- What is it that you do or sell? We sell historically influenced clothing and accessories. We can easily custom size for any needs. Lots of choices for colors and styles. The majority of the garments are machines washable. All are built to withstand the rigors of wearing or performing at Faires and Festivals.
- Where are you located? We have a seasonal showroom in Peabody, Ma. Our main booths are at King Richards Faire in Carver MA and Sterling Festival in Sterling NY, though we do other shows / events listed on our Show Schedule page.
- What got you interested in starting out in this business? My mother was a Calligrapher by trade, so we often went to SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events and my first Renaissance Faire was at the age of 6 in ’76. It’s been a life long love. I was a Theater/English Major in college with a strong love of the outdoors. When I found outdoor theater in the late ’80’s, it was love at first sight, so I auditioned. After a few years I started making my own costumes, then friends asked me to make them things, then it turned into a profession. It’s been my life ever since.
- When did you start selling or performing?In general or at renaissance fests? I ‘helped’ my mother with her sales as a child at Art shows and Faires, but officially started my own costuming business in ’94, though I was being paid for the costumes I created before the business opened.
- What was your local faire or home faire? King Richard’s Faire in Carver Ma is my home faire and first love. First year performing there was 1989. But I actually got started performing at The Faire by Cumberland Company in Cumberland RI in the late ’80’s/early ’90’s. So many good memories and life long friends from that experience.
- How are you compensating for this strange time we are in now? I’ve been trying to push our web presence, and catch up on all those Specialty Orders that have been in the wings.
- What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Or how to stay in this business? If you are just starting out – give yourself time. Don’t quit a good paying mundane job at first – try to balance it. There are a lot of great things about being your own boss, but there are extremely tough aspects as well. Zero financial security is hard. And you are one injury away from losing your business. You have to have a Deep passion and Love and Strength to keep at it. A good support system and a healthy dose of Luck is mighty helpful too.
- How do you handle thefts or copying of your works? With clothing – there isn’t much I can do. Clothing is not protected in any form or manner. I just try to make better quality goods than the other guys, offer fantastic customer service and create new/fresh products as often as I can. I have had my work copied before. It’s disheartening. Luckily I’ve got enough creative ideas, so I’ll just keep at it.
- What do you miss most about faire? My Faire Family. Over the years, I’ve had customers become good friends, and my show helpers have become closer than family. They are so much a part of my life, it’s like I’ve lost part of living. Also, I miss the sounds, the music, the outdoors. Faire is a very special place and my heart home. The folks who visit (patrons) and the folks who work there are all a special breed, and for the most part are pretty awesome. There is such a diversity of knowledge and talents, you never know who you are going to see or what you are going to learn.
- Do you think that there will be faires in the future or what steps we should be taking next? Yes. I don’t think Faires are done. People need the escape. And it’s become so much a part of some folk’s life, they won’t give it up. If Sports will continue – so will Faires. We may have to modify and adapt, but it won’t die. One of the most crowded weekends at Faire I ever experienced was the weekend after 9/11. I thought for sure the Faire would be empty that weekend. But no – EVERYONE came out. They needed to connect with friends, or just escape the horror of those tragic events. They needed to Breathe and Live. I think something similar will happen with Faires, just hopefully safely.
- Are you doing any online sales or virtual performances? Our web store is always open! We have an active Facebook page and group as well.
- Are you creating more stock or more content? Absolutely! The Faires will reopen eventually and we’ll be ready! We’re always happy to provide custom sizing or colors for anyone looking to create that special outfit.
- In five years (or less) my goal is to: Have a better online store presence, and possibly be in two more major Faires besides the ones I am in now.
- At faire, what was your garb/attire your usual go to? Since I’m pretty active at Faire, my garb has to be comfortable and machine washable. So that’s how I make my product as well, with those aspects in mind. Typically I’m in something blue, because it’s my favorite color. 😉
- If events are not happening again this season, what do you plan on doing? That is a tough one to answer. As hard as I’ve been working, I”m not sure we’d make it a second year with no events. That said – there is a strong possibility the summer Faire in NY will open, so that is what I am basing my current plans on. If not, I’m fairly confident King Richard’s will open in September. If neither of them open – I highly doubt I can stay open as a business and will most likely close. It would be heartbreaking to do so. I’ve spent the past 27 years of my life building this business and doing the work that I love. To give it up completely? I can’t contemplate it.
- What makes your act/wares unique or different? We can create garments that fit you so you don’t have to struggle with or constantly adjust ill fitting garments. Our garments are built to hold up to the rigors of Faire life, with the easy care of machine washing. Added bonus? – you look awesome in them!
- What makes you stand out? Our willingness to do everything we can to make sure our customer is happy with their purchase. And the durability of our garments. You won’t split your pants, or have a grommet fall out with our clothing.
- Plug your website or fan page here (or both)
https://www.threadsoftime.com. https://www.facebook.com/ThreadsOfTimeClothing
A/N I’d like to thank Threads of Time for letting us feature them on this blog. This round, I can personally attest to their garb, as I know the owner for over 18 years. Her garb is quality stuff and will last you a very long time. She is out of Massachusetts, but will ship her items.
If you, your troupe, your group would like to be featured on the blog, please reach out to us on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/renperfmerch and be sure to like and share this post!
Until next time, Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again! HUZZAH!
