Like many people, I’ve been largely stuck inside for the past month or so, and while I normally spend my limited free time writing or reading, I’ve hit a bit of a creative dry spell recently, and have been spending much more time watching TV than I would usually. I haven’t had cable television in almost 20 years, and most of my “TV” watching is actually none on Youtube. I think I’ve mentioned my toddler-like attention span before, and I appreciate that most Youtube videos are short and end before I get bored and have to change the channel.
Recently I’ve been drawn into the world of “costubers”, or costume-making Youtubers. The one and only time I’ve tried sewing was in my high school home economics class, where I made a terribly ill-fitting pair of shorts out of a table cloth. So, I don’t watch these creators because I want to learn their skills or recreate their projects. Rather, it’s my fascinating for history that draws me to these colourful individuals – I appreciate being able to learn about different periods in history through fashion and clothing design and construction.
If you’d like to join me in the costubing world, here are a few people that I enjoy watching.
The absolute queen of the historical costuming world, Ms. Banner insists on absolute historical accuracy whenever possible, and conducts extensive research to ensure that she is working with the most accurate materials, tools and techniques she can. She is a master at hand sewing, creating breathtaking costumes without the use of a modern sewing machine. She also wears mostly historical dress in her everyday life, with is an aesthetic that I utterly adore. Banner specializes in Victorian and Edwardian fashion, though she does dabble in other time periods as well.
I don’t think it’s possible to be cuter than Morgan Donner. I love her style, her incredible hair, and her clear manner of presenting. Donner specializes in medieval fashion, and has made the most incredible gowns you can imagine, as well as stays, caps and other items. She’s also active in the historical reenactment community, and posts videos about her experiences at different events. And oh my goodness, her luscious locks almost make me want to grow my hair out.
Rachel Masky isn’t strictly a sewer, as she blends sewing with thrifting and focuses more on a vintage aesthetic than a historical one. Of all the costubers, hers is the style I can most relate to, as I am a fellow thrifting addict who likes to go to work dressing like a 1940s librarian whenever possible. I drool over her hair tutorials and lookbooks, and she has a very helpful series in which she shows how you can work modern items into a vintage look. She also has a goofy, quirky sensibility and an adorable doggo named Frodo, which makes her even cooler.
Hopefully these three creators will help keep you entertained during these long, lonely isolation days!
Raincity Librarian 