WhooHoo!!

The wrapper trim is finally done. Pictures will be posted once the buttons are on.

Piney Woods dress

The homespun I ordered for my dress for Into the Piney Woods arrrived. Not sure yet if I like it; not exactly what I thought it would be. But I have time to think on it a bit. I'm using Vicki Betts' Furr homespun dress and the dress to the left as guides to construct the dress. I'm undecided whether to have coat sleeves or bishop. The coat may be more comfortable without the cuffs, but the bishop can be pushed up as needed. I'm now on the lookout for the fabric for an apron and slat bonnet.

What was I thinking

What was I thinking when I decided that sewing my wrapper by hand was a good idea? Not that it's difficult and I really do enjoy the hand sewing but it takes soooo long. Well, and I've been sick and not able to work on it for some time too. Almost done stitching down one edge of the trim. Then stitch the other edge, make the button holes, sew in the waist tie and it's done.

I am now truly an independant. I have removed myself from all association with the Texas Rifles. Apparently my innocent statement on a forum that the website was not up to date and the civilians were inactive hit a sore spot with the captain and he decided to attack me personally on the list and tell people I bad mouthed the group. I merely pointed out on a forum that the website, although not updated for some time, does have the updated event schedule, contact information, and group guidelines (pointing out the obvious). And that the civilian side was inactive; at least that is my impression as I have not seen or heard of any civilian activities from the civilian coordinator, so what else am I to assume? So rather than the go to the forum and rebut my statements, which were so insulting and made the group look bad according to the "captain", he attacks me on the group yahoo list. Then goes on the forum and blasts me again. Talk about over reaction! You would have thought I said the group was a bunch of drunken farby louts from his reaction. I've decided to let it go other than this one mention here. I have disassociated myself entirely with the group; although, I've probably been dropped by the group as well, so it is a mutual separation and disappointment.

So the season is coming up, the first event being Texian Market Days in Richmond. Henkel Square is iffy as I don't have enough registered at this time to fill the structures, so we'll see. I'm starting to get things lined up for Into the Piney Woods in March; it is something I've not done before and the impression is a lower socio-economic level than I usually do, so new stuff to get and a new dress. I've ordered the fabric, a nice green plaid homespun. Doing some research, Vicki Betts page is wonderful for this.

So I think that pretty much catches up on my living history activities.

I put the wrapper aside for a bit to work on some research--civilians on the Texas gulf coast during the Federal invasions/attacks, however you want to phrase it. I also am getting back to some basic Texas research and entering items into my database. My fingers really needed a break from the hand sewing. I just finished Empire of Slavery and will start Plantation Life in Texas. Will probably get back to the sewing next week.

Wrapper progress

The trimming on the sleeves is done. I have pinned the trimming on the wrapper itself and will now start to sew it down. Once the trimming is done, then buttons, then cording on the inside to go around the waist and it's finally done!



It seems I'll have lots of time now to put together garments. Athens will probably not happen due to some health issues I'm dealing with; so the next event is not until the end of October.

Missing Events

Well, it seems I will not be able to attend Athens. Health issues are in the way and I cannot at this time wear my corset. I do not expect things to be right enough by August. This is extremely disappointing as I was really looking forward to this one. The coordinator is graciously holding my spot in case things change, which is very sweet. She has also contacted me about attending Into the Piney Woods in Louisiana in March. I am hoping my health improves soon as I would like to attend this one as well and I have events I'm coordinating beginning in October.

I continue to work on my wrapper. I have one sleeve trimmed. The trimming is taking more time than I expected but I will not rush it. It looks really good, even if I say so myself.

Wrapper update

I have the wrapper pretty much constructed other than the trim and hem. I've decided against putting a collar on at this time. I've piped the neckline so I can always go back and add one. Here are a few pictures of the front, the sleeve, the inside construction, the back and showing the sleeve and front facing. I decided not to line the skirt as I will probably wear it mostly in comfortable or warm weather and will not need the warmth. I partially faced the front just for appearance sake if the skirt should flip open. I did not attempt to match the fabric pattern as I did not have enough fabric to waste on matching; however, after looking at several original pieces, matching patterns did not seem to be a concern so much in 1860.