Civil War Civilian Living History

Just to check in

2012-01-31T20:47:00.000-06:00

I haven't forgotten about this blog, just nothing has happened. My conference dress is done and I and a couple of friends are "musing" on our fancy dress costumes for the ball. Next activity coming up is an "unmentionables" workshop at Pioneer Farms this coming weekend. I'm going to help out but have not been asked to present anything. I am taking handouts on undergarments from Vicki Betts' and my presentation on Working Women. In April I am doing an activity station on diversity covers at the Confederate Reunion Grounds Civil War Days. Oh, yeah, my birthday tomorrow; almost AARP eligible!

Real Life...Yuck

2012-01-19T21:18:00.001-06:00

Real life has now interferred with my hobby. In February Barrington Living History Farm is have a workshop on driving oxen. In fact I had suggested it to them as a period life skills workshop. Well, now I can't go. My job was cut to part-time, which resulted in a three-fourths cut in pay. I don't have the money to pay for the workshop and the gas to attend. This really upsets me as I really wanted to go to this and I feel I'm letting them down by not attending.

My option is to attend a presentation by Vicki Betts at the Bob Bullock Museum downtown; it's free and won't cost hardly any gas to attend. I'm sure this will be a great presentation but I still feel bad about the oxen workshop.

On a more positive note, the conference dress is done. I can now concentrate on getting the workshop materials together, writing another article for the Citizen's Companion and, of course, continue the job hunt.

Speaking of the Citizen's Companion, my article on Adversity Covers (wallpaper envelopes) has just come out! It looks good and I'm pleased how it looks.

Bodice done

2011-12-29T16:48:00.002-06:00

The bodice is done. I so wish I could share photos, but not yet. I'm very pleased how it turned out; very closed to the inspiration. So now to finish the skirt and the rest of the workshop bags. Busy next few months. This will give me some sewing to do while I volunteer at Pioneer Farms the next couple of months.

Henkel Square Sale

2011-12-27T09:49:00.000-06:00

Henkel Square was a collection of historic buildings in Round Top, Texas. We had held several events there staying in the structures. Last year the site was sold and redeveloped into a kitchy, cutesy collection of shops. I have not visited any of the structures since being renovated with electricity, don't really want to. The buildings contained a wonderful collection of furnishings and other items. They are all now being sold off. http://www.henkelsquareroundtop.com/bybee_sale.php. To me this is bittersweat as I am glad to know that they were not destroyed, but hate to see them probably go to overpriced antique stores rather than be preserved and saved for research and education.

Progress

2011-12-22T19:07:00.001-06:00

Basic bodice and both sleeves done and in. I think, however, my cat will be with me permanently in form of fur on this dress. Awaiting the conference with anticipation. We may have a couple of new Texan attendees. I really need the break the conference will provide.

Volunteering Weekend

2011-12-10T19:58:00.001-06:00

This Friday and Saturday I spent volunteering. Friday I was at Pioneer Farms for school day. We had an unexpected school come for the day, so after everyone got signed in I went down to the German farm and docented there for the morning. In the afternoon I helped out at the store as 120 kids spent their money or whined because they had none.

Saturday was Christmas at Winedale. We had several visitors throughout the day. I was stationed at the Lewis-Wagner house in the parlor.

Lewis-Wagner House

Lewis -Wagner Parlor

The parlor of the house is upstairs and has great galleries. It is assumed the parlor is upstairs because the house was used as a stage stop at one time and the upstairs parlor allowed for private family space. I like this house, it's comfortable. More pictures can be found here.

And yes, I went by Henkel Square, no didn't get pictures. I didn't recognize most of the structures. Let's just say it's "cutesy" and looks just like the rest of Round Top.

Dye job

2011-12-05T20:12:00.001-06:00

As promised here are photos of the cording and crocheted medallions I dyed over the weekend. The tassels were already that color.

Dying

2011-12-04T19:04:00.001-06:00

Since I couldn't find the exact color of cording I wanted for the trim on my dress I decided to dye some. The first cording I bought was apparently treated with some thing that wouldn't allow it to dye. Didn't realize it. So ended up using drawcording, which not only held the dye better but looks more like the triming on the original, it's just not as large as I would like it to be. I also dyed the medallions I crocheted that goes with the tassels in the front. Pictures once they all dry.

Another Day at the Farms

2011-12-03T20:27:00.001-06:00

Spent another day at Pioneer Farms. Started out rainy but cleared up in the afternoon. Finished the mock up of my conference dress bodice while there. And since I had my corset on anyway tried it on when I got home. Just a few changes. Need to take the corset in a bit. Also have the conference travel set. Looks like there might be 3, possibly 4 from Texas this year. Plan to visit Gettysburg again Sunday afternoon. It should be a nice trip; really looking forward to it.

Pioneer Farms Volunteering Day

2011-11-27T16:14:00.001-06:00

Saturday I volunteered at Pioneer Farms in Austin. I was at the German Farm. It was a dreary, rainy day. It stopped raining by the afternoon but it was cold and very windy and wind was chilly. We still had a few visitors though! Just a few pictures of the German farm.

German Farm-Kruger Cabin interpreted 1868

Back of cabin

The back woods and chicken coop, ignore the water spicket and hoses :)

Pioneer Farms Volunteer

2011-11-06T14:01:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I started volunteering at Pioneer Farms in Austin. I helped out at the General Store running the register. The General Store, as the rest of the town site, is interpreted in the 1890s. New clothes!! Right now make do with homespun generic with an apron. Not ideal, but will work on proper 1890s. I plan to help out there 2 days or so a month at the store and at the German Farm site. The German Farm is interpreted as 1868, so my 1860 work dresses will be fine. Not sure the site is quite appropriate for Germans in Texas in 1868, but the cabin was built by a German so that is how they interpret it.

I spoke with the site director and they really want the site to interpret the history spot on and eventually get AAM acredited. I would like to help them with their costuming and maybe some of the interpretation. So now until I get another full time job I'll get my dress up fix and serve an organization that appreciates the help.

The Civil War and the Material Culture of Texas, the Lower South and the Southwest

2011-11-01T21:37:00.002-05:00

This passed weekend I attended the 3rd Biennial David B. Warren Symposium put on by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The focus was the Civil War. I missed the Friday night talk as I couldn't leave Austin until late. Saturday morning, then, was the first session I attended. The first presentation was on the William Hill Collection. This is a database being put together by the Kitty Powell Library at Bayou Bend. The database will catalog Texas artisans from the 1850-1900 censuses and 19th century Texas newspapers. It is based on the craftsman database at MESDA in Salem NC. The library has a grant to develop the database and will be working on this soon.

The next presentation was Pretty Pictures for Troubled Times: Portrayals of Plantation Properties. John Vlach was the speaker. He wrote the books Back of the Big House and The Planter's Prospect: Privilege and Slavery in Plantation Paintings. This was an interesting presentation on how the plantation was represented in art. It gave me a great idea for a conference proposal.

The next presentation was Reconstructions: Material Culture of the South Carolina Plantation by Dana Byrd. She discussed the plundering of the south by Union troops during the war. She stated that looting was done for 3 reasons either as souveniors, simply to destroy or due to envy of the weathy. It was an interesting session

Lunch was catered by Central Market. There were no tables in the room where lunch was served so we sat on a bench in the hall. On the wall was the strangest anime video called "City Glow". If you want to see it you can view part of it on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulpalandjian/4094110606/.

After lunch we listened to No Cotton in the Kingdom: Textiles in the Civil War South. This is the one session we were really looking forward to and unfortunately we were disappointed. It was presented by Katie Knowles. The first part of her talk was spent explaining what fibers were; I really think most of the audience knew what silk, wool, linen and cotton are and where they come from. The next part she discussed cotton in eighteenth century France. She finally got to the 19th century and discussed the importance of cotton on the south's economy. She knew quite a bit about the effect of the cotton trade but little on the use of cotton outside of plantation cloth. I guess I expected images of the different textiles and uses, which were not presented. She also made a bad connection between a dress in a painting and one in a fashion plate. Was not very impressed with her research or her presentation.

The final presentation was on Monumental Achievement: the Civil War and the Making of American Memory. This presentation included slides of different Civil War monuments, almost exclusively from the Northeast. It was interesting to see the different types of monuments groups and cities put up in recognition of the Civil War dead.

After the symposium we went to see the King Tut exhibit. Wow...disappointing! The majority of the exhibit consisted of artifacts from other kings and tombs. Yes, they were great to see but I expected Tut. There was only small artifacts and the bed from his tomb and a reproduction of his mummy. I guess I just thought there would have been at least one "wow" artifact, you know the items you really think of when you think Tut. So then we visited the Life and Luxury exhibit on 18th century France. Beautiful! Really enjoyed that one. No photos though.

We had dinner at a great little restaurant with a friend of Nancy's and then to bed early. We had not planned to attend the next day's event, just too expensive; however, there was a drawing for free tickets and Nancy won. So to bed early to be on time to catch the bus.

Sunday we start at the new Bayou Bend Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center, which by the way is really nice. The Center also houses the Kitty King Powell Library and Study Center. Nancy and I were given a tour of the library. Very nice space. We then boarded the bus to travel to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to view Discovering the Civil War, a traveling exhibit from the National Archives. The exhibit also included pieces from the Nau Civil War Collection. The National Archives exhibit was basically a display of documents from the Archives, which are now digitized. Little on the home front. The Nau collection was all military focused with lots of guns and dags of soldiers. I'm glad I saw it but glad I didn't have to pay for it. We then went to Silver Eagle Distributing, Nau's business. Here we had lunch and listened to a talk about Robert E. Lee followed by a viewing of more of Nau's collection. I was able to get a few photos from this viewing.

Leather housewife

Donation list from Gonzales
for the comfort of soldiers in Terry's Regt.

General Order No. 12 from Marshall, Tx.
printed on wallpaper

All in all it was an enjoyable weekend even if it wasn't outstanding. I heard some good talks and met some very knowledgeable people.

Next conference is the Sexuality & Slavery: Exposing the History of Enslaved People in the Americas conference at UT. Shoud be interesting.

Cool Things in the Mail

2011-10-31T20:04:00.000-05:00

A couple of cool things in the mail the last week. First the exhibit catalog for the new exhibit at Kent State Museum, "On the Home Front: Civil War Fashions and Domestic Life." Wish I lived closer to see the exhibit in person. The catalog is divided into sections: Military Influence; Outerwear; Color, Pattern, Trim; Memories and Mementos; Foundations; King Cotton; and Weddings. There are photos of dresses, children's dressing, accessories and quilts. One of the dresses in the wedding section appears that it was made for a pregnant person. It has the weirdest waistband treatment. There are some lovely shawls and quilts. But it definately leaves you with wanting more. The photos give you a great overview but of course do not give you the detail. I still think it is a great resource. If you can't visit the exhibition I suggest getting the catalog. You can order the catalog by calling the museum or emailing with shipping address and credit card number. It is $7.95 with shipping to be determined.

The other book I received is "The Civil War Remembered: Official National Park Service Handbook." This contains essays by reknown Civil War scholars like Ed Ayers, James Horton, James McPherson, and Drew Faust. Lots of images. Looks like a good overview of several aspects of the war. You can find the book through e-parks at http://civilwar.eparks.com/store/product/88361/*The-Civil-War-Remembered/.

The Civil War in Texas: Changing Interpretations After 150 Years

2011-10-25T19:50:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I passed on Texian Market Days and attended this conference sponsored by Victoria College/University of Houston-Victoria. (While I felt bad not going to TMD as it was the 25th year, after seeing some of the photos I'm glad I didn't as it seemed to lack authenticity. Lots of netting on hats, false ringlet falls in unnatural colors and badly made up Simplicity patterns in upholstry fabric. I don't think I would have had a good time.)

The conference was well done with many well-qualified speakers. I was pleased to see several papers on minority populations. But not a lot of new information, although I did learn about some new sources I wasn't aware of. A new book to look out for: the letters between KM and Minerva Van Zandt. Being edited and I hope is published soon. The talk by Terry Alford on Booth and the assassination of Lincoln was very good. Very indepth information and background on Booth. Information you don't get from the History channel programs :). I also found the session on Bernard Bee Jr. very entertaining.

The obligatory "home front" papers were interesting. One paper was on the effect of the war on the home front, basically the same that I did for the Harrisburg conference even with the same sources, but with a completely different thesis. In this talk there was a lot of starvation and lives turned upside down. Sounded like she was talking about the upper south rather than Texas. She seemed to take the experience of people in Galveston and Corpus Christi and apply it to the entire state. Even one of the other speakers addressed this saying it was hard, a challenge, but nothing like what they experienced in other southern states.

I also enjoyed the session on the German population and their experiences in the war. But again, not much new information. I did learn quite a bit during the Latino topic session. That is a population I have not yet researched. There was an interesting session on Sally Skull; a kind of first person performance. Some of the speakers took roles of some of Skull's relatives, husbands, and acquaintences and commented on her life. It sounded like a lot of what they read was taken from letters, diairies and other period accounts. An interesting way to explore a person's life and discuss contradicting accounts.

The rest of the sessions concentrated on military and reconstruction topics. There were a few books there, but I either have them or were not a topic of interest.

Next weekend I'm going to a symposium on material culture of the mid-19th century south. I'm hoping it meets my expectations; the topics sound wonderful. After that, events dry up. There is Imprisoned on the Frontier in November but I think money is going to be an issue getting up there so I may have to pass. Not much else on the calendar. Leaves me time for research.

A Change of Plans

2011-10-16T20:45:00.002-05:00

A slight change in things is causing me to miss Texian Market Days next weekend. However, it is allowing me to go to the The Civil War in Texas: Changing Interpretations After 150 Years in Victoria, Texas. I will miss TMD and playing dress up for the weekend, but the conference I think will be a great experience and lots of great information. Once again I'm finding I'm getting more out of research and true living history events rather than playing a dressed up docent and going to mainstream events, so I think this is a turn for the best anyway.

AAR after the weekend.

Got Sprouts

2011-10-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

My experiment in period gardening is working at least for two of the crops: Cucumbers and radishes

Seeds are sowed

2011-10-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

This afternoon we cleaned the plot, broke up the dirt and sowed seeds: peas, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, and carrots. All period varieties from Landrum Seeds. Of course I forgot my camera, so no photos. We discovered an abandoned eggplant plant bearing fruit. Some may be thinking we've started late, yet a bit. But Texas' growing season can be quite long and sources are saying end of September to November 1 for planting our choices. So we'll see. We may get nothing, squirrels may eat everything, they may freeze or we'll have a great bounty in the spring.

The plots are a bit difficult to plant in as they are called kitchen gardens but planted as ornamental. So we're working around edging plants and a center plant we can't remove. We oly planted part of the plot with the vegies as we plan to plant herbs in the spring.

Shoe Making Workshop

2011-09-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

This past weekend a few of us here in Texas attended amid-19^th Century shoe making workshop conducted by Cody Mobley atPioneer Farms in Austin. First I wish to say how gracious the site is forhosting us for our workshop and events. They allowed us to use their structuresfor the workshop and to stay in for the weekend. I also put out many kudos toCody for volunteering to lead this workshop and producing the patterns andsoles. He is a great instructor and an asset to the hobby!

The workshop began in Saturday morning but some of us stayedthe night on Friday on site. Staying at the site is always a wonderfulconvenience. The braying of the donkeys singing us to sleep and the thumping ofthe site cat, Peanut Butter, running down the hall of the Bell house to wake usup.

soaking soles

The workshop was held at the Aynesworth house. We went upearly to make sure all was ready and set the soles to soaking. Not everyonethat had registered attended but we had, including Cody, 13, I think. Codystarted out giving us an overview of the tools and materials used. Codyprovided the necessary needles and threads. He had, prior to the workshop,produced sized patterns for our uppers. So we then started cutting out our uppersfrom the fabric we chose. I had chosen a green wool. It is a beautiful fabric.Once they were cut we started sewing them together with a back stitch. Afterthe uppers were together we attached the toe and heel foxing and then the heelstiffener. For easier sewing the stiffeners were soaked prior to sewing. Thefoxing was sewn with a straight stitch and the stiffener just whip stitched.

Foxing attached

At lunch break I took Cody to a local Joanne’s to get cottondrill for the linings as he didn’t receive his order in time. Yes, we went inperiod dress. The looks!! It was hilarious. One woman obviously buying herHalloween costume, looked at us and said “You obviously have this costumingthing down, what do you think of this?"

Upper lined and bound

After we got back Cody started cutting out the linings as wefinished up the uppers, foxing and stiffeners. Then we stitched the lining inthe same way as the uppers. Once done we basted the lining to the uppers at thetop, along the bottom and the side slit. The top and slit edges were thenbound. We were given the option of using cotton tape or Cody would strip someof our fabric for binding. I chose to use the tape as a contrast. This is aboutas far as I got the first day. It doesn’t sound like much but sewing on theleather took quite a bit of time. So closed the first day of the workshop.

That evening some of us decided to out to dinner rather thanstay on site. We all wanted large classes of water and tea. Yup, in perioddress and more funny looks. When we returned to Pioneer Farms we all went toour respective structures for the evening. Vicki and I shared the Bell house.The evening was warmer than the night before and it was hard to get to sleep.Later in the evening a man who had been walking his dogs down the dry creekthat runs into the property called out and said he couldn’t figure out how toget out of the site. Apparently the women in the cabin had a skunk experiencethat night and the gentlemen in the barn dealt with the horses, so fun allaround.

The next morning we got up early; Vicki had brought her suffragetteoutfit and I wanted a picture. It is so cute! She looks so perfect in it.

Vicki Betts suffragette

Theworkshop started again at 9:00 and the day was already hat and humid. We lost acouple of participants and a couple more came but not in period dress; it wasjust too hot. This day consisted of the sole and turning the shoe. It was alsomuseum day and the site was open free with several other activities going on,so there were tons of visitors coming in and out watching what we were doing.

Attaching the sole

Cody had already made the soles, punched and grooved themfor us. He also started the threads attaching the sole. The sole was attachedusing a walking stitch consisting of two threads and needles. This, for me, wasthe most difficult part of the process. Even though the soles were soaked, thesewing was tough and I didn’t get the hang of the stitching right off. But Igot it done.

Sewing the toe

Turning the shoe

The shoe was then set out to soak for a bit before it wasput on the foot and the toe sewn and trimmed. Getting this wet wool over thestocking feet was a chore. We all laughed as we struggled to get the shoes on.Cody sewed the toes and then the shoe was set to soak again for easier turning.Cody also turned them for us. Once turned, the shoe was put on again, morestruggle and laughter. This was done to stretch the wool to the foot. Since wedidn’t have the eyelets done yet, Cody stitched the slits up as if laced. Weleft the shoes on until they dried. Once dried they slipped right on, nostruggle.

Turned shoe

Garrett's slippers

Most of us only got one shoe done, minus the lacing eyelets.Rather than lacing I’m putting elastic in mine for gaiters as my ankles arebigger than the pattern and lacing would be impractical. Vicki and Garret bothfinished their shoes and slippers respectively.

Vicki's shoes

Mine

I really enjoyed the workshop even though my fingers hurt andI allowed myself to become dehydrated. Thanks much again to both Cody andPioneer Farms for making the workshop possible!

Additional photos can be found here.

Long time no write

2011-09-19T20:21:00.006-05:00

Been awhile since I've written. The gardening has been a no go for the last month, just too hot down here. But seeds are ordered and will be planted by the first of October.

Started planning my conference dress. Can't give away the fabric but I can share inspiration.

Y'all have to come back after March 4th or so to get the details.

Shoe workshop coming up; report will be posted next week.

Experimental Archeology

2011-08-12T15:36:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about added to some research done by Vicki Betts on the kitchen gardens of the lower South. Along with this I wanted to plant a period kitchen garden just to see how it would work, what's involved etc. My office is in a complex of historic structures, one built in the 1850s. Recently the courtyard area was restructured into a garden area and the staff were allowed to adopted plots and plant. So, I am adopting a plot and along with a co-worker, putting in a kitchen garden of sorts. At least the plants will be those that were mentioned in diaries transcribed by Vicki and varieties that were available prior to 1860.

I'll post entries on the progress as I move along, probably not many in period dress as most work will be done at work. More information on Vicki's garden research can be found at http://www.txcwcivilian.org/id34.html

Internet radio station

2011-08-05T18:46:00.004-05:00

Did it. I started an Internet radio station for 1850s and 60s music. You can find it at www.Live365.com and search for Hoopskirts and Frockcoats.

Only about an hour up right now, but working on more.

1860s meets 2011

2011-07-29T21:25:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking of broadcasting an internet radio station and play music from the 1860s. I thought this might be a way to further educate about the time period and share the music of the time with others. I'm thinking of calling it Top 40 of the 1860s; too corny? Some of my music is in tape format so I need to get it converted. I'll keep you updated on how things go.

Just slightly off topic-Va, W. Va, Dc & Md trip

2011-07-27T11:19:00.017-05:00

Took a last minute trip to visit my friend in DC. Got an obscenely low fare, so had to go. First thing to say it was hot. The week before was beautiful, and the day I left was not so bad, but while I was there....yuck! I'll add this was the same weekend as the 150th Manassas so I was really feeling it for those souls dealing with the heat.

I arrived early Saturday, like 1:30 am. So needless to say late start on Saturday. We headed out to Clinton to visit the Mary Surratt house. Nice tour, loved the house. There was a nice exhibit of some material culture stuff in the visitor's center. Heard a few "myths" along the tour, but nothing too terrible. We asked the locals where there was a good place to eat and headed for Texas BBQ something...can't remember the exact name. I was a little hesitant, I'm in Maryland and we're going to eat somewhere with Texas in the name. However, it was a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives site; my mom would be so proud. I had a hot dog, Angie had ribs and pork chop sampler. They were good, I wouldn't go out of my way to go there again, but if you're in Clinton, it is a safe choice.

After Clinton we drove on to Alexandria. I love this town. So much of the old structure is still there. Our intent was to visit the Lee-Fendall house but it was closed by the time we got there. So instead we drove around looking at the architecture and visited the Old Torpedo Factory, which is now artist studios. Driving back from Alexandria, we passed by Arlington and decided to stop. The tour trams were still running so hopped on. Made it to the tomb of the Unknowns just in time for the changing of the guard and my camera to run out of power. It was such a touching ceremony. I had never seen the change and was impressed. It was so hot and so humid and these guys didn't even appear to break a sweat. The tram didn't stop at Arlington house as it was so late. After leaving Arlington we headed back to Rockville. We had dinner at the Silver Diner. Then home to bed.

Sunday, another late start but headed back to Alexandria to tour the Lee-Fendall house. Great house and the tour was well done. Lot's of information about the Lees and their neighbors. Very enjoyable. We had lunch at Gadsby's Tavern. The food was pretty good, and the atmosphere enjoyable. Didn't take the museum tour as we wanted to head out to Harpers Ferry.

LOVE IT!!! Of course we arrived late in the day, just at closing, but walked around and now I have to go back! When it's cooler. On the ride home was got stuck on the bridge over the Shenandoah due to an accident. Sat there for a bit and listened to my new CW music CD. Got back to Rockville and had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant in Town Center. Very good.

Monday I was on my own for a bit so Angie dropped my off at the Metro and I went into the District to visit the Archives for look for information for a friend. This was not a pleasant experience. The first thing I'm getting my researcher card, reading the orientation PowerPoint and the woman working in this area is talking on the phone about family drama. Loud enough that I had a hard time concentrating on what I was reading and I now know everything about how drunk a family member was at a funeral and how her mother dissed her! Really? So I get my card and go to the finding aids room. They were busy, maybe 5 or 6 people in there. The first assistant I encountered pointed me to some books, "look here." OK. I think I found what I wanted then one of the blue coat assistants came to help me; she, she said, was not a specialist in the area I was looking. So instead of helping me she proceeded to do everything in her power to make me look stupider than she was. I had my fill when she got irritated because I didn't know the person I received a phone message from, Albert or Alfred, was also known as Jack. That was all I could do. Told her to request a pull on the book I knew should have the info and I'd deal with the rest at another time.

I still had no luck as the volume didn't have the information I was looking for but I did run into a friend from the Genteel Arts conference and I got a researchers card, but it may be some time before I return there for help.

After leaving the Archives I walked over to the National Gallery. I had lunch in their cafe, expensive but nice. This was a great visit after the Archive fiasco. Great art, great building, started to rain outside, a nice way to spend the afternoon. After Angie was done with work I took the Metro back to Rockville and we visited a couple of book stores. We had dinner at Palena in DC. Great food, slow service, but a nice dinner. On the way back to Rockville, we're stopped by DC police; it appeared the rental car's registration had expired. They didn't give us a ticket but did give Angie a heart attack teasing her that her license had been suspended. Now Angie is a very law abiding person, so this was a huge "WHAT?!" moment. The cop then said he was just teasing, gave her back her license and sent us on our way.

Tuesday was last day and the weather was beautiful. It cooled down quite a bit. We had to go back to the rental place and exchange cars. The first one they were going to give us also had an expired tag. We finally get on our way and had for the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Another great gallery, with a great book store. Visited one last bookstore before heading to the airport. The flight home was crowded. A woman behind me from San Diego apparently thought very little about Texas and wanted to whole plane to know it.

This trip has made me realize I don't want to work in DC and live outside. I don't think I could handle the commuting. I really need to look for something with access to the DC area but not in the area. So much traffic, parking issues, etc. I really enjoy that part of the country and now have to plan my next trip to go back to Harpers Ferry.

More pictures of my trip are here.

Planning

2011-07-16T19:24:00.003-05:00

I'm off to DC next week! Actually Maryland to visit a friend but plan to visit the district, Library of Congress, and the Archives. Also Mary Surratt's house and Harper's Ferry. I love that part of the country and I haven't seen my friend for awhile so it will be very nice to catch up and have a slow blissful couple of days to visit.

In addition the 19th Century Shoe workshop is up and ready for registrations. Cody is so gracious to assist with this. It should also be a great weekend in September. Looking into February and it's the Beast of Burden workshop hosted by Barrington Living History Farm. Looks like the reenacting season will be off to a good start in Texas.

Warning: self pitying whine ahead!

2011-07-10T22:29:00.003-05:00

Been busy working on bran bags for pincushion brinks, finished a chemise and have the shoe workshop confirmed. Slowly climbing out of the self pity on the cut from full time to part time hours. It's very disheartening; I feel like somehow I lost, that I wasn't worthy. I know others are in the same boat or worse; I've just never been in this position and am having a hard time coming to terms. Applying for other full time positions, which keeps reminding me that this is real.

So to help alleviate some of this a good friend is flying me out to DC to visit. I can't wait. I've been there before but this trip is coming when I really need it. Several events beginning in September, then conference...this should all help me stay focused and remind me that I do have something to contribute and I am worthy, intelligent and capable.

Kudos for Into the Fray

2011-06-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

Pioneer Farms, the site that hosted Into the Fray included a write up about the event in their newsletter. Apparently the visitors really enjoyed it.

Summer time projects

2011-06-27T20:04:00.003-05:00

With the heat over 100 for several days now, I've cocooned myself into the house. No events down here, so while I wait for sewing for conference I've started making new underwear. First up a chemise. I like very simple undergarments, tucks are the most decoration. After that, drawers and then maybe a nightgown.

I decided to use a pattern for the chemise rather than make one so I'm using Simplicity 2890. I haven't used this one before so I thought I would, plus it's the first one I found digging through my patterns.

Other irons in the fire include a shoe making class that a friend, Cody Mobley, is going to present. He makes wonderful shoes. Here is one of a pair he made for his girlfriend.

The class should be fun. Back to sewing and get ready to watch Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided.

Texas' grumpy season

2011-06-04T21:28:00.002-05:00

The reenacting season has come to a close in Texas. We just don't do much down here in the summer. This gives us a nice reprieve to sew, mend and read, which is how I plan to spend the summer.

Next year will be interesting. I have been told I am going down to part-time at my job due to budget constraints September 1. There are two ways I can look at this: be bummed about the money loss or be energized about the extra time. While the money will be an issue, it just means tighter budgeting, until it bites into my living history activities :). But now I do have more time to volunteer at some living history sites, read, sew, take another part-time job to feed the habit. I'm a bit bummed over the loss of benefits I had with my longevity and the fact that others with less time are keeping their full time positions. But I'm hoping in the long run this will be a good thing and open up opportunities I would not have explored before. That's what I'm supposed to think, right?

New acquisition

2011-05-23T13:57:00.002-05:00

With all the event stuff I forgot to mention my new CDV. Nothing fancy except it is by a traveling photographer or artist so he calls himself.

Into the Fray: 1861

2011-05-23T10:00:00.015-05:00

This past weekend was the second on a series of civilian centered events following the 150th of the Civil War. The scenario for this year's event was a recruiting and mustering event held in the town of Sprinkle, yes there really was a town called Sprinkle in the area of the event site. The event was held at Pioneer Farms in Austin, Texas.

We began arriving Friday afternoon. It was hot and humid, as was pretty much the whole weekend. It's events like this that make you appreciate modern technology. In the early evening we had a short how-to lesson on properly using the wood stove in the Bell house, since few of us in the house had used a wood stove before. This "contraption" proved to be the bane of Mrs. Betts' weekend, more on that later. The evening brought in a tremendous thunderstorm. What a light show! It was wonderful. The buildings held tight and all remained dry, except for those who arrived during the storm :). The storm cooled down the air a bit, but by bed time the humidity was back. I laid awake fanning until I finally went to sleep.

The event officially started at 7:00 Saturday morning. We were all up fairly early to take advantage of the cooler air. Breakfast was simple, bread and jam, and fruit.

Saturday was spent visiting, listening to Mr. Nix read the papers, and listening to Mrs. Betts in the kitchen cursing the new fangled stove.

The gentlemen of the town, or at least some, enlisted in the militia and spent most of the day drilling.

Other men, not so inclined to enlist found other ways to spend the day.

In the evening, a dinner was served for the militia. It was a pot luck and included pan fried squash, ham, apple sauce, pickled eggs, cole slaw, bread, peaches, melon, corn bread, pound cake, corn on the cob, and cheese. The gentlemen ate their fill and then some. Sorry, forgot to get pictures of the spread, but it was amazing, a full table.

One of the young men was missing his senior prom to attend this event so we gave him a period prom at the tavern on Saturday night complete with boutonniere and dancing.

Everyone seemed to have a great time enjoying the music throughout the night.

Sunday morning was very low key. We didn't have church as there was no preacher. So we sat on the porch until it was time for the presentation of the unit flag.

Sunday at 11:00 Miss Victoria delivered a moving speech upon the presentation of a flag to the militia. For the life of me I can't find a copy of it; I'll try to get one and post it. Captain Mobley gave a wonderful response. It was touching and the flag, made by Cody Mobley was very well done.After the flag presentation the militia retreated to their quarters to gather their equipment for their march to Austin. As they pasted the Bell House, Miss Victoria played Dixie on the organ.

It was a great event and received well by the participants, the visitors and the site. I just wish the weather had not been so draining. Taking a short break before considering the next one :).

Oh yes, the dress, managed to hook a nail and caused a small tear in the skirt but easy enough to patch.

More pictures here and others have posted several on Facebook.

Fini

2011-05-15T11:58:00.003-05:00

Sans petticoats. Hopefully better pictures at the event next weekend.

Belt buckle

2011-05-13T12:39:00.003-05:00

The beautiful belt buckle I got really didn't go so well with the new Spring dress. So now I'm cannibalizing a mother of pearl one I had on another dress; it's just not big enough though. I'll have to do for the event coming up as I have no time to get a new one.

Trim applied

2011-05-08T19:57:00.002-05:00

On an ill-fitting form. I haven't applied the sleeve trim yet.

Ribbon arrived

2011-05-07T15:10:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful soft rose pink. Love it! Here is the ribbon. A little lighter than the picture and a nice lightweight too. It won't weigh down the cotton. So spending the rest of the day pleating ribbon.

Sheer dress portrait

2011-05-05T10:16:00.002-05:00

I visited the El Paso Museum of Art yesterday and saw this painting by an American artist in 1860. Of coarse I failed to get the name of the portrait and artist. It's just lovely.

Sleeves sans ribbon

2011-04-29T21:03:00.004-05:00

Here are the sleeves on the bodice. I just order the ribbon which will go around where the flounce attaches to the band and on the edges of the flounces. Not sure that is the right word, but you know what I mean.

Summer Dress Bodice

2011-04-26T19:23:00.002-05:00

Without sleeves and just a few minor adjustments needed. Ribbon will cover the front opening.

Dress progress and buckle

2011-04-22T19:39:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos of my new sheer dress progress. Not put together, but lined. Also a buckle I got on ebay. I need to fix it as the wire holding the beads broke. I ordered white petersham for the belt.

Mexia 2011

2011-04-17T18:22:00.013-05:00

This is a nice little event held at the Confederate Reunion Grounds outside Mexia, Texas. This site is a Texas Historical Commission site, so I go up there to help out the site as an employee. I always stay at the Hamilton House B&B. They are very nice and the rooms lovely. I arrived Friday night just in time to meet Dixie, the site manager, was leaving for dinner. She invited me to join them; we went to a little Mexican restaurant in town. It was ok. Went back after dinner to the B&B to rest up and study my part for the event Saturday. Arrived at the site about 9:00 Saturday morning, in time for the parade and flag raising.

Found many friends and Henkel Square participants there. I spent Saturday morning walking the park and visiting with friends. There was a tea late morning with Stephanie Hilgert Ford giving a presentation on first person with a worksheet handout. In the afternoon was the battle. The site tried something new this year and offered some first person accounts before the battle and then reenact an actual battle with a narrative. The battle this year was Wilsons Creek. But as I said, there were a few vignette's before hand. I presented the southern view point and explained Texas' wish to secede.
Silly me, I tried to memorize it and I had five minutes before I spoke, but as soon as I stood up on that trailer and started my talk I went blank. So embarrassing. The other presentations were a Texan against secession, a farmer who just wanted to work his farm and a slave; they all read their parts.

Included during the battle along with the narrative was a brass band, which played during some of the down time of the battle. When the CSA came back and routed the USA, the band played Dixie as the CSA took the field--very entertaining. The crowd seemed to enjoy it and after some initial grumbling so the troops, I believe. The narration and script for the vignettes was written by Don Frazier from McMurry University in Abilene who also narrated the battle.

After the battle the brass band presented a concert in the pavilion. The conductor related information about each piece before it was played, which I found very interesting. The band is the Heritage Brass Band of Dallas.
It was so nice; the weather was beautiful and the music great in a historic pavilion that had brass bands play often.

After the band I took more pictures and visited some more. By then I was getting quite tired, not yet completely recovered as much as I would like to. So I returned to the B&B and rested some more and went to bed for the night quite early.

Sunday I was not up to dressing out. When I arrived to yet more pictures. I found Don Frazier and as the other vignette actors and the band left Saturday, it was decided that I would not try to dress out and Don would make the presentation before the battle.

Sundays are always less crowded than Saturdays so I was able to get more pictures of the battle. Also talked up the May event with some of the well turned out young people at the event. Some of these younger reenactors do so well in there impressions.
It was a beautiful weekend, the park is great and the weather could not have been better. Even though this is a thoroughly main stream event, I wish more Texas reenactors would participate in it. There is a lot of potential and the site could really use the support. Over the 150 years the events at this site will be of various battles in which Texas troops fought. Next year they are planning on reenacting Shiloh.

More pictures are here.

Pattern trouble

2011-04-06T21:27:00.002-05:00

Started working on the pattern for the square neck dress and just can't seem to get it right. Three attempts and it's still not coming together the way I want. It really shouldn't be this difficult, should it? Maybe I'm still loopy from the meningitis. Work trip the next couple of days so I'll take it on again this weekend.

Wouldn't you know it.

2011-03-21T00:20:00.002-05:00

Just as I'm gearing up for sewing and excited about a new dress I come down with meningitis; not the deadly kind, just the viral but it still hurts. It's been a week now and I'm ready to be over it. I have never experienced such terrible headaches in my life. It has seriously put a damper on plans.

New direction

2011-03-15T22:59:00.004-05:00

For a long time I have been in love with this dress. I even found similar fabric and trim lace. However, I've changed my mind now. I don't know why, maybe it's been on the drawing board too long and I'm just not that excited about it now. There are also several of them out there, made very well and I just don't think I'm skilled enough to draw the pattern for an asymmetrical bodice with all those pleats!

So, same fabric, new inspiration without the lace trim. I'll use that on a bonnet or something.
Godey's July 1861. I love the idea of a square neck. There is a picture at the Alamo from the 1860s showing a similar dress but no undersleeves and no chemisette. In Texas, that is believable, so this is my first (can you believe it) summer dress.

Right now I'm making stockings but will be done soon and then on to the dress.

17th Annual Ladies & Gentleman of the 1860s Conference 2011

2011-03-07T17:09:00.015-06:00

First I must say I LOVE this conference. I have so much fun and experience serious blues when it is time to leave. Especially this year as it was a short visit, arriving Friday afternoon rather than Thursday.

My trip started at 4:30 am on Friday as the alarm went off. My flight left Austin at 6:30 for Newark. Landing in Newark is an experience. The New York skyline from the plane is amazing and you can see the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. I bet it is wonderful to fly in at night. My friend Nancy met me in Newark with the news that our flight to Harrisburg was delayed two hours, originally scheduled for 12:30 . Then delayed 2.5 hours. This was a bit worrisome to me as last month my flight kept being delayed and then canceled. Nancy had passes for Continental's President's Club so we went there to wait what we thought would be about 2 hours. As we sat enjoying drinks, snacks and comfy chairs, Nancy decides to check the status again of our flight at about 12:00. Our flight is now on time and at a different gate! We run down to the gate and now it's delayed about 15 minutes. The plane was a little puddle jumper; not only was there no jet way but there was no stairway to the plane, it was one of those with the stairs in the door. It was still a great flight and I sat with a woman from Mason, Texas, where by coincidence I'll be in a couple of weeks for a cemetery workshop.

The flight was just fine and we called for the shuttle to the hotel. It was going to be a bit so we sat in the rocking chairs that the Harrisburg airport has scattered around. Harrisburg airport is so cute. It's not very big, but it's efficient.

We arrived at the hotel, got scheduled for the Sunday shuttle and a late check out for Sunday. The hotel had upgraded the lobby with a more modern look. The rooms all had Sleep Number beds, not a big fan but a nice touch anyway. There were also a frig and microwave in the room, an Ipod docking radio, and a larger bathroom. Nice touches.

We put down our things, unpacked some and headed over to check in for the conference. With our badges in hand we could now go to the market place! All the usual vendors with great stuff. I picked up a slat bonnet from Lynette Miller for one of the woman coming to Into the Fray and three books for myself: Victoria's Trims by Marge Harding all about ribbon trims with pictures and instructions, American Civil War Era Fashion Plates Godey's 1860-1865 by Timely Tresses, and Textile Designs. I really wanted to buy a shawl from Caravan of Kashmir but they didn't take credit cards so I didn't get one. They are beautiful and so soft. Next year?

Once shopping was done we went to get some dinner. The first session of the conference started at 7:00 with Colleen Formby and Oh! How Full are the Hearts of All: Expressions of Patriotism.

This was a wonderful talk on expressions of patriotism such as cockades, aprons, and flags. To go along with the talk Colleen brought reproduction items to illustrate.

During the break there were originals out for display as usual. This is one of the greatest parts of this conference. Not only do you get to see them up close, but you can take pictures and in some cases the owners will maneuver the items to allow you to photograph the inside, close ups, etc. See the link to my pictures at the end of this post.

The second presentation was from Brian Egan. He is from Greenfield Village and discussed their Civil War presentations. His handouts included samples of the forms and communications they use for the event. Long day, off to bed and rest up for tomorrow.

Beginning Saturday, meals are provided with the conference. Breakfast began at 7:00 and the conference at 8:00. The first session of the day was the presentation of the conference dresses and vests. Each year Carolann sends the conference presenters a length of fabric for a dress or vest, each the same. The faculty are then asked to make up a dress or vest with the fabric. This year's fabric was a red, blue, black striped sheer cotton for the dress and a plaid woven silk for the vest. I was sitting back a bit so you can't really see the fabric very well.
The conference then splits out into different tracks; I choose the women's track, but the other had some great sessions too. I was really torn on which to do. My first session was Improving your Mileage with Convertibles and Transformers by K. Krewer. Loved it. She provided documentation of dresses that had multiple bodice styles and others that had additions such as sleeves and pelarines that could be added or taken away to change the look of the dress. As always, she provided a disc of the presentation. Then a break and more originals.

Next was Catherine Wright from the Museum of the Confederacy talking on the quilts in the MOC collection. Even had one from Texas. They have some beautiful quilts and she invited anyone to contact her or visit the museum for research. They are very happy to assist and share their collection.

Lunch, shopping, hanging out until the next session in the afternoon. Katherine Carroll presented Beyond Little Women: Family Life in 1860s. Very interesting talk on everyday for woman, including marriage, child birth, and activities. Some great statistics: did you know that the average age of the onset of menses in 1860 was 16.9 years?

After the break was Janine Whiteman's presentation on children's clothing. Lot's of originals and great CDVs.

Now it was time to get ready for the ball. Thank God for Nancy; I would never have been able to get dressed and do my hair without her.
Dinner was wonderful; I sat at Carolann's table with Martha McCann and her husband, a first timer for Davis, California (very close to my home town) and a woman and her son from Australia. It took them 30 hours to get there. There are so many beautiful gowns at the ball. We had a blast. The music was great and the dance leaders very patient. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There are pictures at the link at the end of the post.

Sunday started as a gully washer. The sessions started with Carolann's presentation Steel Mills and Steel Petticoats, a discussion on how the industrial revolution changed clothing and the way we dressed. Very interesting topic and very intriguing to see how the industrial revolution and the inventions it spawned trickled down to things a mundane as clothing and style. It was a great presentation.

Following the break we listened to a first person presentation Soldiers at War, Women at Home. This consisted of four individuals, 2 women and 2 men. Each person developed a story within set perimeters and delivered it in first person. None of the group knew what the others were developing. The presentations were set on 3 different days of the war. One women interpreted a woman in Atlanta, another was a Quaker in Indiana, one gentleman was a CSA soldier, slave owner and strong supporter of secession and the last gentleman was a Mainer who had fought on the Mexican war and had no intention of entering the Civil War. It was very interesting to hear the different points of view.

Then it was over. I pushed off the post-conference depression by helping Carolann pack up. Nancy had left at 12:00 and I didn't have to leave until 3:00. So I helped clean up and pack up and joined Carolann and her "staff" for lunch.

The trip home was uneventful other than the little hamster powered airplanes; I slept most of the time. I've decided I don't like O'Hare airport. I'm not sure why, I just wasn't comfortable there. So home for another year. Planing already for next! The next conference dates are
March 1-4, 2012.

Pictures

Finished ballgown

2011-03-07T12:36:00.002-06:00

Here is the finished ballgown. A little gaposis between the bodice and the skirt. Oh well...

175th of Texas Independence

2011-03-07T11:55:00.006-06:00

Whew. Back from the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Conference in Harrisburg. But before that I attended a Texas Independence event at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The year 1836. It was a great time. We served as docents for a structure interpreting Lott's Tavern, which actually existed in Washington in 1836. There was a steady stream, sometimes flood, of people all day long. There are some photos in my last post and here is a link to a few more.

Sewing, sewing, sewing

2011-03-02T11:34:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the lack of entries and photos. I've been very busy trying to finish the ballgown for this weekend. I promise pictures of the finished project but probably not until next week when I return.

In the mean time, check out these from the 175th celebration of Texas' Independence held last weekend at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Let's try this again

2011-02-22T22:55:00.003-06:00

Started laying out the tassels on the bodice. Hideous!!! And the trim is just too "gold" although there is no gold in the trim. So I need to tone down a bit. I have ordered a plain white trim and am losing the yellow in the tassels. While I'm waiting for the new trim and to get more tassel stuff I started on the bows. I had to make my own ribbon but I think it turned out fairly well. I used 2mm silk embroidery ribbon and stitched through the silk of the fabric. Here is a bow without the streamers.
I also cut out a new chemise and will sew on it this weekend at an event. I may be sewing on tassels on the airplane to the conference!

Crisis averted

2011-02-21T23:22:00.004-06:00

We have a new site for our May event. Pioneer Farms in Austin has agreed to host. While the site has fewer buildings, it offers some opportunities we didn't have at Henkel Square.

Waiting for bows and tassels

2011-02-21T23:18:00.003-06:00

Ballgown and living history crisis

2011-02-14T21:12:00.003-06:00

Ballgown progress, just the front; the back looks terrible on this form.

Henkel Square has now been sold and the new owners are going to develop it into a commercial site so no more living history there. I'm now scrambling to find a new site in time for the May event. Wish me luck. I really would hate to see the event go by the wayside as I think it's an important event to have in Texas, especially during the 150th.

1830s cap

2011-02-11T19:49:00.003-06:00

In preparation for a 175th Texas Independence event, I made a little cap. My impression is poor, working woman in a tavern so I thought a very plain, utilitarian cap was best.

Now back to the ballgown. I hate living in a house of men. Especially when I have fitting to do.

Eye candy blog

2011-02-07T13:26:00.001-06:00

For those of you who like to look at CDVs as much as I do...

http://ladysresourcecdv.blogspot.com/

I'm back from a vacation that had nothing to do with living history. Relevant postings will continue soon.

So broken hearted

2011-01-24T20:53:00.003-06:00

The site that we have been using for a semi-immersion Civil War event has been sold. It is unclear weather or not the new owners will continue to allow us access to the site or even what their plans are for the site. To say I'm bummed is a serious understatement. The site was wonderful and really fit the needs of the event. On the look out for a new site, have some possibilities. I'm still in mourning I think over Henkel Square as nothing seems "good enough."

Anyway, going to visit the west coast mouse next week. Will hit the search upon return, also see if I can meet with the new owners.

Governor's Inauguration

2011-01-18T20:43:00.003-06:00

Today I participated with a couple of my colleagues from the Texas Historical Commission helping the Buffalo Soldier Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Buffalo Soldier Program was invited to provide entertainment for the Governor's Inauguration BBQ on the grounds of the capitol. They are a great group and very knowledgeable about their subject.

Here is a link to photos.

New era

2011-01-17T00:07:00.002-06:00

At least temporarily. I plan to participate in an event commemorating the 175th of the Texas Revolution. I'm working on getting some things together. Not sure I will continue in this time period so not going all out with a new dress on this one. Just a few period accessories to change up a homespun. I was in a major sewing drought and now have three things I'm working on all at once. What fun.

This dip will be a nice change; I'm starting to burn out on Civil War. I think mainly since there are so few authentic living history events here in Texas. Plenty of battle and ball stuff, but I'm really not interested in those any more. So this Tex Rev will shake things up a bit.

A set back

2011-01-12T15:41:00.003-06:00

It seems that the store I purchased some ballgown ribbon from is now kaput. I found this out after several unanswered emails and phone calls. A friend in Maryland drove by the place and it appears to be closed. So on the hunt again.

Short ball gown break

2011-01-05T14:33:00.002-06:00

I'm taking a short ball gown break as I have been asked to participate in the Texas Governor's BBQ in two weeks and need to remake a dress into late 60's. I'm redoing the blue wool's skirt for a flatter front; that should work.

Ball gown trim and tassles

2011-01-01T16:14:00.007-06:00

Just a couple of quick pictures.

Ballgown mock up

2010-12-29T21:48:00.012-06:00

Thank you so much to K Krewer, Carolann Schmitt and Beth Chamberlain for sharing photos with me on the bertha. I've decided to go with the split bertha for no particular reason than I think it will be easier to do...lazy, I know.

Here is the completed mock up; please keep in mind it is only basted together so nothing is really laying right on the form and nothing is hemmed. It does meet in the back, I just didn't pin it close enough. I'll need to try it on me with the corset in the next few days.

Help with colors

2010-12-28T20:16:00.005-06:00

I'm having a heck of a time deciding on the ribbon for this fabric. Obviously, I don't have access to custom matching ribbon so I'm trying to find something but can't decide on color, solid, woven?

So, here is the fabric and the inspiration. Any suggestions would be welcome, especially on ribbon color!

Christmas

2010-12-26T00:22:00.002-06:00

Had a great day with my husband's family. One of my presents was sorta kinda living history related: Cooking in American, 1840-1945 along with the ingredients for one of the recipes. Anyone for fried squirrel? No, I didn't get squirrel road kill; I have ingredients for a bean dish. But the squirrel is one of the recipes.

Ballgown progress

2010-12-21T20:07:00.006-06:00

I have the bodice mock up done. I've compared it to pieces I know fit and it fits the dummy. Once I have the sleeves and the bertha mock up done and the whole thing put together I'll try it on me with the corset.
I used a couple of different patterns; Simplicity 2881 for the front. I really don't like the back of that one so took the pattern from my conference dress and modified it. Seemed to work fine.

Here a picture of the fabric.I found some great fabric for the tucker. The painting appears to have a bit of a pattern in the piece of the tucker in the front. So I found this.

Moving on...

2010-12-15T08:17:00.003-06:00

My ballgown fabric arrived yesterday. A little more pink than I expected but still nice. Since the San Antonio ball was canceled I have a bit more time and will plan to take it Harrisburg. After Christmas the construction will begin.

Unauthorized use

2010-12-13T20:27:00.005-06:00

Today I came across a blog that not only used quite a bit from my website but also a picture of me taken by a friend. These were posted without my knowledge, permission, or credit given. It is a very mainstream group and it really bothers me that a photo of me is being used in connection with this site, especially in discussing "costumed interpretation."

I want to be very clear that I am in no way associated with this group nor do I endorse their standards of authenticity.

I have contacted the blog owner but as yet have received no response. I suppose I should see it as flattering. But jeez have the courtesy to ask!

Ball canceled

2010-12-13T16:53:00.002-06:00

The ball in San Antonio has been canceled. Major bummer. I'm still going to make the ball gown so I'll have it for the conference in March. There is another ball in January but I'm leaving shortly after that for a trip to California so it might be a bit much to get things together.

Winedale Christmas

2010-12-11T22:34:00.002-06:00

Sorry, no pictures. Didn't expect to have an opportunity. This was a nice little festival event. I was stationed at the McGregor House. I love this house! Built in 1861, Greek revival and well restored. I wish I had my camera to show the inside. The size and lay out of the house reminded me a bit of the Prairie House at George Ranch; although, the McGregor is definitely Greek Revival. It has some wonderful stenciling on the ceilings. Also rode in a stage coach, which was great fun and I think much more comfortable than they were in the 19th century.

There were a few "docentisms", a few bad prop choices and seriously bad costuming. I was not dressed in hoops as I expected to be at a different station so felt rather out of place in my homespun and petticoats. The other docents kept saying I could be the lady of the house and I trid to explain I was not dress appropriately for that to which the reply was "no one will know the difference anyway." While I know this is true I still felt I would be cheating the public with incorrect information. So I spent the afternoon wandering around the house, watching that things weren't sat on that shouldn't be, answering questions about bedding, flooring, etc. I let the ladies who were obviously very proud of their position as "hostesses" do the talking about the house and families who lived there and tried not to cringe when the "they were shorter back then" stories came up.

The site is working on education modules and may be interested in having some living history there. It's a wonderful site and would make a great "playground. " So we'll see what comes of it.

So, living history break until February and the Lace and Sabors Ball in San Antonio, then Harrisburg and gearing up for Henkel Square in May.

Hearth Cooking December 4, 2010

2010-12-05T21:36:00.024-06:00

On December 4 a few of us in Texas gathered at Henkel Square in Round Top for a hearth cooking workshop.
The instructor was Hal Simon. Hal has nearly 20 years experience in historic cooking and served as the curator of a living history museum in Texas for over a decade where he managed both open hearth and wood stove cooking programs. Hal is very knowledgeable and freely shares this knowledge. We were very lucky to have him for our workshop.

The weekend began on Friday; some of the participants came for some distance so we stayed over at Henkel Square to be ready Saturday morning bright and early. I decided to stay in one of the Zapp-Von Rosenburg stranger rooms. These little rooms are surprisingly comfortable.

Vicki Betts had a hearth crane made for "her" little cabin at the site. We were very disappointed to find out that it didn't fit by just a few inches. We had planned to use the hearth in her cabin with the crane. So we now changed over to the Muckelroy kitchen sans crane. However Scotty, the site manager, offered to grind down the little bit needed so the crane will be available for other events.

In the evening we went to dinner at Scotty's restaurant in town, which is really good. After we went to the church to utilize the electricity to peruse over Godey's 1862, CDVs, and other pictures of original garments. We decided to call it a fairly early night so that we would be ready for Saturday.

Hal arrived early Saturday, unloaded equipment, and started the fire. Hal provided great handouts. Not only did we have the recipes for the day but he also included an extensive bibliography, a listing of vegetables and fruits that were grown and available in Texas, weights and measures equivalents (IE: 1 lb. of wheat flour equals 1 quart), recipe comparison between period text and modern redaction, internet resources, period table setting diagrams and photos of the use of hearths for cooking. In addition he and Vicki brought several reproductions of period cookbooks and other books on hearth cooking.

First, Hal went over the handouts and made some interesting points. In the redaction section he talked about being careful when using a modern redaction as sometimes the modern chef might make some changes in the "translation" which will actually create a different dish than what the period recipe was for. In the measurements section information was provided such as "a common tumbler holds 8oz." or "a common teacup holds 6oz." Hal double checked these using period reproductions and they were spot on.

Our lunch was to be onion soup and Gaspacho-Spanish or bread salad. Both were very good. The onion soup was divine and as the onions were browned in 2 sticks of butter, it had a wonderful buttery taste.

After eating we prepared the bread pudding as it had to sit a bit before cooking. Then on to the forced meat balls (that's Forced, with an F). This required the dicing and pounding of beef and suet together.

Once the herbs were added the meat was formed into balls, rolled in bread crumbs and pan fried. The potato balls were basically the same but with mashed potatoes. At the same time this was going on cabbage was being sliced and dressing made for warm slaw.

We had a bit of a problem with the bread pudding as the dutch oven we had was too shallow for the pudding dish. We found an oven on site that was deep enough but it had no lid so we improvised. But the lid was too thin and caused the top of the pudding to burn. Oh, but it was still so good. We did not put on the cream as it was too warm by this time to froth the cream. The pudding had suet in it! Beef fat in a dessert! It was the strangest sensation to bite into this sweet pudding with fruit and get a piece of the suet. The textures just didn't match :). It was delicious though and can only imagine how it would have been with sweet cream.

Hal had intended to also cook biscuits and a roast or mutton; however, by this time everyone was full and tired so we called it complete. Now remember this workshop was on December 4; the week before the weather was wintery barely getting out of the 50s during the day and down to the 30s at night. But on December 4 it was almost 80 degrees. You can imagine with such a large fire, only a couple of windows that didn't open all the way and the heat outside, we were all very warm. Poor Hal was soaked. The first comment from visitors was the heat, then the smell of the food. This workshop really brought to life what was required in the 1860s to produce a meal. Obviously the ordinary person did not cook such a large meal or perhaps not as fancy but still the work, time and discomfort involved was amazing. We were at this practically all day long; when would a person get the rest of their chores done? Take care of the children, etc. ? These types of workshops really put a new dimension to Living History.

Since we ended earlier than expected Vicki decided to head on home but Penny, Elin and I stayed on site for the night. We spent the evening with wine, grapes, cheese, cookies and conversation. Then, guess what arrives...a norther! Gotta love Texas.

More pictures from the event are here.

First step

2010-11-28T15:46:00.002-06:00

While I wait for my fabric, I have started making the tassels. I wanted silk, but finding silk floss in town is not to be done, so I opted for cotton floss. It doesn't have the flexibility and is rather stiff. Once the tassel is tied I separate each strand to give it more volume.
I intend to alternate colors but waiting for the fabric to match.

Inspiration

2010-11-27T17:46:00.001-06:00

Found the ballgown inspiration. Yes, it is a dress we are familiar with and it is 1850s but I really think the fabric will fit this well.

Ballgown update

2010-11-27T13:46:00.005-06:00

Well the yellow is a flop. I've redone it so many times that it just isn't going to work at this point so I'm starting over with a new fabric.

Yes, it is shantung so it is slubby but I just love the print. And since it is also a faille, like the yellow, it should take the pleats very well.

Anyway, I like the print and think it will make a lovely ballgown. Now to find another style as I don't think the original will work very well.

Fort McKavett 2010 Texas State Troops Living History

2010-11-15T02:57:00.029-06:00

November 12-14.
This was a great weekend. Fort McKavett is about 2.5-3 hours from Austin on the edge of the hill country. The drive, as my GPS devise took me, goes through Llano, Mason, Hext, Art, and several other small towns barely more than 2-3 houses. Saw some great looking cemeteries but could not stop this time to take pictures.

I arrived at the site and met up with Cody Mobley. He showed me my accommodations for the weekend and I started moving in. I was assigned to the old bakery building. When the fort was active, 2 soldiers baked 5,000 loaves of bread a day and stored it in the storehouse, now in ruins, next to the bakery. I loved the lay out with the room semi-divided with a partial stone wall. The dirt floor did make things a bit dusty though. The building is also a bit far from the bathroom facilities. Cody offered to bring over one of the port-a-potties behind the bakery but I refused the offer thinking it would not be an issue. Well at 40 degrees at 2:00 in the morning it seemed a much bigger issue :). Thank goodness for the chamber pot.

Once I was set up I headed out for the Fort McKavett cemetery. The cemetery is not on fort property but was used by the post for troop burials. This is a nice little cemetery with gravestones from the 1850s and still in use.

Upon returning to the Fort I found some of the others had arrived. All total there were 7 troops and me for the weekend. We spent part of the evening at the neatest little "bar" about 100 yards from the Fort. It's called the Trading Post. They carry a few staples, have a TV, pool tables, chips and serve sodas and beer. It's a quirky little place and I really liked it. We returned to the fort and spent the rest of the evening visiting.

The bakery is an interesting place to sleep. I knew it was going to be cold that night so moved the fire box to the back part of the building to have the heat. But there is no chimney, so the building pretty much remained smokey the whole weekend. It will be some time I think before I lose the smoke smell in my hair :). I slept on the same iron bedsteads they have in the barracks with wooden slats and a hay mattress. I don't think I would ever say this, but rope beds are really comfortable :). I did sleep pretty well though after I got used to the sounds of the fire and the building. The building has a large glassless shuttered window on one side that we opened for ventilation. It also, I think, served as an open invitation to critters. There was a skein of twine on the floor and when I got up in the morning I noticed that is was pulled out almost to the opposite wall; looks like the raccoons wanted to party :).

In the morning I watched a flock of about 20 wild turkeys march by. The morning was chilly and a bit hazy; it looked like fall. Once I was dressed and put together I took some fruit to the barracks where the men were up and cooking coffee. The men were called to formation and given the general orders for the day. The general order for November 8, 1863 was an inventory of clothing and their condition. The troops also received letters, rations and were paid. Once dismissed the men returned to the barracks to read their letters and inspect their clothes.

My impression was of a civilian squatter that also served as the fort sutler. Cody has made some packets of tobacco, matches, fish hooks, stamps and some soap. I had fruit, paper, envelopes, and pickles. I wasn't prepared to be a sutler but it turned out well. I also received a letter! It appears that my brother-in-law was very unhappy with the area he had immigrated to from Germany. He was particularly upset with the confiscating of part of his crop by the army and that he did not leave Prussia for this. As a postscript to the letter a gentleman wrote that my deceased husband's brother was fine. It appears that when the army came to take his crop he shot a soldier and ran off to Mexico!

Later we put a pot of beans on my fire so I could watch them; these would serve as dinner, breakfast and lunch for the rest of the weekend. Since the men had been issued rations some came in looking for spices or requesting I cook their meat for them. I tried to explain that I was very low on supplies and with the blockade had nothing in the way of spices nor anyway to cook the meat other than boiling. They went off very disappointed. However, they returned later having concocted a stew and asked to hang the mucket on the fire. Others came in to buy what little I had, like the much needed soap and of course the tobacco and matches.

The men then went off for target practice and I napped. Upon their return they came back to purchase more items, mostly food this time. The rest of the day and evening was spent visiting and relaxing.

The next morning the men fixed breakfast for themselves--left over potatoes, meat and beans and cabbage. Many of the men had traveled quite a distance to the event so left soon after breakfast was done. I packed up later that morning and Cody showed me around the site and we toured the interpreted buildings. Part of the site collection includes some original Berlin work men's slippers, a pair of ladies' slippers, a banion, and an original carpet bag. Very cool stuff.

Even though the event was small, it was fun, relaxing and we had several opportunities for first person interaction. I really need to do better research on the fort and the civilian population though.

Additional pictures of the event, site and details of the artifacts can be found at Photobucket and on the Fort McKavett Facebook page.

Event Ready?

2010-11-06T16:02:00.003-05:00

Next weekend I will be attending the living history days at Fort McKavett. The impression is the fort, 1863, occupied by Texas State Troops and some civilian squatters. I've not done something like this before, so am researching and such. I will have very few if any pictures, but the site has a photographer lined up and will post photos on their page. I'll post a link when available.

Back to the ball gown

2010-10-26T21:06:00.003-05:00

I'm planning to attend a ball in San Antonio in February and thought I'd resurrect the yellow ballgown.

I wasn't really happy with it when I put it down. So time to retry; I may end up doing something completely different :). Stay tuned.

Texian Market Days 2010 - 1860s

2010-10-24T17:46:00.028-05:00

Back from TMD at George Ranch. Gulf coast area, not so much hot but HUMID!! Thank goodness there was a breeze all day, but at night the breeze would stop for a bit and get stuffy. So you throw off the covers, the breeze would start again and you would reach for the covers again. But that was the only downside of the weekend.

What a great event! I arrived about 6:00 and Vicki Betts and Caitlin Cassin were already at the house. We stay in the 1860s Prairie House on site upstairs. Views of the rooms can be found at my post from last year's event. Caitlin is new to the hobby and this was her first event. Caitlin is from the area and took us to Larry's for dinner. A great Tex-Mex restaurant. The food was great!

When we returned to the site after dinner was sat out on the porch and listened to the bagpipes coming from the 1830s area. It sounded like they were having a wonderful dance. The moon was full this weekend and it was a beautiful evening.

Matt Driggers, the site staff member with oversite of the 1860s house had found a new bed for "my" room. A big four poster with a horse hair mattress. It really was quite comfortable. He checked the beds to be sure there were no mice and no repeat of last year :).

Saturday morning was cool but a bit humid; we prepared for the visitors when the park opened at 9:00. There were a lot of visitors. As usual with our skirts we didn't leave the parlor as it was hard to maneuver with all the people. We spent the morning sewing an apron for Caitlin, Vicki sewed on a pair of drawers, we read aloud and talked with visitors.

There were two military activities during the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This year the Yankees once again invaded our home and forced us out of our house, then the Rebs came to our rescue. We watched from inside the house.

After the morning activities, Caitlin and I walked around the park. We were stopped at least every 100 feet or so for photos. The creek, which is full of alligators looked so pretty and peaceful.

After the afternoon skirmish we finished our sewing projects and lounged. The event closed to the public at 5:00. We changed into modern clothes as the park always provides the volunteers dinner and we didn't want to be corseted for that :). Dinner was barbecue with all the fixin'. It was very good.

Following dinner the Dr. E.T. Bushrod Medicine Show and the Tanner Family Minstrels gave an adult version of their show. Unfortunately I left my camera at the house!! It was a good time, bad jokes, great music and lots of laughs.

The stereo owls returned about 7:00 the next morning, hooting to each other down the chimneys. But we were awake anyway and set about preparing to leave as the event is only a one day event.

TMD is really a good time. The site treats us so well and makes sure we have everything we need; they provide wood and food and really appreciate our participation. Can't wait for next year!

Additional photos are here.

Hood's Brigade Monument rededication

2010-10-21T16:14:00.002-05:00

On October 15 I attended the rededication of the Hood's Brigade Monument that stands on the Texas Capitol grounds in Austin. It was a nice ceremony. Additional pictures are here.

Off to TMD

2010-10-21T09:48:00.002-05:00

This weekend is the annual Texan Market Days at George Ranch in Richmond Texas. We'll be stay at and populating the 1860's Prairie House for the weekend. The weather promises to be warm and humid so I couldn't decide which dress to take. So I'm taking the plaid silk and the new homespun and we'll see on Saturday what the weather decides.

TMD is a one day event usually with lots of public. A new friend will be joining us so there will probably be lots of talk about the hobby. There will be two "battles" that day where the Yankees take over the house and the Rebs rescue us. Always a crowd pleaser and fun for us if not completely accurate for Texas.

Pictures will be posted after I return.

Hearth cooking class

2010-10-14T23:35:00.001-05:00

My friend, Hal Simon, has agreed to present a hearth cooking class here in Texas. Interested? More info at

http://www.txcwcivilian.org/id225.html

Books and Chamber Pot

2010-10-12T12:59:00.002-05:00

I got a new chamber pot! Pictures here.

Another book on German Texans, Die Kettner Briefe. Very good, a lot of good information about life in Texas 1850s to 1870s.

Background Research

2010-09-22T12:04:00.002-05:00

I've been reading a couple of books on the Fayette County/Round Top area. The first I just finished was on Nassau Plantation, Nassau Plantation: The Evolution of a Texas German Slave Plantation. I found the book fascinating. The stories about families I knew about and/or are connected with Round Top is great background information for the Henkel Square events besides just being great stories on the immigration of Germans to the area.

The other book I've had for awhile, Ancestral Voices. This is transcriptions of several letters from the Von Rosenberg family from the Round Top/Fayette County area. I had read some parts, mostly those dealing with the 1860s but have now started from the beginning.

Both books offer great insights into the lives of the German immigrants to Texas.

Letters

2010-09-16T11:52:00.007-05:00

In my last post I failed to mention the lovely letters I received at Boonesfield. One from a sister and another from a dear friend.

Then upon returning home another wonderful letter was waiting for me from Round Top.

Exchanging letters between living history events is so much fun. It offers a wonderful connection and adds so much to the experience.

Boonesfield, Missouri Trip 2010

2010-09-14T15:33:00.004-05:00

I left home about 7:30 am and headed to Plano to meet up with Kimberly. When I arrived it was quite apparent our cars are twins! Very funny. After moving my stuff to Kimberly’s car we headed out toward Missouri. Our first stop was in Oklahoma for lunch at one of the Choctaw casinos. We didn’t actually go into the casino, just the sports bar/restaurant nearby. We then pressed on. Not much to report on this leg of the trip. We stopped in L ee’s Summit for the night.

The next day we headed out to our first planned stop at the Oliver Anderson House in Lexington, a Missouri state park and historic site . The house is beautiful. There are still some bullet holes in the house from the Civil War battle. The house was used as a hospital during the battle in September 1861. There is a great piano in one of the parlors and I was allowed to play it!! It’s in better shape tone-wise than mine :). The house sits on a hill that overlooks the river. Now you do not have a clear view of the river because of vegetation and a change in the course of the river, but I imagine the view when the house was built was wonderful. Pictures are here.

We then spent some time roaming around Lexington and looking at the architecture. We still had some time before we needed to be at Boonesfield so we headed on to Arrow Rock. We stopped at the visitors center which had a cute little museum full of all sorts of artifacts. It’s a cute little town on the National Register, but not much seemed to be open, so we had something to eat, roamed around a bit and headed to Boonesfield.

Arrived at Boonesfield about 5:30. We were in our same room with Belinda at the Engledew house. Sorry no photos of the house. Friday was pretty much spent getting put together, visiting and relaxing. Got my sheer sunbonnet from Vivian…love it. Need to re-iron and get it into shape and then I'll post a photo. Quite a thunderstorm came through Friday night. No thunder but plenty of lightening and rain. It really dropped the temperature down for the night.

Saturday morning we awoke and found the weather quite nice until the sun came out and then the humidity began to rise. Dressing took some time as we stopped periodically to fan ourselves. Once dressed we headed over to the inn for breakfast, which consisted of oatmeal, bacon, eggs, and melon. Very hearty. At some point around there, the site security guard’s bloodhound found some baby rabbits. Kimberly made the mistake of picking one up and she was set for the day nursing the poor wet thing hoping that it would recover from the storm enough to survive. Unfortunately, it passed away that night.

The rest of the morning was spent visiting, nursing the bunny, and shopping. At lunch time we gathered under the arbor in front of the inn. The inn keepers provided fresh lemonade and we visited and ate. Silvana and I took a walk after lunch to the field behind the main site and watched the hawks and buzzards flying around. In the shade it was very comfortable.

Later Saturday afternoon Mr. Trent gave a lecture on healthy living. He advocated giving up spices (they made food taste better so you ate more), coffee, tea, tobacco, spirits…anything fun it seemed J. After his talk, Mr. Good came forward with temperance pledges and I believe all the men signed them but none of the women. In the evening vespers were held. I didn’t attend though. Then dinner. Too much food, chicken, mac and cheese, fish, breads, pies…too much food. It was a very pleasant evening, a nice cool breeze and the humidity seemed to start dropping. At this time it was obvious that the bunny was not going to survive so our reverend gave it last rites and we placed it under a tree to die peacefully. Coyotes started howling later that night and they seemed very close. I hate the sound of coyotes at night, it gives me the chills. Soon all of the ladies went to put on their wrappers and we had a wrapper party. We all wanted a better look at everyone’s wrappers so we went to the basement of the Engledew, which has electricity and lights, and took pictures. Once that was over, most of us were quite tired and headed to bed.

Not wanting to miss church on Sunday, I used my phone for the alarm. I know this was all together against the guidelines and I apologize for it now. I just hated to miss church. However, I received a text on my phone about 2:00 am that my son and sister had been in a collision. In the morning I decided not to dress out and to stay close to my phone for news and to pack up so that we could leave as soon as allowed. It turned out that they were not seriously injured. We were able to start packing up the cars around 11:00 so Kimberly and I were headed out by 12:00. We decided that we would stop in Hermann and visit Deutschheim and then drive as long as we could before stopping for the night.

We arrived in Hermann in between the Deutchheim tour hours so decided to drive around the city and check it out. WOW! Hermann is such a great little town. Similar to Fredericksburg, Texas but a bit more spread out. We parked the car and decided to walk around. The architecture of this town is amazing. We visited the German School museum, which just happened to be having a grand re-opening celebrating the restoration of the building and museum. They have some great artifacts. We took some pictures and then were told we couldn’t take pictures. We did speak with the woman who cares from their exhibits and she gave us her contact information so next time we are through we can make an appointment to study and photograph some of the artifacts we were particularly interested in.

After the museum visit we roamed the town some more and found the town cemetery. This cemetery is so interesting. There were several zinc markers. We found one marker with the skull and crossbones. The layout is really odd to me. At the top of the hill is the oldest part; these headstones face more or less west. The burials then continue down the hill. On the south side, the headstones face north. In the section directly in front of the hill and the oldest part they face south. In the section to the south, they face north. None appeared to face east. The view from the top of the hill looks down on the town. We really enjoyed Hermann and plan to return to spend more time.

We left Hermann and started for home. On the way we passed the vacuum cleaner museum, which Kimberly would not stop at. In retaliation, I would not let her stop at Ozarkland (sorry no link). We stopped for the night in Springfield. Ordered in pizza, took hot showers, watched some white trash TV and then off to sleep.

The next morning we got up and out fairly early. Had breakfast at a truck stop. I thought truck stop food was supposed to be good. This one was terrible!! And expensive for what you got. We made a stop Fabricut in Pryor Oklahoma. This is a home décor fabric outlet. We found some wonderful silk plaid remnants for bonnets and ribbons at really good discount prices.

While driving through Oklahoma we noticed some very unusual clouds. They were smooth, looked almost like sand dunes. At a couple of spots in the “cloudscape” a bubble was starting to form toward the ground. I’ve never seen tornado clouds, but we weren’t taking any chances. I wish I had been able to get a picture but we weren’t in a position to stop and I could not get a good view from the passenger seat.

We made it home to Texas safe and sound. Looking forward to the next road trip to Boonesfield. Now to plan for TMD.

Pettis starched and packing up

2010-09-06T22:16:00.002-05:00

The petticoats are starched and other whites pressed. Tomorrow I hope to find the rest of my stuff and get more packed for Boonesfield. Spent way too much time this weekend napping. I'll have an account of the event upon return next week. Hopefully pictures of the dresses and my new corded bonnet.

Silk redone

2010-09-03T22:34:00.001-05:00

So the silk plaid has been put back together. I'm going to spend this long holiday weekend starching petticoats, ironing whites and getting stuff together for next weekend.

Sewing...still

2010-08-24T12:44:00.002-05:00

I took apart the plaid silk to redo the bodice. I had to take a small piece of out the skirt but it isn't enough to change it dramatically. I made the hooks and eyes tape ala the sheer PP dress. The bodice is put back together and now adding the piping and then the sleeves. It should be done by Boonesfield.

Checked Homespun

2010-08-15T15:54:00.004-05:00

Here is the check dress. Only have the unstarched petticoat under so it is a bit flat. Talk about plain; but this is what I wanted. A good utilitarian dress. Probably could bring in the corset a bit.

Finally

2010-08-04T21:40:00.002-05:00

The cording is done!! Now to put on the waist band, starch and iron. The cording goes from my ankles to just above the knee...or at least that's the plan.

Checking in

2010-07-26T22:57:00.002-05:00

I'm still cording that blasted petticoat! I knew it would take awhile but not forever. In addition I've been car hunting and then purchased a new one! But gearing up for living history season with my first event being in Missouri.

California trip

2010-07-13T22:41:00.009-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I visited family in California and we went down to San Francisco. The DeYoung was having an Impressionist exhibit from France. Couldn't get photos of that one but took quite a few of the permanent collection and of the city. You can see those here.

But to stay on topic, there were some great genre paintings in the American Art collection that I just loved.

This one is called "Recreation" by Jerome Thompson, 1857. I love the details.

Didn't get the title and artists for these, sorry. The third one is post-war, but not by much as I remember. Sorry about the quality of the fourth. I picked up a print from the Impressionist exhibit called Family Reunion by Bazille. I just loved it. I'll get a scan in later so you can get a better view of it.

I promise to get pictures of my new dress up, but it has been too blasted hot! I just haven't felt like putting on the corset and everything.

I'm back

2010-07-05T20:47:00.002-05:00

Been in California visiting family and have gotten very little sewing done. I will though have pictures from the visit soon. The weather in San Francisco could not have been better! I wanted to bottle it up and bring it home.

New Brooch

2010-06-20T10:05:00.003-05:00

I took a break from sewing yesterday and went to the City-wide garage sale. I have to say that it is not what it used to be. It used to be some really cool junk and some great deals on great stuff. Now you have to pay $7.00 to park, $4-5 to get in, small cokes are $3.50, and it's basically an antique show with some cool junk thrown in. Not to mention the "vintage" stuff mixed in like wall phones and t-shirts from the 70's. Really? I mean I'm not that old and they were selling stuff I used to have and wear and use for ungodly expensive prices!

But I did find a couple of things. First is a great hair brooch, C clasp, but some enamel missing, not very large.

I also found an old box. Nothing fancy, just a box that at one time had a key. I'll need to see if my cedar chest key works on it. It'll be great for storing things for living history.

Back to sewing.

Dress done

2010-06-18T23:27:00.002-05:00

Well, almost, just need to put on the hem tape. My camera battery died, so pictures will be forthcoming. Now on to the corded petticoat. This is the one I want to reproduce. Maybe with not so many rows of cording.

sleeves

2010-06-10T20:06:00.001-05:00

The sleeves are in; now for the skirt.

Piping

2010-06-03T19:35:00.004-05:00

The piping is completed, now for the sleeves.

Fitting

2010-05-30T13:07:00.007-05:00

The bodice is completed and it fits! Here are some pictures of the bodice in various stages of completion.

Back

Front and sides.

All together...

On me...I hate having my photo taken :( The front neckline on every pattern I make never lies flat. It must be a result of the FBA. The bodice looks so much nicer on my form than on me. I did loosen the corset a bit.

There are some issues with the directions for this pattern. If you are new to period sewing, I don't recommend this one as there are a few assumptions in the directions. I'm working on the piping now and really prefer the patterns way of adding the piping than what I have been doing. Rather than making the piping the then attaching, this pattern calls for the bias fabric to be placed down, the cording added and then the bias folded over the stitched. I found that easier.

Redo

2010-05-26T21:31:00.002-05:00

I was really not happy with the bodice after I started the other half, so I have taken it apart and am starting over with the fashion fabric. What would a sewing project be without redos :). In addition I've decided I need a corded petticoat to go with this dress as a hoop I just don't think would look right. One more on the pile.

Fashion fabric

2010-05-25T22:12:00.003-05:00

I have started on the fashion fabric part of the bodice. Oops, it appears I forgot to shorten the lining bodice pattern when I shortened the fabric pattern or I didn't shorten it enough. Everything appears to be fitting ok, though.

Eye side

2010-05-24T20:36:00.002-05:00

Hooks

2010-05-24T13:52:00.002-05:00

I've completed the hook tape and attached it to the bodice lining.

Using the sewing block

2010-05-23T15:33:00.002-05:00

I've started making the hook and eye tape for my new dress and am using the sewing block. It really is very helpful. Pinning the tape to the block allows me to use both my hands to sew on the hooks and to keep the tape tight .

Grange

2010-05-22T23:09:00.004-05:00

Today was a Grange at Henkel Square. We had three new participants! Very nice. We spent the day discussing first person techniques, the Henkel Square event, reenactments in general, history, etc. Had a nice time. Forgot my camera. No one dressed out as it was just too hot; I think it was over 90 at one point today. But there was a breeze, at some times a wind, and sitting in the dog trot with the breeze was actually very tolerable.