Norse Apron Dress Fund

My name is Jess, and I'm an amateur costumer living in Chicago. I've been on the cosplay scene for almost a decade, and quickly found myself drifting away and finding more pleasure in costuming than conventions. Soon, the hobby became anxiety ridden and I was consistently finding myself disillusioned with the costumes falling short of my expectations for what cosplaying was about. Eventually, I got over my anxiety and realized my real dream was to do historical costuming.

My entire life I've been obsessed with past cultures; how people lived, their daily routines, what life was like as a whole for them. I enjoy 'LARP'ing and simulating how the world lived then, in the garb they wore. I enjoy going to events, stemming from my childhood love of the Renaissance Fair and the reenactments I went to. Someday, I wish to participate in these reenactments, having historically accurate costumes and accessories handmade by me. I've been sewing since I started a sewing club at my middle school, about 12 whole years. I've made many costumes, accessories, and stuff over the years. Working mostly from patterns designed by myself, or teaching myself everything I need to know.

Recently, I overcame two years of not cleaning or organizing due to my depression, so that I could have a sewing/crafting area to realize my new dream. The left side was the sewing table halfway through cleaning, the right is the table fully organized and complete.
Now, I've begun to dabble in Historical Costuming, getting my feet wet and building my skills with 18th Century clothing. The photo below is me in my 18th century costume, minus the bum roll and jacket because it was 85 degrees out. Making the skirts for this costume was monumental for me. I got over my fear of pleats, and was able to get my perfectionist butt over the mental hump. They came out beautifully, and while there's still stuff I could fix about them, I am so happy with them. The corset was not made by me, though I am so excited for when I can make my own corsets and shapewear, once I build up my skills and talent. However, I cannot fund myself and my leap into costuming as I am a full time student.


I'm looking to endeavor on this project as a companion project to a costume I am making for a friend. He will be wearing traditional Norse wear, so I'm looking to make a Norse apron dress. While this costume will not be particularly 'accurate', I will be working from scratch patterns and building my costume completely by myself. I have skills in leather working from other costumes (ex. I made the satchel, purse, and spats for a Flynn Rider costume I wore in Uni). I am planning on buying only minimal pieces; shoes, pewter broaches, and the trim for the dress. I will be making everything else from scratch.

This costume is a big leap for me, and I'm very excited to do it. It's incredibly important to my mental health, as this hobby is currently the only thing I can participate in that brings me zero anxiety. It challenges me and I feel pride in my improvement. It's motivated me to make things for myself, and to go out with other people who accept me and love the things I love.

Here is my design for my dress;
I've outlined exactly where all the money would be going; I will be purchasing Linen from Fabric.com for the dress  and the apron . These combined, I will need 4 yards of each to comfortably make the dress and apron ($16x8=128). I will be purchasing a trim from this Etsy  shop that hand weaves on a tablet to create gorgeous nordic designs ($75). I will be purchasing the apron broaches from this Etsy  shop, look at them mermaids ($30)!!! I will most likely be purchasing my leather boots from this website , though I still have to look around to make the best purchase ($70). The total for all purchases is ~$303. I'll be using any excess money to purchase materials and accessories for my belt. It will allow me to have a wee bit of wiggle room for if I mess up or forgot something.

If this GoFundMe manages to go through, my happiness will be insurmountable. I'll be able to craft something I've wanted for such a long time. I will be able to have fun and go out with friends. I will be building not only the dress, but also memories, skill, and personal gratification that is unparalleled.

Thank you so so so much for your support!