ATTACHMENT A
"GETTING STARTED IN REENACTING"
CIVILIAN REENACTING ON A BUDGET
This outline was taken from www.geocities.com/secondvirginia/budget.htm, and written by LuAnn Mason. I have inserted my comments about availability of certain items in brackets and italics.
With a little money, wisely spent, a lady can still have a top-notch civilian impression. If you're willing to learn to sew your own clothing, the cash outlay for a rank beginner's full civilian kit can be under $100.
PURCHASES:
10 [I recommend 12-13] yards white muslin at 99 cents a yard (JoAnn Fabrics, regular price).
This will make a petticoat of 3-5 yards), a chemise (2.5 yards), a pair of drawers (2 yards), 2-3 collars (1/2 yard), and provide a bodice lining for your first dress (2 yards).
7 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $2 per yard for work dress (Wal-Mart, sale rack. Not everything they have is appropriate, but I've yet to walk out of Wal-Mart empty handed when fabric shopping.)
3 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $2 per yard for waist apron or pinner apron (Wal-Mart, sale rack)
2 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $2 per yard for slatted or corded sun bonnet (Wal-Mart, sale rack)
1 pair ankle high boots in brown or black, usually $15 (either PayLess Shoe Source or Wal-Mart)
1 pair white cotton stockings $6.50 (available at Sutlers)
1 gathered bodice pattern from Past Patterns $18 (available from James Country Mercantile)
1 2/3 yards solid, check or stripe wool for shawl $4.50 [This may be higher in the Dallas area - the price Ms. Mason cites here is from Pendleton Woolen Mills outlet store in the NW; otherwise, check for sales at JoAnn's or Hancock's, also check the outlet stores on Perch Street - off of Harry Hines in Dallas - for 60" wool fabric]
1 reproduction brooch $5 [May be slightly higher; check at sutler's and antique stores; even Dillard's and Foley's have brooches, especially cameos, from time to time]
1 small carrying basket (craft store) $5
1 white ironstone plate $1 (thrift store)
1 set silver plate eating utensils in period appropriate pattern $3 (thrift store)
1 teacup $3 (thrift store)
1 yard huck toweling (to wrap plate, cut and utensils in) $3.50 [At Hancock's or JoAnn's in the utility fabrics section. This can also to be used for drying dishes as well as yourself when you wash up.]
