4/25/2008 3:24:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What was your most recent purchase? Most recently I replaced my Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion 1560. I was stupid enough to lend my original copy to someone who was very careless and allowed it to be trashed. Good thing it was one you could easily replace! I don't let my books out, ever. Don't want to risk the loss of a long out-of-print book that would cost $100s to replace, if available. And, speaking of that, the most I ever spent for a book is the Ackermann's furniture one. Don't remember the title, as it lives at my office. Bought it used for about $300--a friend of mine was fortunate enough to get a copy in England many years ago, and I had to have one, too. First book I ever bought was Wilcox's Mode in Costume. Yes, I know now that it is terrible, but it was one of the few costume books in my high school library, and it really got me started. So, when I saw it for $10 in Florida, many years ago, I bought it. Still have it, too, for sentimental reasons. I've run out of room for books, so I'm being pretty good about new one in, old one out--passing on books on eras or topics I figure I'm pretty much done with--either to individuals who can use them, or to the Costume Society of America silent auction every year. Ann Wass **Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Penny Ladnier wrote: About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Far fewer than I used to. In a fit of anti-consumerism a few years ago I gave away a substantial portion of my library. Now I simply rely on the university library or ILL as needed. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? I had a couple survey-type books, and maybe some Dover's picked up second-hand, but the first I remember paying serious money for was Hill and Bucknell's Evolution of Fashion. I had fit on semi-permanent loan from the college library but then found my own copy in a bookstore in Manchester Center, VT, around 1979. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Hmmm...not exactly a purchase--more of a barter: a copy of Hunnisett's 19th century Period Costume for Stage and Screen for helping someone make a muslin for a corset. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Well, not too many photographs were taken in the periods I'm interested in :-). But I do have a nice bunch of photos taken during a private visit to the attic of the Fleming Museum, Burlington, VT. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. My Godey's, definitely. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! I hate to say: I gave them away (I hate to admit to foisting them off on some unsuspecting person) but they included Norris and Peacock. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 3. The one I use(Viking), the Singer my Mom bought us in the 60's to learn to sew on that we can no longer get parts for, and the 1920s Singer she inherited from her mother that still kind of works except for the popping noises and burning oil smell... How many sewing patterns do you own? Got rid of most of those too. I still have about 2 dozen that I use various bits and pieces of, but mostly I just draft or drape my own. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Wow, the Fleming Museum. I spent many days there when I was a kid. My dad taught at the UVM College of Forestry in the 60's and we would play on the grounds while waiting for him. Do they still have the theater in the basement? That was where I got my first taste of costuming. My sister (7)and I(10) were messing around and came across students spray painting chain mail for the Shakespeare Festival and let us help. I don't remember now if the outfits were knit or macrame, but they were made of rug type yarn and were being painted silver. I talked my folks into taking me to the show and remember being really struck by how very different things looked on stage versus off. I also broke my arm running down that big hill in the front. Do they still have the ice cream factory? Man, all sorts of memories popping up now! It was a really cool place to grow up. --- Hope Greenberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Well, not too many photographs were taken in the periods I'm interested in :-). But I do have a nice bunch of photos taken during a private visit to the attic of the Fleming Museum, Burlington, VT. Rebecca Burch Center Valley Farm Duncan Falls, Ohio, USA The only twelve steps I'm interested in are the ones between the flat folds and the brocades. --Anonymous Costumer-- ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Hundreds. My library is better than most public libraries-- at least for art, history and costume. What was the first one you purchased? 197O (when I was in college) Where did you purchase it? Have no clue. Memory fails after a certain age. :-) What was your most recent purchase? The new Henry VIII book (I can't remember the title-- We are doing kitchen renovation and my brain is fried) What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Roy Strong-- English Icons. Bought used for about $20. Also his Elizabethan Jacobean Portraits-- 2 volumes. Pristine. $45.00 About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? A gazillion. I keep them in photo protective sheets in the largest 3 ring binder made. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Moda di Firenze. I have two copies (one is a gift). Since I am writing about Cosimo and Eleonora, it is my best reference. Of course, if push came to shove, I'd grab my manuscripts for the 3 books I've written. (on portable hard drive sticks) What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Me too. Mode in Costume by Ruth Turner Wilcox tops my list. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Actually several. We have a library which houses Art and History. My dressmaking patternmaking and costume history are in the sewing room. The other books are in our bedroom, our guest room and the computer room. Not to mention the stuff under the eaves. When did you start collecting? 1970 Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Both. I was a costume designer for 6 years, a fashion designer for 24, and now I teach fashion history. Plus I am in the SCA. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? 4 . What types and age? 3 straight stitch (one lives with my brother) and a serger. The straight stitch machines are 1940s and 1950s vintage Singers. The Serger is probably 15 years old and also a Singer. How many sewing patterns do you own? Commercial: less than 30. I make my own patterns for the SCA garb since I am also a professional patternmaker. Monica Spence ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:02:42 -0400 Subject: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? I have at least 100 counting hard soft cover. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? My first books were Tom Tierney paper doll books for their colors and details.What was your most recent purchase? A Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion - 1660 - 1860 What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? This is the one I can't really answer. I'm not a very good bargin hunter when it comes to books. Fabric? That's a different story! About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Only two outside my publications - my oldest son gave them to me all beautifully framed. Hand colored prints from the 1860's. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. That's easy - all my Janet Arnold books. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Most likely the Dover publication with CD. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? My books are all over the house, but they do have a special bookcase in my sewing area. When did you start collecting? I didn't think about it as 'collecting' but one day I realized I had lots of books and reference magazines. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Definately pleasure! :-) Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? I have 4 - an old Kenmore that is only for my granddaughter to use; A Pfaff 7570 I bought about 10 years ago after I killed my Singer that I had had since college; a Viking serger and newest is a beautiful new Pfaff Creative Vision which my husband gave me for Christmas and I'm still learning stuff on it week by week. How many sewing patterns do you own? Maybe 200 or so - the envelopes are all copied front back and catalogued into a 3 ring binder. I can build almost anything with a pattern, I've even learned how to mix and match them. This is fun and reading the other replies is the most fun. Having this list to browse everyday keeps me from feeling out of touch since I have only one friend who also sews. We do theater costumes together. It makes me feel like I have friends all over the world. Anniecat Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _ Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize! http://www.gowindowslive.com/Mobile/Landing/Messenger/Default.aspx?Locale=en-US?ocid=TAG_APRIL ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
I am enjoying and giggling at some of your answers. You've brightened my day! I forgot to provide my own answers. About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Between 3,000-4,000, maybe more. I just know their valve for the tax guy. Yes, I am a member of the h-costume bookolics! Mine are organized by topic. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? My first book, a textbook, was Survey of Historic Costume by Tortora. I purchased it from the campus bookstore in 1995. What was your most recent purchase? I went on a sending spree on Abebooks one day. My confession... 1. The Springs Story: First 100 Years (History of South Carolina textile mills) excellent book! 2. A Stitch in Time : The Four Seasons of Baltimore's Needle Trades. Another excellent book! 3. International Tailoring Company, Menswear catalog, Fall and Winter 1904-5. 4. Proceedings Of The Southern Wholesale Dry Goods Assocaition In 8th Annual Convention, 1919. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? An entire collection of Delineator Magazines from 1880-1909 from an opera company in Canada. I paid about $1 per issue. Another one, is an entire collection of La Art de Mode magazines from 1904-1919 from a lady in Paris. I paid about $3 per issue. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Period photos: I guess about 1,500-2,000. Photos of actual garments: well over 20,000. No joke, I just put online 30 photos of one antique dress! What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Mine is actually a collection and I can put it under one arm, leaving the other arm for my laptop. The collection is the actual water-colored plates by a Parisian illustrator who drew and painted the costume renderings for the Parisian theaters and top designers between 1890s-1900s. I purchased the entire lot of theater plates about 30 plates with 5-6 illustrations per plate. I purchased 5 designer plates. These were his proofs to be copied by magazines. These are the only original prints. They only see the light of day, when I show them to my college students. One day I will find a scanner with a large enough bed to scan them. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! I have actually listened to Robin bad book reviews over the years. So I don't have many bad books. But when I first started collecting, I did purchased a few Dovers, and a really bad James Laver book. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? I really do have an in-house library. It is the largest room in the house. I also have publications in two other rooms...over flow. When did you start collecting? I can blame h-costume for this...Fall 1995 when I joined h-costume. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Business. But my work is a labor of love...so I get pleasure from it. What was the most price of you have ever paid for a book, collection of work, etc. Look at my most treasured...it was over $500. My husband approved of the purchase! I always pass big purchases by him. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? Hmmm...seems like I was asking about children as deductions for taxes. I have four and one half machines. 1/2: I have an antique sewing cabinet for one of the first electric White machines. My Dad bought the machine for me when I was 8 y.o. It broke down and I put it in the shop. The shop owner died and all his inventory was sold at auction; including my machine. I didn't know it was sold until after the fact. 1. A 1960s Kenmore that I purchased in 1978 when I married. 2. A new $200 Brothers machine. 3. 1887 Standard treadle in excellent condition. 4. 1920s electric Mercury with no case. How many sewing patterns do you own? Over 100. Most are from the late 1950s-1970s. Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Penny wrote: These are the only original prints. They only see the light of day, when I show them to my college students. One day I will find a scanner with a large enough bed to scan them. You should check with the media department of the college. They might have a portable scanner that can scan your large items in parts, then reassemble them in a digital file. Denise ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Maybe 25 books, no magazines, unless you count various Compleat Anachronists and Pikestaffs (published by the SCA). What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Peacock. Don't laugh! It's still one of the most easily available ones in regular libraries! It was a gift from my mother, and at the time, I didn't know any better and I was positively ecstatic. What was your most recent purchase? Moda a Firenze. I haven't read it yet, but I've drooled all over the images. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? I don't usually look for deals, but I still think Fashion (from the Kyoto Costume Institute) gives the most for its price. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Real period photographs, none, because most of my interests date from before photography came to be, but I have numerous postcards and photos of paintings I took in museums, and a huge personal library on my hard drive (most stolen from the Internet). A couple of hundred at least, total. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. My computer, actually... or my backup drive (easier to carry!). I don't have any rare books, they're all replaceable, but my computer contains a lot of archived websites, mails, work I've done, projects... everything is there. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Peacock again, I think. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? One day! I have a few shelves dedicated to it though. When did you start collecting? I've always collected books, but it wasn't until I joined the SCA in 2000 that I found a reason to start accumulating costuming books. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Pleasure! Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? My main machine is a Husqvarna Viking Lily 555 (I love it dearly). I recently inherited an old Bel-Air probably made somewhere in the 50s (it's teal, really cool). I couldn't find a manual (not that I've searched a lot) but I guess this will come in very useful when I finally decide to make a pavillion. My grandmother also promised me her old White (I don't have a date on this one yet though). How many sewing patterns do you own? Several hundred. Way too many, but at one time, it was an obession! Now I have a better rein on my passions! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
In a message dated 4/24/2008 12:05:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Probably at least 200 to 300 books in our personal reference library. This includes costume, art, history (with illustrations to use for costuming), my husband's heraldry and armor books. I was collecting needlepoint books before I found the SCA in 1978 and started costuming. It's enough to over-fill two bookshelves in the dining room. Much of the time, a couple of dozen live in tote bags and get taken to meetings to show newcomers. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? I ordered 20,000 Years of Fashion back in 1978-79 from one of those discount catalogs. My husband came with a 1948 First Priniting edition of The Book of Costume by Davenport (two-volume slipcase) that his parents had. That one doesn't leave the house! What was your most recent purchase? The Tudor Tailor and The Medieval Tailor's Assistant What do you think was the best deal that you have ever made when purchasing a publication? I used to help out one of the booksellers at Pennsic and she would give me a discount. I got Alcega that way - in hardback! That was well over 20 years ago. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. My copy of Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion 1560-1620 that she autographed after a lecture in Williamsburg, VA. I need to get a newer copy to actually use as this one is falling apart! What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! I think I have quite a few on the list. At the time, we didn't know they were so bad! Do you have a room devoted to your collection? My dining room has not seen a formal meal in years. Between the sewing machines, sewing supplies, books, bins of fabric, and boxes of craft supplies from our days as Cub Scout leaders, it it full. When did you start collecting? My mom and I were getting craft magazines in the '70's. I still have some of those. I found a scrap book in the Family History closet that had fashion magazine clippings from the 1800's, so I guess it's in my blood! Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Personal costume research. I have helped with costumes for some Gilbert Sullivan productions with our local theatre group, but Victorian not my main interest. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? My all-time favorite is my 1970 Singer Touch-and-Sew that my parents got for me when I was in College. It worked fine until about 12 years ago when our elderly cat decided it was too far to go to his box and the bobbin case rusted solid. A local repair-man actually got it working again and I continued to use it for several years, being sure to keep the bobbin area well-oiled. I have a Necci portable that I rarely use. About four years ago an elderly neighbor was planning to move into assisted living and sold me her Bernina 930. That's the one I use now. She even had a really nice cabinet to go with it. Some day, I'd like to have my grandmother's treadle machine and my mom's 1947 Singer. How many sewing patterns do you own? Too many. When I first started costuming, I would adapt modern patterns. I've got everything from Barbie-size patterns (nieces' Christmas projects) to the formals I made last summer for a convention. I'm over-run with the brown paper patterns that I make for garb. This has been fun! Cathy Raitt (SCA - Catherine de Bellefleur) **Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
At 10:18 AM 4/24/2008, Penny Ladnier wrote: About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? current cataloged: 169 books with direct costume focus, large collection of textiles, art and manuscript facsim. with related info Mags: Costume (#6 to current) and misc others What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Don't remember probably sometime in the early 80's. What was your most recent purchase? Die gegossenen kleeblattförmigen Fibeln der Wikingerzeit aus Skandinavien by Birgit Maixner is the most recent to arrive.. others on order. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Don't remember. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Don't do modern costuming (end about 1600). Have family photos from 19th C that I suppose I could use. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Tough choice, probably 'Storia del costume in Italia' set by Rosita Levi Pisetzky What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Also tough choice, probably Norris (refuse to own a copy of Iris Brooke) Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Separate building for library. When did you start collecting? Collecting books my whole life.. serious costume related book collecting probably early 80's Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Pleasure. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 19th C treddle, 2 from 1940's (Singer and clone), 2 from 1950's (Sears, White), 2 from 1980's (Penney's, Bernina) that I actually use most often How many sewing patterns do you own? Don't know. Beth Matney ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? 100+ 200? Haven't really counted them, and the collection spills over into art books, so I'm not sure where to draw the line. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Braun Schneider, I think I got it in a regular book shop. Still have it, love the plates. What was your most recent purchase? Vols 1 2 of Medieval Clothing and Textiles. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? I got Payne's History of Costume for $1 at one of those huge used book sales. I also got QEWU a few years back when Amazon.uk marked it down to $50. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Don't collect photos, but have several books of them. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. The costume books would be the last thing on my mind but if I could only pick one or two to keep it'd be a tough choice among the various Janet Arnold books, Cut of ___ Clothing, and a couple of big heavy art books. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Hmmn. Several choices, but I think Agony of Fashion is probably it. How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? I have a VH Lily for regular use. My grandmother's 60's era Kenmore and table. Another 60's era White in a box somewhere, and a cheap Elna for when I need something portable. Oh, and a vintage 30's-40's machine in a lovely mahogany table. How many sewing patterns do you own? At least 12 pattern boxes full. Time to come clean...What was the most price of you have ever paid for a book, collection of work, etc. I paid $100 for 4 authentic Victorian era paper patterns that I still haven't done anything with. Dawn ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
At 17:31 24/04/2008, you wrote: At 10:18 AM 4/24/2008, Penny Ladnier wrote: About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? About 400, including books with costume/sewing related pictures, about 1000 postcards of paintings(12 ring binders) plus ditto of photos I've taken myself, and the same stashed on the computer. (Or maybe more, I've not counted!) What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? A Cavalcade of Costume - in the 1960's, in Stratford on Avon What was your most recent purchase? 3 books of detail from the Snowshill Collection - buttons, trims, and shoes - I already had the embroidery one. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? I got a Toile de Jouy for £5.00 in a charity shop About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? None, only as postcards - What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. My signed Hunnisetts and Arnolds (well I'm allowed an armful, aren't I?) What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Maybe Norris, or the Agony of Fashion which I've just donated to one of my students - tee, hee! Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Not exactly, although the landing is pretty full! When did you start collecting? 1960's, when I started in theatre, but mostly in the 1980's after college, when I worked my way through the book list suggested by Hunnisett and Arnold! Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Both How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? A Singer and another one - whoo I'm having a forgetful day How many sewing patterns do you own? A couple of dozen paper ones, many not used, and lots and lots in books. Suzi ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Most of my work is now really history or art history with a focus on dress/textiles, so I buy a lot of books that aren't really about costume but which I use for the study of dress or textile history. Books specifically about dress, textiles, fashion, or costuming: About 100. Books on medieval art, history, literature, culture, archaeology, manuscripts, etc.: -- About 400 with pictures, filed in our art reference library. This includes coffee-table history books I bought primarily for the pictures. -- Maybe another 400 that are text-only references, mostly history or literature, filed in our general collection. Magazines: Not relevant to my period. I do have piles of journals, though, maybe 200, including pretty much a full run of the Monumental Brass Society Bulletin and a bunch of the MBS Transactions and old Costume journals. And lots of Xeroxed journal articles (that's how they usually come via ILL). I need to set up a proper filing system for articles, as right now they generally land in the file folder for whatever topic I'm researching at the time, and then I forget I have them. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? For a costume book, probably the Dover reprint of Kohler, bought in my freshman year of college, but I was buying books on medieval art long before that. What was your most recent purchase? English Medieval Sculpture by Arthur Gardner (1951), bought used for $35 at the Milwaukee airport on my way back from my lectures there a few weeks ago. Full of photos of effigies! Who know I'd find a decent used book store at the airport? And with a really good art section, too. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Does it count as a purchase if you get it for free? I got Olga Sronkova's Gothic Women's Fashion as a library discard when I worked at World Book Encyclopedia. We moved offices and they culled the reference library, and I grabbed all the discarded costume and art books I could get. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? None, because my period of interest is pre-photography. I do have a few hundred art postcards, filed in two photo boxes. My own slide collection is about 900 catalogued and maybe another 700 not yet catalogued. When am I going to get around to that? What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. No single one. Too many that are irreplaceable -- I wouldn't go for the books, I think. Maybe my slide binders, as I *really* can't replace the photos I took from artworks in Europe. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! About 30 of the costume-specific books are filed with the Home for Wayward Useless Costume Books, though many of those are really sweet in their own right as Victorian books. The worst? If I had a copy of Peacock or Brooke, that would probably be it. As it stands, probably Fashion in History by Bigelow, which was my college costume history textbook and one of the first I bought, and only because I had to, but it's hard to rate the bad ones since they are all so awful in their own different ways. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Not a easy question to answer, as the costume stuff is divided into sections along with all the other thousands of books we have (my husband is also a historian, but in another field, and there's fiction and children's books too). The visual sources are in the main-floor library (which is also the music room); it holds all the art books and books with pretty pictures. The non-illustrated history and literature are part of the general collection in the basement. The costume reference books I use most frequently are on the wall of shelves in my office or the case just outside it, and my office also houses the Bad Costume Book collection and all the journals, photos, and slides. When did you start collecting? When I was in college, in the late 1970s. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Is there a difference? How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? One Singer, 1977, bottom of the line, well-maintained and still going strong. How many sewing patterns do you own? What are these patterns of which you speak? --Robin ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? I have about 3 liner feet of books specific to costuming with that much and more that are technically on other subjects but are frequent used for costuming research. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? I am not sure any more which was the first, there were several that I considered mine that I frequently had checked out of the library before I bought them. I think I've been collecting costuming books since the early nineties. What was your most recent purchase? Tudor Tailor for actual costume book, though the art book on portraits have some wonderful illustrations. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? There was a merchant offering QEWU for half off, son was preparing to purchase a gift card for the local book store for my birthday that I managed to convince him to put toward this book, ended up paying 25 plus shipping. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Lost of post cards since I do pre-1600 costuming, but no photos per se What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. I would be hard press to chose, just one book, and it might just be an embroidery book if I could only take one or two - Like Digby's Elizabethan Embroidery or Schettue's the Art of Embroidery What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Braun and sneider left by an ex who still thought it was a good book Do you have a room devoted to your collection? My library and I share a bed room. When did you start collecting? Collecting books? I'd say about the eights, costuming in the nineties Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? pleasure How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? My main machine is the 1952 Pfaff that I got from my mother about 28 years ago. (she'd gotten it slightly used in '54) I have to replace the light bulb - it finally burnt out and I don't have a clue how to get the old one out, I'm thinking I might need a manual aftr all... I also have three other machines, either gifts or flea market, all are circa 1960's, singer, kenmore, and I'm not sure on that last one. How many sewing patterns do you own? I've actually ended up with several file boxes of patterns from someone who collected costume patterns on those five for a dollar sales. That was three/four years ago and while I've found a home for a few of them since I have most of them and rarely used such things. I prefer to drape for anything new. I have two or three file boxes of those patterns. alex -- I'm buying this fabric/book now in case I have an emergency...you know, having to suddenly make presents for everyone, sickness,flood, injury, mosquito infestations, not enough silk in the house, it's Friday... ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
Robin Netherton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? I've got a couple of book cases full of costuming books, art history books, portraiture books and history books. I've got several pieces that could qualify as magazines - Complete Anachronist, for example - but not many. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? It was an Italian language book about the works of Agnolo Bronzino. I bought it in Arizona from a friend of mine. What was your most recent purchase? Moda a Firenze What do you think was the best deal that you have ever made when purchasing a publication? Oh, that's easy - it was when Amazon UK goofed up and had QEWU for 18 pounds. I think even with shipping it ended up costing less than $40. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? None, though I do have some photos that I took of extant 16th century clothing at the Victoria and Albert Museum. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Oh, golly. I don't think I can choose just one. What is the worse costume book that you own? I don't have any bad books. I've had excellent advice on what to buy. :-) Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Not yet, but I'm working on it. My younger daughter is moving out soon, so I'll have a sewing/book room *and* a guest room! When did you start collecting? In the early 1990's. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Pleasure. :-) How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? Well, if you ask my husband, I'm sure he'll say too many! LOL! I have a 1904 Singer treadle, an old Singer with a bentwood case, a 1980-something Viking (one of the first electronic models), a 1984 JC Penney free-arm machine, and a Euro-Pro basic machine. I bought it because my girls tidied up and I wasn't (and still can't) find the attachments for the JC Penney machine. How many sewing patterns do you own? Bunches. I have normal clothing patterns, costume patterns, and stuffed toys/doll patterns. Kate ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Somewhere around 500, more if you count the art books, but they're packed right now. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Payne's History of Costume. I didn't purchase it, my high school librarian gave it to me when I graduated, since I was the only person who had checked it out in three years and I knew it well enough to quote page numbers. What was your most recent purchase? Mode a Firenze What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? That copy of Payne was pretty good, other than that, probably paying $25 for Boucher's 20,000 Years of Costume. About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? About 20. I've also got a couple of framed hand-tinted fashion plates, and I've got tons of pictures of existant garments. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. My great-grandmother's copy of Encyclopedia of Embroidery. It was originally her grandmother's. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Let There Be Clothes. It perpetuates every costuming myth there is. I keep it to show my students what not to use. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? Well, it's my workroom, where I use them. When did you start collecting? 1976 Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Business, but I would collect them even if I didn't costume for a living. Having the business just makes it easier to justify my obsessions. What was the most price of you have ever paid for a book, collection of work, etc. $100 for Mode a Firenze. Although, I've been looking at an out of print French book on costume in the reign of Louis XIII for $700. It has pictures of garments that were lost during WWI and WWII. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? I'm down to 3 in the house right now: My great-grandmother's 1909 Singer treadle, a Singer Featherweight that needs it's box repaired, and a 3 month old Brother. My 1978 Kenmore just got reconditioned and sent to my youngest daughter. Until fairly recently, I had 2 more electric machines and another treadle, but I pared them down. How many sewing patterns do you own? The patterns live in two four drawer filing cabinets. Probably half of those are one's I've drafted, but I collect patterns, usually when they're on sale for $1. I like looking at them for inspiration and if I can start with a ready made pattern for something, great, that saves me a bit of time. Melusine ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
On Thursday 24 April 2008, Penny Ladnier wrote: This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Oh, dear God, I can't begin to estimate. I could count, but that would take some time and it's late at night. It has to be over 300, based on the shelf space they take up. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Don't remember anymore. Really. What was your most recent purchase? NESAT IX. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? Getting a copy of Margareta Nockert's book on the Hogom find for less than $10 USD (about $20 total, when shipping was taken into account). About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Don't know exactly how to answer this--do you mean actual antique photos or photos reproduced in books, or both. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Tough question; there are more than a dozen I'd hate to lose. Probably either my copy of Cloth and Clothing in Medieval Europe, my copy of NESAT II, or Hald's Ancient Danish Textiles, as they were the most expensive to get and would be the hardest to replace. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! I have two of the Iris Brooke books on European costume; those are the worst by far. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? No, but then my house doesn't lend itsself to that. When did you start collecting? Probably sometime in the mid-1990s--before then, I didn't know of good sources to obtain the types of costume-related books in which I'm most interested. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Pleasure. I do not do costume-related research as part of my job and I don't sew well enough to sell my work. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? Only one, an inexpensive Kenmore my husband bought me for my birthday about 5 years ago to replace an ageing Kenmore from the 1970s. How many sewing patterns do you own? About 20, most of which I likely will never use again. -- Cathy Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] You affect the world by what you browse.-- Tim Berners-Lee ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] How Many Costume Books/Magazines/Photos Do You Own
On Thu, 24 Apr 2008, Penny Ladnier wrote: This could be really fun to poll the list. Lurkers come out, wherever you are! About how many costume/fashion related books or magazines do you own? Um. That depends on what you consider costume related. I have books on gothic sculpture that are costume-related, Also I'm a dilettante and I have books on all sorts of things from cake decorating to calligraphy. But probably over a hundred at least. I'd have more but I keep buying fabric. What was the first one you purchased? Where did you purchase it? Hmm. I honestly don't remember. Probably one of the horrid Dover editions, though. What was your most recent purchase? Costume-related? A remaindered book on Florentine art from BN. What do you think was the best deal that you have every made when purchasing a publication? The ABEGG book Textile Conservation and Research, bought used from Germany for less than the new purchase price used to be, including shipping. The post office counter guy was very amused that I was bouncing up and down while waiting for him to fetch my package from the back. ;-) About how many period photographs do you own just for the costuming? Mostly I do 12th and 13th century, so, no photographs. A handfull of manuscript facsimiles, though. What book or magazine is your most treasured...if your house was on fire, you would take it with you. Oh gods. Either the aforemetioned ABEGG book or my facsimile of the St. Louis Psalter. What is the worse costume book that you own? I know Robin has a collection! Norris. Kohler. Braun Schneider. Do you have a room devoted to your collection? I have a research library. Catalogued LoC, even. When did you start collecting? Seriously? About ten years ago or so. Do you consider your collection for business or pleasure? Most definitely pleasure. The cake decorating books are for business. Optional questions: How many sewing machines do you own? What types and age? 5. Two reasonably new Viking Husqvarna low-end machines, both less than 10 years old, Mom's c. 1970 Kenmore, a newish Kenmore quilter's machine (same age as first Viking), and an aged Stradivaro that I have been able to find no information on but it will sew through anything and very very fast. It scares me. How many sewing patterns do you own? Purchased patterns, maybe 4 or 5. Since I do medieval costuming and it's all rectangles and triangles, I just have sketches and measurements for that. And I have managed to lose entire bolts of fabric in my sewing shelves before. :-) Jen/pixel/Margaret ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
