Historic Underthings

I wasn’t able to accomplish as much as I wanted to on my days off, but I usually want to do EVERYTHING so I never accomplish it all. Big D and I attended a wedding for friends of ours on Saturday night. I did get the pink dress finished in time to wear, and even installed the zipper first try without incident. A whole bunch of the wedding guests, including Big D and myself, came down with a horrible bout of food poisoning from the dinner. So my Sunday and Monday sewing days turned into lay on the couch with Big D while eating chicken noodle soup and drinking ginger ale, watching Netflix while we recovered. I was sad it happened on my days off, but at least I didn’t have to miss any work. Big D was delayed a day heading out on the road, but things seem to be working out okay.

I started feeling a lot better yesterday, so JM came over in the evening to saran wrap and duct tape me up for a pattern for my stays. For those of you new to the reenactment game, stays are a type of corset although not as restrictive as you would think. There’s a really good blog post here that explains quite a bit about them. She used a pattern from the same place I got my pattern for my spencer jacket. JM’s way makes things a little more custom to you and the style you want. Plus, the photographic evidence is just too much fun!

All saran wrapped up!

The duct tape, although hard to see in this picture, will be what the stay is.

Side view!  Things are popping up.  It's going to be scandalous in the dresses.

The t-shirt/saran wrap/duct tape mess is hanging on Roberta at home waiting to be turned into a pattern. Hopefully JM and I can finish it soon. Mine should look something similar to the pictures in the blog.

Tonight, after making myself some pad thai for dinner. I hope to have the pockets FINALLY put in the work woman’s jacket. I’ve decided not to go to Grand Portage this year because Big D and I will be buying a house in 6-12 months, and we decided Mississinewa was enough of a splurge. I feel a little more relaxed because now my deadline is back to a reasonable 105 days.

Happy sewing everyone!

Let the Rendez Vous Countdown Begin!

I have completed quite a few sewing projects in the last little while.  We had an event with the MLHS at Mr E and C's place and quite a few sewing days of just C and I.  as such, I finished my chemise, a bonnet, half of a low class work woman's jacket, a reticule to match my spencer jacket, started on a willow basket and embroidered one of my pockets.

Outer fashion fabric of my jacket.  

What the finished product should look like.

The embroidery on the first of two pockets.

My reticule with embroidery done by yours truly.

New bonnet.  I changed out the fabric from purple/grey to brown so it matches more of my outfits.  Looks quite nice over my day cap.

This is the type of basket we were working on.  Mine is more football shaped and not nearly done but in progress none the less!

In addition to the 114 days until Mississinewa, there is another event in Grand Portage, MN in August I'm going to try to attend.  If that's the case, I hope to finish my jacket, two bed gowns and a skirt.  It would be amazing if I can attend, although it does drop my deadline for finishing costumes down to 51 days.  We will see what happens.

In other news, there have been a 7 sheep born at Mr E and C's farm.  One had to be bottle fed and has become everyone's little buddy.  His name is Blue and he is just the most adorable little thing ever!

We also have a garden this year at Big D's dad's place.  Our tomatoes, cauliflour, peppers, peas, beans, carrots and even purple carrots are coming along nicely.  I can't wait to start enjoying some of the veggies!  I'm so excited for fresh peas. Oh, and lets not forget our bad ass, bobble head, gangsta gnome that Big D picked out.