Redthreaded Blog

Hey everyone, here's an update on where we're at with business operations in these strange times.  Our state is now under a strict Stay at Home order. This means all nonessential business must cease operating at their business premises today. Luckily, I've just finished converting a shed on our property into a lovely little sewing studio/home office. We're moving all of our existing inventory there so I can continue filling orders. However, this does mean some logistical changes, as follows: Return & Exchange processing will be delayed. All returns will still ship to the lockbox at the studio location, and will...

UPDATE 3/20/20: We are temporarily waiving all signature requirements on packages, to help assist you with social distancing. Hello folks,  A lot can change in a month. Small business are feeling the immediate impact of the global pandemic and associated closures, cancellations, and financial woes. We are experiencing a drop in sales the likes of which we have not seen in 11 years of business. I know Redthreaded is not alone in this--all of your favorite costume businesses are struggling. However, I want to reassure our followers and fans on three points:  1. We're not going anywhere.  Redthreaded was founded in...

This month's Feature Friday is Burnley & Trowbridge of Williamsburg, VA. I visited them earlier this month for our Mini Market, and had a chance to check out their new warehouse full of historical fabrics, notions, threads, trims, and goodies. "B&T" was started decades ago by two people with a truck of linen, a dream, and a scheme. Over the years they've built a thriving business that's supported a family and provided needed products to the historical community. They weathered the transition to the digital age and the recession. That's super inspiring (also, I'm impressed by any couple that can keep a...

We're excited to finally offer our synthetic whalebone tipping bits for sale. We've developed these in-house to solve the issue of quickly finishing the ends of cut synthetic whalebone.  Many folks sand or file down the ends, which takes time and can cause wrist strain. That wasn't feasible for a larger scale production like ours, where we make multiple corsets/week with synthetic whalebone. So, Alyssa came up with this clever custom bit for rotary tools. The groove holds the bone in place while sanding. Take a look! The bits are available from us in limited quantities here.

New for 2020, we're hoping to feature another historical business on the last Friday of every month. Accessories are such an important part of costuming. They're what pull an outfit together and take it from just a historical dress to a whole look. Hats can be intimidating to make--they're such a visible feature since they're right there on your head, and the techniques and patterns can be tricky to master. Luckily as with most things (like corsets) there are folks who can make them for you! Did you know that one of our team members is also an excellent milliner?...