Hours committed to ordering materials, making patterns, cutting fabric, machine and hand sewing and embroidering, fill the days of a talented seamstress, who creates costumes from years gone by.
Charlene Roberts of Kitchener, guest speaker at the Mapleton Historical Society’s annual meeting on May 13, is a historic costumer and needleworker, whose finished products can be seen at museums, pioneer villages, fundraising events and historical tourist attractions across Canada and the United States. Reproduction costumes created by Roberts on display at the society’s meeting included an 18th century wool embroidered pet-en-l’air and petticoat along with tambour, regency, romantic and bustle gowns. Accessories included an 1800s fascinator, wrist warmers, 1864 woolen petticoat and men’s caps. Three children’s mannequins were dressed in century outfits.
“My mother was a dressmaker in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I used to help out at her shop and found I really liked sewing. Growing up in the 1960s it was all about flower power. Looking back I can hardly believe I wore those clothes,” Roberts said.
Roberts and her husband Paul moved to Ontario where she began making costumes for her children and their friends on special occasions. Her sewing interest then shifted to creating mascots for local schools.
“Twenty years ago I knew nothing about reproduction and reenactment costumes. The more I delved into it the more I realized there was a niche market for costumes. My passion for needlework goes well with this type of clothing. As I am unable to purchase most embroidered costume accents, I have to create my own which take many hours of my time,” Roberts said. “A lot of my embroidering is done at night in front of the television. My needle is put down by 11 o’clock.”
Roberts works out of her home and does not hire employees. She likes to have full control of each finished article maintaining a high standard of quality. A reproduction dress sells for around $175 and a soldiers uniform ranges from $1,500 to $2,000.
“I love the work and the people I come in contact with. As I’m getting older I’m happy that I have stayed as a small business. I do set up a cooperative store with three other seamstresses on Settlers Eow where merchandise is sold at each historical reenactment that I attend. My main focus is the War of 1812,” Roberts said.
Fabric and accessories needed by Roberts in her work are ordered on the internet from countries around the world with her largest suppliers situated in China and the United States. Southern Ontario is the source for the wool Roberts uses in her sewing. For custom orders fabrics are dyed if unavailable in the market place. Roberts designs and makes all the fringes for costuming due to a lack of availability.
“Finished costumes are never washed just aired out. Cotton undergarments made of 100 per cent cotton can be washed. A women would wear a chemise under a corset that would absorb sweat as a corset can get very hot. Slat bonnets used in gardening contain cardboard which is removed before washing, “ Roberts said.
Roberts and her family attend historical reenactments from May until October across Canada and the United States camping on site. Each morning begins at 5am keeping everything as authentic to the original as possible throughout the day. No plastic items are allowed at these events. Tent poles and pegs made of wood. Officers tents are elaborate displays including wooden furniture. Native Canadians and Americans are portrayed and boats are launched for battle.
Recently Roberts has set up a photo booth called “Your Likeness” (taken by you), where interested visitors at the reenactment, dress in costume and take photos with their own cameras or cell phones, for a nominal fee of $5.
From November to April, Roberts displays her craft at historic events, historical house tours and conferences. In addition to her busy work schedule, Roberts volunteers at Doon Pioneer Village, Kitchener and is a volunteer sewer for two Nova Scotia museums.
Samples of Roberts work can be seen at Black Creek and Doon Pioneer Villages, Fort
Niagara and the Ottawa War Museum. She has been asked to make reproduction clothing for various movies and displayed her needlework at the Wellington County Museum.
Roberts concluded by saying, “People like me have a responsibility to research our respective crafts and to present facts to the public so they can understand what life was like back then.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my husband and family. It’s also a great way to see the country.”
