Civilian Reenacting on a Budget

A little money, wisely spent, can still yield 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. While this may not result in a "top of the line" civilian impression, it is still quite serviceable, and more than passably historically accurate.

Purchases:

• 10 yards white muslin at $.99 cents a yard (JoAnn Fabrics, regular price).

This will make a petticoat (3 yards), a chemise (2.5 yards), a pair of drawers (2 yards), 2 or 3 collars (1/2 yard), and provide bodice lining for your first dress (2 yards)

• 7 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $1 - $2 per yard
  This will make a work dress (JoAnn Fabrics or 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. When in doubt, pick a small check or solid color cotton fabric in a "reasonable" hue.)

• 3 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $1 - $2 per yard
  This will make a waist apron or pinner apron (JoAnn Fabrics or Wal-Mart, sale rack)

• 2 yards woven cotton solid, stripe, check or period appropriate print at $1 - $2 per yard
  For a slatted or corded sun bonnet (JoAnn Fabrics or Wal-Mart, sale rack)

• 1 pair ankle high boots in brown or black, usually $15 (either PayLess Shoe Source or Wal-Mart) or $5 at Goodwill/second hand store. You want plain (undecorated), relatively square toe, smooth sole, and small heel, 1" or less.  f possible, try not to have the "speed lace" type hooks.

• 1 pair black cotton stockings $6.50 (available at sutlers)

• 1 Period appropriate pattern from Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick $.99 - $1.99(available from JoAnn Fabric or Hancock Fabric, both have sales on one of them every week, just keep an eye on their sales to catch them)

• 1 2/3 yards solid, check or stripe wool for shawl $4.50 - $10.00 (check remnant bins)

• 1 reproduction brooch from Abraham's Lady: $5

• 1 small carrying basket (craft store) $5

• 1 white ironstone plate $1 (thrift store)

• 1 set silver plate eating utensils in period appropriate plain pattern $3 (thrift store)

• 1 teacup $3 (thrift store)
• 1 pair white gloves $5 at sutlers

Most of the information for this post came from http://cwciv.tripod.com/WClothes/Budget.html written by Luann Mason