Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about Strange Land Costuming? Check below to see if it has already been answered for you! If not, please feel free to contact me and I will be pleased to help.


1) How long is your waiting list?

It varies, but on average, it's about 2-3 months. When demand is high I must make strict rules about the waiting list in order to make deadlines. Only orders with measurements submitted, contract signed, and deposit received are considered on the waiting list.

2) How much does a (fill in the blank) costume cost?

Again, it varies! I do not sell completed costumes, I sell my labor, and that varies wildly by costume and depends on the arrangements made in the contract. I can only tell you a basic average of what I charged a customer in the past for a costume just like the one you want. But I will say that there is a ballpark. The least I've charged for an order is $70; the most I've ever charged is $450. Generally, simple costumes or single pieces can run on average between $100-200, while complete costumes involving multiple pieces, expensive fabric, and/or complex construction, can run in the area of $300 to $500.

3) Do you offer boots? Belts? Weapons? Wigs?

The only accessories I am able to offer at this point are jewelery, very small prop pieces, accessories, and simple belts. Please contact me for more information if you are interested in these items.

Unfortunately, with wigs, props, and leather craft, the amount of time required is difficult to rate. I don't want to charge thousands of dollars for the hours of labor it takes to style a wig or sculpt, sand, and paint a prop. For now, I am unable to offer wig styling, major prop-craft, footwear, or armor as a service. That said, please check my links page for folks I've worked with or referred people to in the past. They do great work and can get you all the accessories you need to complete your costumes!

4) Can I get my costume in time for Halloween? DragonCon? A movie premiere?

That depends on you! First, check with me on the waiting list status, and then when you place an order, use the contract to specify a deadline and make sure I know about it! The waiting list is structured depending on who has their contract, measurements, and deposit submitted to me.

It is generally recommended that you place an order at least 6 weeks prior to needing it, to allow me time to purchase fabric. The more complex the costume, the more time should be allowed. For Halloween, please consider requesting my services at least three to five months in advance - it is a VERY busy time of year. No commissions for Halloween will be accepted later than August 15th of the same calendar year.

5) Can you make me a costume in the authentic fabric used in the movie?

Usually, studio costumers are not very forthcoming about their trade secrets, and when they are, it's often some kind of material otherwise unknown to man. One company in particular whose costumes I've replicated often actually had their own fabric woven specially in France for a film. Occasionally, I can find the authentic fabric but it is so expensive that people decide not to go that route. Most of the time, if your wish is some kind of replica costume from a film or TV show, be prepared for it to come in a "close enough" variety. I will replicate the costume as closely as possible within your budget, but the quality of the construction and the attention to detail is what will make your costume stand out among the wannabes.

6) Why won't you make costumes from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter?

Currently, Museum Replicas owns the license to legally produce costumes from the following franchises: Assassin's Creed, Braveheart, the Eagle, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings (movies), Star Wars, most Marvel properties, Prince of Persia, and the BBC Robin Hood, among others. I have chosen to refrain from reproducing any costumes that are made by a current license-holder, because I don't want legal action from Museum Replicas or the parent companies. I know there are some commissioners who don't care, but for my own safety I've made this choice. Specific items that are not currently being produced under license, you may ask me about.

7) Do you sell your patterns, or know where I can get any?

As of right now I don't have any patterns worked up even if I wanted to sell you any. I work entirely from scratch, and occasionally alter commercial patterns (this is done rarely and usually only for shirts, pants, or jackets). For places that have suggestions of commercial patterns to alter, or places that sell great medieval and historical patterns, check my links page.

8) Can I get a swatch of the fabric you will be using to make my costume?

I can most definitely send fabric swatches in the mail if requested.

9) Have you ever done a costume with "Indian homespun?" and Can you make me a costume just like JediVic's?

Ahhh, the Holy Grail of Star Wars replica costumes! Those who understand what the words "Indian homespun" or "khadi" mean will follow the answer to this question, the rest of you can just skip ahead. Just because we found out the name of the elusive fabric used in Episode 1 doesn't mean we've actually found the fabric itself or use it on a daily basis to sew. I've never seen the stuff, personally, and do not know of anyone who has found the correct weight, color, and weave. I have no access to Indian textile stores (physically or online), so I have never purchased any nor made costumes out of it, and I will not unless this stuff appears from the mysterious nether realm and proves to me it exists. I'm always open to making costumes from anything people find and ship to me, though, so if YOU see it and can get your hands on it, you better believe I'll make your costume.

As for JediVic, the answer is a flat out no. He found that fabric himself, and I have since sworn to never use it again, because it was murder to work with. Vic is a great guy, and a good friend. His tunics turned out very well, but the nightmare it brought me is not worth the money anyone could offer me. Besides, I have not seen that fabric in stores since, and would have to have it dyed to be accurate, so I must answer "no." Making another identical version of that costume will not be possible as I see it.

Disclaimer: All media properties are trademark and copyright of their respective license holders. Star Wars is the property of Lucasfilm, Ltd. The Lord of the Rings is the property of Tolkien Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate, and New Line Cinema. Yu-Gi-Oh is property of Kazuki Takahashi. Resemblance to their designs is coincidental, and no attempt is being made from this site to profit off copyrighted names. I'd pay good money for licensed costume patterns if they made them (hint hint). Don't sue me, I just sew what people tell me to sew.

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