About Colonial Clothiers LLC

Colonial Clothiers, LLC's story began through Janis Kenderdine's involvement with the Westfield Fife & Drum (junior) Corps in New Jersey in 1986. Her mother, a former home-economics teacher, was "gently pursuaded" to make uniforms for the constantly changing array of growing members. Janis, by her side, learned how to convert pants into breeches, add ruffles to shirts, make jabots and long waistcoats for this "ancient" group.

Once on her own in college, Janis learned how to make more authentic 18th century patterns, making numerous 18th c. workshirts and fall-front breeches, and more long waist-coats and "neck ruffles." She also learned about long-term logistical concerns such as finding a steady supply of the fabrics and items used, or suitable replacements. During this time, Janis also spent several years in various pipe bands, and learned how to construct authentic kilts, knit kilt-hose, sew leather sporrans, and woolen glengarries at a fraction of their retail cost.

The real challenge would come when Janis co-founded her own fife & drum corps. From nothing and very little money, she had to make 15 affordable uniforms in their entirety! She made shirts, waistcoats, and woolen greatcoats with help and guidance from the late Tricia Schroyer, who was also a long-time member in the re-enacting community. Tricia started Janis on the correct path to historical authenticity by using more period-correct techniques and fabrics, and pointing out a lot of the "red flags" reenactors see. Janis also co-oped with other fife & drum seamstresses in the larger area to produce uniform items for several corps at once.

Janis moved to Nashua, New Hampshire in 2002 where (for over a decade) she was an active member of the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums playing fife and serving as quartermaster. After a total 25 years as a fifer and drummer, Janis has retired from active musical performances and instead has switched her focus to sewing for the historical community.

Through all of her experiences, Janis has been learning first-hand about authentic 18th century clothing and construction, leatherwork, long-term maintenance and durability issues of "authentic" fabrics, the effect of rain, heat, cold, and highly physically-demanding events; and the toll they take on our garments. She is always looking for ways to make the clothing more durable, comfortable, better-fitting, and cost-effective for the organization, and can frequently be seen "product testing" garments to check for fit, wear, and comfort.

After a successful and busy 2014 season, New England natives Dolci Christman and Beth Spinney were added to our ranks to help us keep up with the demand for our garments. Both have extensive skills and talents, and are proving to be an enormous asset in the manufacturing of our products, all while eagerly delving into our world of 18th century clothing.