Finding or making a hoop skirt

[TheFerret]

It took a gay man and a rainy day at fest but I now have fancy garb. I need my own hoop skirt though. He recommended going to a wedding/bridal store as they would be cheaper than the ones that he sells but so far I have found the opposite to be true. I've thought about making one but that makes me nervous. I'd love any thoughts and or suggestions. As to purchasing one, I've debated about ebay but haven't looked yet. I'm in Minnesota and would love to find one here if I can as I'm horribly lazy as well.

[gem]

There's a seller on ebay who has them for like $15-18.  Dona Catalina would know.

I got mine from James Country Mercantile.  Unless you buy from a Renaissance garb merchant, chances are you'll have to adjust the circumference of the hoops to get the right period silhouette (usually not hard).

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

I got mine on ebay also, just put in hoop skirt on ebay search engine and they will come up.

[serenamoonsilver]

Find a bridal store that rents its hoops.  Every so often, they sell the old ones (ie, the ones that are getting a bit beat up) really cheap ($5-$10).  They might need some minimal repairs, but they are usually quite the steal.

[isabelladangelo]

I got mine from Moresca (sp?) like um....6?  maybe 7 years ago?   It's still perfect for my outfits.   They tend to be a bit $$ but it's lasted me (SCA + Faire + Parties?  Umm yeah, it's lasted.)  I'd be wary of bridal hoops simply because they are meant to last that one day and that's it.   They also tend not to be full enough.

http://www.abrahamslady.com/underpinnings.html

Abraham's Lady also sells some gorgeous well made hoops.  They are meant for Civil War but work for Tudor gowns.

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

I got mine from Heather at www.verymerryseamstress.com and it cost $70 but it was well worth getting a Farthingale that was period in shape.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I bought mine on Ebay about 8 years ago for around $20.  Besides me wearing it, it has been lent out many times.  To others who borrowed garb, to my friend's niece, in Junior High, who was Anna in "Anna & the King of Siam," with multiple performances .  It's still going strong.

[Adriana Rose]

granted I am a desaster in a hoop i got mine from the Ren Store... It was a good price and its a nice one too

www.renstore.com

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

My first Hooped Slip, Farthingale, is a Silk one from the 1960's that I bought at a Vintage Clothing store in 2001 for $40. I had to replace the original buckram covered hooping in it finally. It's completely washable.

The second one I have is one I made that is out of a heavier Drapery Broadcloth in 2005. That too is completely washable.

There are many sources for Farthingales that range in price from $25 to $85. The sturdier the fabric, the manner in workmanship, longer it will last.

[Lady Christina de Pond]

i got mine on ebay as well. i think it cost me 15 bucks and was adjustable

[Var Greyshadow]

i got mine on ebay as well. i think it cost me 15 bucks and was adjustable

Same here.  Got the one I use for Dickens from Ebay for about the same.  It had crinoline in it, but I cut that out after one wearing.