Amber

Carnival of Masks presents Milwaukee seamstress and tailor, Amber Jackson, as part of our Beyond the Carnival: Interviews with Costume Folks Around the World series.

Photo taken at the Villa Terrace Art Museum in Milwaukee, a historic Italian Villa.

CoM: Amber, tell us about what you do.

AJ: My main sewing falls under 2 categories - Ren Faire and Children's Entertainment as I own a Character Company! My degree is in Theatrical Costume Production.

My parents and I in our Star Trek themed Renaissance Faire garb.

CoM: What inspires you?

AJ: The freedom to create whatever my heart desires.

CoM: How did your life in costumes begin??

AJ: When I was very small I would play in the fabric scraps left over from the quilts my grandmother made and donated to her church. As I grew up, I found the world of cosplay and participated in that for a good 15 or so years attending cons all over the country!

My father and I at Bristol Ren Faire, 2026. I am wearing a Tudor style gown made of handwoven Kente Cloth from Ghana. 

CoM: Are there costumed events you make sure to never miss?

AJ: Yes! While I don't attend conventions much any more (only one now is the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention) I do attend Renaissance Festivals around the country! Bristol Ren Faire is my home faire but I also love visiting the Carolina Ren Fest!

CoM: What's your favorite thing about costumes?

AJ: Making them sparkle ✨️ I adore taking the time to bead or embroider items when the costume calls for it.

I made both of these gowns myself as well, the red was borrowed by a friend who was visiting the faire for the first time!

CoM: Who do you want to shoutout in the costume world?

AJ: For fabric shopping I love Textile Discount Outlet in Chicago, IL! With the loss of JoAnn Fabrics, I fear sewing may become an even rarer art form. But I encourage people to take the time to learn to sew because it opens up the door for so much. And teach classes too!

CoM: Thanks so much, Amber!

WANT TO SHARE YOUR COSTUME STORY?