Holiday Interview Series: Robyn Solley

Today's interview is with Robyn Solley, seamstress and haberdasher. At this time she doesn't have a webpage; however, she can be reached at fullcirclestitches [at] gmail.com.

1. What kinds of products do you specialize in and why?
I specialize in "period" (meaning good enough to pass at a Ren Faire or other environmental theater-type setting, not necessarily at a stitch-counter's re-enactment) garments and some accessories, more specifically the Tudor and Elizabethan periods, just because that's where I got started. I'm branching out more and more as time passes, however, and am currently having a lot of fun with Victoriana.

2. What materials do you use to make the products? Is there anything special about your materials?
I use a lot of fabric. I actually use a lot of plastics when it comes to a few more specialized pieces-- industrial zip ties in place of steel boning for example, or plastic canvas instead of buckram. I try to use more natural fibers as a lot of the people I make clothes for like them not only for comfort, but for the fact that they do better in 100 degree weather and will let you sweat. Dead dinosaur fabrics won't. The materials I use are meant to withstand heavy use over a large period of time in any weather.

3. What got you started making these products? What inspires you to continue and create new products or designs?
I started making my own ren faire stuff about 8 years ago because it was so darned expensive to buy. My inspiration comes from the desire to improve my own work and get closer and closer to period while still preserving the original purpose-- inexpensive, but excellent appearance for ren faires, parties, cons, etc.

4. How long does it take you to produce each piece? What's the crafting process?
It varies, honestly. Anywhere from an hour for a simple coif, to 300 hours for a full noble's gown. Everything starts with planning and choosing fabrics.

5. How is your product unique or special?
I wouldn't say I'm too unique or special. Other than the fact that I'll tell you the utter and complete truth about how well that fabric's likely to go over at your SCA event, or how that 1960's prom dress isn't a Civil War ballgown... There's a million places to get costumes made or bought, but I work cheap. Lol.

6. What's the price range for your products?
Just like the hours vary, the price varies greatly. It depends on what you want me to do with it. My base rate is usually around $10 an hour, plus expenses. You do the math.

7. What one item from your inventory would you recommend as the perfect holiday gift, and for whom?
Hats are always nice. Of course, hats are kind of out of style... I wish the 40's would come back where you weren't dressed to go out without your hat. ...I sound like a Jaeger from Girl Genius.