FAQ

Q: What's with the name Magicalrealist?

A: Magicalrealist Gallery was an eBay Store from 2002-2010. I sold my fine art line, sunprints in the "magicalrealist" surrealist style, and my craft line, hand dyed fabrics. With my hand dyed fabrics, I specialized in silk, although I can dye any natural fiber. I did custom dyeing, and I also produced new seasonal fashion fabrics. Most of my customers were other crafters, including people who made fashion, dolls, bears, and quilts. Some of my customers were theatrical companies, Renaissance Faire and science fiction convention-goers and other costumers. Business was steady until the Great Recession and immediately following Not-So-Great Depression, when sales fell off and I closed my business. I produced How to Dye Silk, a VOD on Amazon. In 2013, I'm getting back into dyeing with my new line of one-of-a-kind silk scarves. I decided to re-use the Magicalrealist name because it still has some name recognition from my previous dyeing business. I will still do custom dyed fabrics on request.

Q: Why scarves?

A: A scarf is a great fashion tool that can really change the look of an outfit; if you have one Little Black Dress--or suit!-- and 5 scarves, it looks like you have 6 different outfits (one is the plain look) so if your job requires you to go to a lot of public events, especially if you might be photographed there, you don't have to buy a whole new suit or dress to avoid repeating a look. People still want to participate in fashion trends despite the bad economy, and an accessory like a scarf is a more affordable way to do that than a whole new outfit. One or two dresses or suits and a variety of scarves is also a great way to travel light and still have several outfits. And you can also use them as an emergency air filter, so they're practical too! Oh, and yeah, they keep your neck warm.

Click on the photo to see it bigger.

Q: Why don't you make these by machine or have them made in a foreign country so you can make them cheaper?

A: Magicalrealist is all about one of a kind fashion items just for you. When you buy a Magicalrealist scarf, you don't ever have to worry about showing up in the same outfit as someone else, or looking like you buy off the rack-- even if you bought it off the rack in an upscale boutique or at an art show. A Magicalrealist scarf is affordable luxury, a couture brand within reach. We would never spoil our uniqueness with mass production. Like a fine chocolate, Magicalrealist is accessible while maintaining top quality.

Q: What's this Small Scarf and Big Scarf thing on the Order page?

Because I dye a variety of different sizes, shapes, and materials of silk scarves, most of which have similar price points, and I'm always trying the latest new fashions in shape and fabric weave, I make it simple with the designations Small Scarf and Big Scarf. A Small Scarf is the typical size of one of my rune scarves, meant to be worn around the neck, or perhaps used to wrap up a deck of cards. A Big Scarf is veil size.

Q: Are you going to have other products besides scarves?

A: I'm considering adding small accessories made from hand dyed fabric and ribbon, such as hair clips. I still do dyeing of fabric bolts and skeins of yarn, too.