SRR Costume Department
Each participant will wear authentic period costumes created for the reenactment, armed with sugar cane knives, replica muskets and improvised weapons. Costumes for the reenactment are being created in partnership with ricRack, a New Orleans non-profit committed to sharing sewing skills and encouraging fabric recycling. Almost half of the army’s costumes will be created from repurposed materials. Costume creation is happening at weekly sewing circles: free workshops where participants can socialize, share skills, and learn more about the project. Additionally, a team of skilled local sewing artists have been hired to assist with production.
Thanks for sewing with us!
The SRR team would like to extend a warm thank-you to everyone who helped produce costumes for the reenactment by attending sewing circles over the past year.
Donate Costume Materials
There are many ways to support the SRR project Costume Department. As you can imagine, costuming 500 re-enactors is quite the task! Monetary donations may be made on our donation page with “Costumes” added as a note. Otherwise, part of our mission has been to reduce waste, and re-purpose existing clothing. About 50% of the army’s costumes will be made from existing materials. We can accept donations of gently used contemporary clothing, either at one of our sewing circles, or at the Antenna, Paper Machine, or the SRR Costume Workspace.
CLICK HERE FOR MATERIAL DONATION GUIDELINES
The following contemporary clothing pieces can be repurposed to be used in the army:
Men’s Clothing:
—Suit jackets or blazers, preferably not polyester, tweeds and textured fabrics are especially desired.
—Collared long-sleeve dress shirts (white/off white/tan preferable)
—Pants, preferably cotton or linen (zippered front is acceptable but elastic or drawstring is preferred).
Women’s clothing:
—Knee to floor length skirts. Not stretch fabric.
—Open neck or round neck blouses, sometimes called a “peasant blouse”
—Blazers or jackets, not polyester
Colors: Neutral colors and earth tones, browns, grays, white, off white and faded primary colors. No black.
Patterns: Solid colors, stripes, or small floral patterns, and plaids are requested. No modern patterns.
Sizes: Small to XX large.
Materials: Natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool) are requested. Please- no polyester, stretch, or synthetic fibers.
Unused or Scrap Fabric: Muslin (at least one yard length) or other natural fiber fabrics in neutral colors.
