Shoe Making Workshop

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

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

soaking soles

The workshop was held at the Aynesworth house. We went up early to make sure all was ready and set the soles to soaking. Not everyone that had registered attended but we had, including Cody, 13, I think. Cody started out giving us an overview of the tools and materials used. Cody provided the necessary needles and threads. He had, prior to the workshop, produced sized patterns for our uppers. So we then started cutting out our uppers from 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. After the uppers were together we attached the toe and heel foxing and then the heel stiffener. For easier sewing the stiffeners were soaked prior to sewing. The foxing 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 cotton drill for the linings as he didn’t receive his order in time. Yes, we went in period dress. The looks!! It was hilarious. One woman obviously buying her Halloween costume, looked at us and said “You obviously have this costuming thing down, what do you think of this?"

Upper lined and bound

After we got back Cody started cutting out the linings as we finished up the uppers, foxing and stiffeners. Then we stitched the lining in the same way as the uppers. Once done we basted the lining to the uppers at the top, along the bottom and the side slit. The top and slit edges were then bound. We were given the option of using cotton tape or Cody would strip some of our fabric for binding. I chose to use the tape as a contrast. This is about as far as I got the first day. It doesn’t sound like much but sewing on the leather 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 than stay on site. We all wanted large classes of water and tea. Yup, in period dress and more funny looks. When we returned to Pioneer Farms we all went to our 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 creek that runs into the property called out and said he couldn’t figure out how to get out of the site. Apparently the women in the cabin had a skunk experience that night and the gentlemen in the barn dealt with the horses, so fun all around.

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

Vicki Betts suffragette

The workshop started again at 9:00 and the day was already hat and humid. We lost a couple of participants and a couple more came but not in period dress; it was just too hot. This day consisted of the sole and turning the shoe. It was also museum 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 them for us. He also started the threads attaching the sole. The sole was attached using a walking stitch consisting of two threads and needles. This, for me, was the most difficult part of the process. Even though the soles were soaked, the sewing was tough and I didn’t get the hang of the stitching right off. But I got it done.

Sewing the toe

Turning the shoe

The shoe was then set out to soak for a bit before it was put on the foot and the toe sewn and trimmed. Getting this wet wool over the stocking 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, more struggle and laughter. This was done to stretch the wool to the foot. Since we didn’t have the eyelets done yet, Cody stitched the slits up as if laced. We left the shoes on until they dried. Once dried they slipped right on, no struggle. 

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 are bigger than the pattern and lacing would be impractical. Vicki and Garret both finished their shoes and slippers respectively.

Vicki's shoes

Mine

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

Additional photos can be found here.

Long time no write

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

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

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

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

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

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.