The bonnet is done

No words, just pictures.

Bonnet progress

Just a few pictures to show progress.

Drawn bonnet

Since the ball didn't happen and I have some down time, I thought I'd work on a drawn bonnet. Here is my inspiration.

I took a bonnet apart that I really didn't like and am recycling the form. I have plenty of reeds. I'm using the disappointing ball silk.

The ties will be out of the fabric rather than ribbon. I think the inside trim will be orange blossoms and some simple lace or rouching. Because the outside is quite intense with all the gathers, the rest will remain very simple.

The Texas Civil War Grange

The Grange. No, it was not established until after the Civil War but it is the closest organization that reflects this idea for the time. In its early years, the Grange was devoted to educational events and social gatherings and that is exactly what I would like to do with Texas Civil War reenactors. The Grange is a venue for Texas Civil War living historians where participants may gather to talk, prepare for events, work on and/or seek help on projects, practice and/or learn new skills, exchange ideas, share information and research, develop impressions, and just enjoy each other’s company in an informal setting. Something beyond the reenactment environment and online communities—a living historian community center if you will.

Henkel Square in Round Top Texas has agreed to host this activity. Henkel Square is pretty much central for most in central Texas and the site management is very open and lenient toward our use. Henkel Square includes a church and barn, which have electricity, air conditioning and heat; easy access to water; and plumbed toilet facilities. The rest of the structures on the site are available for overnight stays as wanted. Meeting at Henkel Square will also serve to help the site meet their educational goals to maintain their non-profit status.

This is an informal and unstructured event and open to all, women, men and children, regardless of impression.

I've put additional informtion including times and dates on my website at http://www.geocities.com/txcwcivilian/grange.html

A day at Henkel Square

Today the Texas Jewish Historical Society toured Henkel Square and 2 of my friends and I were out there in period dress to interact with the group. We all arrived Friday and stayed in the structures that night. Everything was fine until the Norther blew in about 5 on Saturday morning, then it got down right chilly. The houses are surprisingly warm; the big problem for me was the walk to the bathroom from my house across the site--just a bit chilly and wet.

The group was very happy with us being there; they thought it really added something to the tour. We were also very happy to be able to help out the site. At this time it is so important to support and help out at historic sites. If not with money at least with time. The site loves having us there and have received several inquiries asking when the reenactors will be back.

Some of us are looking at going out there more often in different capacities; we'll see what develops.

Ball Cancelled

I have had to cancel the ball due to lack of participation. Maybe it's the economy...I don't know. It's very disappointing. But it seems all of Texas has been heading this way; no one seems to be interested in living history or authentic events. They want the main stream, battle and ball, ladies' tea type events. I'm bored with those. I want living history, not reenactments of events that never came close to happening in Texas.

So now, instead, I'll be attending the 1860s Conference in Harrisburg, PA. This is not a bad thing, on the contrary. I always have a great time at this conference and seeing the originals. Carolann always does a great job with this. It's also nice to be with like-minded people. Most who attend are truly interested in the time and accruate interpretation of it. It will give me something to look forward to and help soothe the ball disappointment.

Because of my health, Piney Woods will not happen for me. Also disappointing, but I really don't want to deal with my issues out in the middle of the woods somewhere and don't wish to intrude on anyone else's enjoyment of the event by having to make concessions to the needs of my health.

There are some Texas mainstream events that are fairly close to Austin coming up, I'll probably make some day trips just to hang out as an excuse to make more dresses :). Next up is a short event docenting the houses at Henkel Square for a tour of the Texas Jewish Historical Society. If anyone is interested in Texas reenactment events I have some listed on my website.

So on with the new year...