Custom Costumes - Pella

03/28/2026

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03/11/2026

Heirloom quality costumes for sale! Sizes and prices vary so please inquire for specific interest. 🌷 Tulip Time is approaching! Get your daughter’s costume early ❤️ please message custom costumes or text intern Emily (515-205-4127) with questions

04/17/2025

Would you look at that!? Our very own Jacki and Phyllis getting some much deserved recognition for all the work they put into Tulip Time and Dutch Costumes over the years. We’re so thankful to Phyllis for her legacy and for Jacki for continuing to bless Pella with her talents year after year. ❤️

Announcing our 2025 Tulip Time Service Award Recipients: Jacki Craver and the late Phyllis Zylstra🌷🪡

Jacki Craver has been a behind-the-scenes hero since the 1980s, designing and creating the intricate Dutch costumes for the Tulip Queen and Court. As a co-founder of Custom Costumes, Jacki has become an invaluable part of Tulip Time. Her work begins long before the festival, researching traditional Dutch attire from various regions of the Netherlands. Each costume is meticulously designed to reflect the unique styles and cultural significance of these regions and time period. These costumes not only add color and authenticity to the festival but also serve as a testament to the rich cultural history of Pella.

Phyllis Zylstra left a legacy of many things, one of them being her heart for making Dutch costumes each year for the Tulip Queen and Court during Tulip Time. Her talent eventually turned into a business called Custom Costumes with her good friend Jacki. At the heart of Tulip Time are the stunning Dutch costumes Phyllis created each year. These intricate garments are the result of countless hours of dedication and craftsmanship in selecting authentic fabrics, creating detailed patterns, and sewing each piece with precision. Every element is crafted to ensure historical accuracy and beauty. In 2019, Phyllis passed away at her home with her husband, David, by her side. Through her artistry, her love of Tulip Time and her community lives on.

If you see Jacki or the family of Phyllis during Tulip Time, please tell them "thank you" for their years of dedication!🌷

04/07/2025

Heirloom quality costumes for sale! These costumes are highest quality and are made by the makers of the Tulip Queen and Court costumes. Many of the fabrics used are remnants from past queens! If you buy the costume, we will share details 😉
See individual photos for specifications and pricing. Contact (text) Custom Costumes intern, Emily Ott at 515-205-4127 to buy!

04/03/2025

We just cannot get over this year’s court costumes… look how precious those Flower Girls are!! 💐

03/25/2025

The 2025 Tulip Queen and Court’s Dutch Costumes are finished and they stunning! 😍 Give this a watch to learn all about the beautiful details.

03/28/2024

03/28/2024

Come sew with us!!

Only a few days left to apply for the Phyllis Zylstra Memorial Apprenticeship! This position exists to identify and train costumiers about Dutch heritage sewing, specifically to create and sew authentic costumes related to Pella’s Dutch heritage. Running from the end of May to the end of August 2024, the position includes a $1,000 stipend and opportunity to sew your own Dutch costume. Read more and apply here: www.pellahistorical.org/jobopportunities

03/07/2024

Look at those beautiful ladies in their Arnemuiden costumes! ❤️

12/01/2023

Just here to say CONGRATS to our 2024 Queen and her Court. We can’t wait to see you decked out in the Dutch Costumes we’ve been working so hard on! 😊

Introducing our 2024 Royal Tulip Time Court: Alexa Klein, Olivia Cunningham, Queen Mia Andringa, Claire Braafhart, and Ellison Ritzert!🌷

Months of fun, learning, and hard work are ahead for these talented young women as they prepare for their reign at the 2024 Tulip Time Festival, May 2, 3, and 4!