The F.A.Q. File

   Why are your costumes more expensive than the ones I can get at Wal-Mart?

            One, because my costumes are often unique to Greensleeves Garb, and can't be found elsewhere. Two, because I hand-craft and custom-tailor each gown to your own personal measurements. That is a service you cannot get from discount superstores like Wal-Mart. Sure, for less money you could buy an off-the-rack, unpersonalised costume that won't fit you properly - but why? If you want a cheap costume to wear once before it falls apart (I'm not kidding, I've seen Wal-Mart specials do this), then by all means buy a ready-made one. If you want a costume that is lovingly sewn for you, to your specifications, that you can treasure for years to come, then I can help you out.

    Do you make Elvis costumes?

                This is a question I've been getting a lot recently. I do not make Elvis jumpsuits or other Elvis costumes, as the originals were highly detailed and complex. I cannot make these for a reasonable price, as they require many expensive materials and many, many hours of intense detail labour, as all the beading, sequins, and other appliques must be attached by hand. The original costumes were also custom-fit to such a level that you would have to come by for personal measuring/fitting sessions to ensure a proper fit. This simply isn't practical or possible in most cases. If you really must have an Elvis costume, I suggest looking on eBay or one of the numerous online costume shops that sell ready-made Elvis costumes.

    I really like two different dresses, but I can't afford both! Can I mix and match pieces from two outfits?

                This depends on several things, including the original prices of the gowns, how close they are in design, and what the costs of the swapped fabrics come to. I am always willing to look into the possibility of mix-and-matching costumes for you, but make no guarantees as to the feasibility or whether the prices will remain the same. You can always ask, though!

    I like [such-and-such] dress, but not the fabric. Can you change the type of fabric you use in it?

                The fabrics on the website are the ones I think will look and work best in the gown. I am, on occasion, willing to change the type of fabric I use if you've seen something you prefer. I'll also work with you to find fabric that can accomodate your budget whilst maintaining the integrity of the design. Just ask!

    Do you have a ready-made costume for [such-and-such]? I need it in three days!

                Unfortunately, since I custom-make each costume for each customer, I do not have any pre-made costumes. I certainly cannot make a custom costume in such a short time. The normal wait period between time of ordering and finishing is between three weeks and six months, depending on how busy I am and how complex the costume is. (Costumes that have extensive hand-beading or other intense detailwork will obviously take longer than more straightforward designs.) If you are really in a serious hurry and need the costume in a shorter time than usual (estimated delivery varies for the type of costume), I may if my schedule allows be able to expedite the process for an additional fee. However, many of my gowns, such as Arwen's, use custom-ordered fabric that must be shipped from overseas. There is no way I can have a gown made for you from fabric like this without prior advance notice.

    Do you have Harry Potter, Spiderman, or Moulin Rouge costumes?

            No. The Harry Potter robes, while fairly simple, require a considerable lot of fabric and time to sew and detail. The cost of the fabric and labour would cost more than a reasonable asking price.

            The Spiderman costume is a stretchy spandex contraption, with latex webbing on top of that. To make such a costume would require every single intimate measurement of your body - toes, fingers, inner leg, etc. Added to that would be multiple try-on sessions with the customer to ensure proper fit. Since I run this business from my home in my spare time from university, there is no way for this to be practical. Sorry!

            The Moulin Rouge costumes are mostly heavily beaded contraptions, which I hate making. This also why some of the Lord of the Rings gowns are not on my website: frocks like Galadriel's contain THOUSANDS of beads! It simply isn't practical for me. I may be willing to consider doing a dress like this if the situation demands, but that would be a special favour, not a matter of habit.

    I saw a costume in a painting or movie, but it's not Renaissance. Will you make it anyway?

            It depends on several things. If I have sufficient background for the costume (at least two different views of it, or one very detailed view showing most of the costume) I can generally make it for you. Without pictures I cannot help. While I generally specialise in Mediaeval, Renaissance, and Fantasy clothing, I do gladly make some exceptions, such as 19th Century (Regency, 'Civil War', & Victorian) and Edwardian ('Titanic') gowns. Just ask! You may also visit my websites for those periods:

Regency Garb - reviving the simple beauty of the Empire Waist. Men's coats, too.

Victoria's Wardrobe - for all your Victorian and Edwardian garb needs, whether it's Scarlett O'Hara or Rose DeWitt Bukater.