The Lady's Guide, for re-enactresses of the victorian era.

Pattern Review: Period Impressions - 453 Workdress (Part 2)

2011-09-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

Same pattern much better results... :P hehe.

Knowing where my problems were ahead of time made the second attempt a whole lot easier. I'm still in the learning phase (sewing and fitting), but practice makes perfect, so I should be getting better? by and by! hehe.
I'm planning to add a little bit of braiding on the bodice and attaching a pair of cuffs and collar. I've seen lots of period dresses similar to this one, I like the simplicity of this style and it's easy to add a little trim or new sleeves. It's a very versatile pattern, makes a great "work dress" left plain, but with a little more detail it becomes a little dressier.
Obviously, we didn't think of it at the time, but it would've been a good idea to taken some photos without the apron, shoot! ;) Sometime, ones presence of mind fails oneself.

Yesterday, we spent the day at the Fort and I ended up wearing both dresses. The green one now smells of smoke, but that's what happens when you cook over an open flame. It comes with some other hazards as well! I burned and cut my left hand. :( :P hehe.

Guess how many petticoats I'm wearing? no I'm kidding (okay, okay, three of them, hehe.)

P.S. Even though it says B.K. below, this was posted by myself, Susan.

P.P.S But the post wouldn't have looked half as nice without B.K.'s help... hehe :P

Godey's Lady's Book July 1863

2011-08-08T18:29:00.015-05:00

I had to share this lovely resource! archive.org (Lots of old books, and much more).

I figure, I can't get a well rounded vision of an era until I've been exposed to a large dose of all available resources: photos, paintings, fashion plates, books, magazines, clothing, etc, etc. Basically, got to live it! (I wish...)
       It's like learning a foreign language, at first a lot of things don't make sense, but eventually you start comprehending it, faster and easier. I've spent the last five years looking at CDV's and women's clothing, but have sorely neglected the literature of the early Victorian era, and boy! what a wealth of information it is.
       One thing I find (again and again) is that they weren't much different from ourselves. It seems that people's relationships were the same, we feel the same way about fashion and trends, and there is a mix of honorable and unsavory ;) characters out there. Their inventions and discoveries are part of the foundation of today. I wouldn't be surprised if in a hundred and fifty years, our future generations will think us complete idiots... But we're not!!! (I hope... Hehe).
       So to wrap it all up, instead of jumping to conclusions (as is so easy to do!), we could seek a good understanding of our ancestors and, though they are long gone, respect and honor them.

We have a new little sister!

2011-05-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

More photos on our family blog, Well Full

Spring Time at the Fort

2011-04-17T17:21:00.002-05:00

Took a few photos while at the Fort yesterday. More on our family blog.

Book Review: Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott

2011-03-22T15:23:00.033-05:00

"A book no woman can read without tears"

"For six weeks (1862-1863) Louisa May Alcott served as a Civil War nurse, in the Union Hospital at Georgetown, D.C.

I think Louisa Alcott's book "Hospital Sketches" is very inspiring. The life of a nurse during the Civil War wasn't easy, really, I can't even imagine. Surrounded by dying, sick and wounded soldiers... but after reading her book I have to say that the woman who volunteered as nurses were real heroes... heroines? hehe.

Union Hospital (building on the left)

Period Reviews:
"Graphically drawn * * * Exceedingly well written and the graver portions of thrilling interest. There is a quiet vein of humor, too, running all through them, so that the reader is alternately moved to laughter and tears."
-Waterbury American
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"To say that I thank you for writing them from the bottom of my heart, would but poorly express the sentiments which dictate to me this minute; and to say that I feel humbled by the lesson which they teach me, is to pay tribute to them which I fancy will be rather unexpected * * These papers have revealed to me much that is elevated and pure, and refined in the soldier's character which I never suspected. It is humiliating to me to think that I have been so long am .... them with menial or moral obtuseness that I never discovered it for myself, and I thank you for showing me .... how different eyes and ears you have striven among the .... from the organs which I used on the very same cases and .... the same time."
-From a Hospital Surgeon
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"It would be tedious to you to hear how much pleasures an old man like me has taken by your charming pictures of hospital service. In "The Commonwealth;" and how refreshing he found the personal revelations there incidentally made of so much that is dearest and most worshipful in woman; so I will not dwell on those particulars, but say all I have to say in this summary form, to wit; that am so delighted with your beautiful papers, and the evidence they afford of your exquisite humanity, that I have the greatest desire to enroll myself among your friends * * * With the liveliest respect and affection, yours, Henry James"
-Henry James, American literary gazette and publishers' circular
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"A very pleasant record of a very good piece of work, unhappily cut short. The little book is lively, and one ought not to complain of liveliness; and yet we should like it better if it were a little less lively. The writer in an amusing writer, and one wishes to be amused; nevertheless, the entertain were more if it were less, if the story were sometimes told in a perfectly simple way. occasionally we have been reminded of an old teacher of French, who would be forever saying to his pupils "Il faut rire, mes amis!" and could no more dispense with his unceasing joke than with his pinch of snuff. But men and women must write, after all, as they are moved, and after their own fashion, and we have found this particular writing at once entertaining and profitable."
-James Redpath, The monthly religious magazine
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You can read this book online at openlibrary.org

Pattern Review: Period Impressions-453 Workdress

2011-03-21T13:38:00.013-05:00

Period Impressions 453 Workdress

Well, I've been working on this dress for a little over a week. It's real easy to put together, which was a good thing since the instructions were lacking in some details. I eventually didn't bother reading the instructions and just figured it out on my own, that shows you how easy it was! :P. I enlarged the pattern a little, but I must have made a mistake because now it's to big...
See!! This is how it should have been...Argh! (hehe)
I'll be wearing an apron with this dress 98% of the time, so it's not too bad.

Would I make this dress again? Yes I would and actually I'm already in the process of making another :P hehe. I plan on making the next one a little nicer. Now that I see where my problem areas are I think it will turn out really good.

Pinterest! Our newest obsession.

2011-03-12T18:07:00.001-06:00

Susan and I have started two pinterest boards, one dedicated to all things victorian; Victoriana Compendium and....

another to reproductions for the victorian era; Reproductions for Re-enactresses.

What is Pinterest?
"Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love, and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.
People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it."
From the About Pinterest page.

For Making And Baking Sweet Cakes

2011-03-06T14:30:00.002-06:00

-Eggs should always be broken into a cup, the whites and yolks separated, and they should always be strained. Breaking the eggs thus, the bad ones may be easily rejected without spoiling the others, and so cause no waste. As eggs are used instead of yeast, they should be very thoroughly whisked; they are generally sufficiently beaten when thick enough to carry the drop that falls from the whisk.

-Loaf sugar should be well pounded, then sifted through a fine sieve.

-Currants should be nicely washed, picked, dried in a cloth, and then carefully examined, that no pieces of grit or stone may be left amongst them. They should then be laid on a dish before the fire, to become thoroughly dry; as, if added to the other damp ingredients, cakes will be liable to be heavy.

-Good butter should always be used in the manufacture of cakes; and if beaten to a cream, it saves much time and labor to warm, but not melt, it before beating.

-Less butter and eggs are required for cakes when yeast is mixed with the other ingredients.

-The heat of the oven is of great importance, especially for large cakes. If the heat be not tolerably fierce, the butter will not rise. If the oven is too quick, and there is any danger of the cake burning or catching, put a sheet of clean paper over the top. Newspaper, or paper that has been printed on, should never be used for this purpose.

-To know when a cake is sufficiently baked, plunge a clean knife into the middle of it; draw it quickly out, and if it looks in the least sticky, put the cake back, and close the oven door until the cake is done.

The Godey's Lady's Book: Receipts and Household Hints - By Sarah Annie Frost (1870)

Fort Scott: Kansas's 150th Anniversary

2011-01-29T21:29:00.004-06:00

Photos on our family blog, Well Full

Victorian Hairstyle; for girls with short or medium length hair

2011-01-24T19:35:00.008-06:00

This is a simple, and pretty quick hairstyle I often use when helping my younger sisters do their hair for an event.

Here are three similar period examples, you can click on each of the images to visit their sources.

- I start with brushed hair, parted in the center.
- Then I section off the hair in front of the ear.

- To keep it smooth, and make the twist start higher on the head, I brush the hair, pulling it straight back.
- Then start twisting it, focusing nearer the front first. Work it along so it stays tight all the way down, to just above the ear.
(I find these steps are easier if her head is tilted up a little.)

- Next I insert two bobby-pins at slightly different angles. Both towards the front the head.

- I set this with some hairspray. Also works well to start with slightly wet hair, and use some sort of gel or pomade to set the hair.
- Can be worn plain, or with a ribbon tied around the head.

Fort Scott; Candle Light Tour - 2010

2010-12-07T18:34:00.003-06:00

Posted photos from the Candle Light Tour this last weekend over on Well Full, our family blog.

New Blog Button! :)

2010-11-30T19:29:00.004-06:00

I know this is really not a good post to start off with, after being away so long! We've been a rather swamped lately. With winter knipping at our heels, we're feeling the pressure to wrap up some projects in regards to remodeling our house. Procrastination is a really bad quality to have, when getting into major remodeling.

Ay-yi-yi!

Plus we have the Candle Light Tour at the fort this coming weekend!

Am hoping some decent posts are part of the near future!

Fashion Plates...

2010-10-12T18:25:00.018-05:00

Over on my personal research blog I've been posting more of these fashion plates, along with their descriptions.

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click for larger image

Fig. 1. Dress of plaid foulard; skirt plain; corsage semi point; tight sleeves, finished with a cap; collar pointed and trimmed with lace. Rich fancy scarf. Chip cottage bonnet, flower outside and in.

Fig. 2. Dress of plain batiste, the skirt trimmed all round with two broad tucks, the bottom one being much broader than the top; high corsage, slightly fulled in the centre of the waist, which is also confined with a narrow blue band attached with a blue rosette; the sleeves nearly tight to the arm, but gathered full in the seam, the top ornemented with a double epaulette, edged with lace. Bonnet of pekin silk, prettily trimmed with a shaded rose and blue ribbon.

Fig 3. Silk dress. The skirt has three rows of fancy buttons down the front, plain waist trimmed with buttons; plain undersleeves; pointed cuff, with three buttons, a loose sleeve hanging over all.

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Fashion Plate from Google Books Godey's Lady's Book 1843

Wool yarn from thrifted sweaters.

2010-09-28T20:56:00.003-05:00

Wool yarn can be on the pricy side!

So, a great place to get perfectly good wool yarn, for much less is your local thrift store. It takes a little searching, and one has be open minded when it comes to colors. But it can got for much, MUCH less!

And sometimes for free! :) I've been pulling apart a much used, but now unwanted sweater and have plans of repurposing it into a sontag.

FIY: One important thing to look out for when checking over a sweater for use, is that the seams have not been cut and serged together!

Corset, made at workshop with Marti McCartney

2010-09-28T20:31:00.005-05:00

Over a weekend this last month, we took part in a workshop over at the fort. It was on corsets and it was given by Marti McCartney [mccartneymike(at)sbcglobal(dot)net].
I didn't work on a corset for myself, but helped my little sister with hers.

I believe this corset was based on the Simplicity Corset #2890, though with several alterations, and custom fitting.
That was the biggest learning experience of the weekend for me, the fitting, in particular the gussets.

She cuts the gusset pieces on the large size, so that we can then sew down one side of each gusset, and pin the other side in place. Then with the corset on, adjust that side for just the right fit, widening or narrowing the gusset. Of course then sew it in place. Wonderful! This had never crossed my mind, and it makes it all seem so much easier now.

We, Kaja and I, are both very happy with how it came out, and so glad to have had Marty to help us!
Makes me want to get on to making a new one for myself! (with metal bones this time! "Grrrr" at plastic bones.)

Civil War Era Knit Along - Sontag

2010-09-09T13:05:00.014-05:00

I've had a lot of fun working on this project, and having unraveled my work at least a dozen times I totally can make another by memory. At first I wanted to make an adult sized sontag, but was a little short on yarn so instead made it child sized. One nice thing about being smaller is it's a lot less work :P . I still need to knit or crochet a border, but otherwise am finished. I really like how nice it turned out and definitely plan on making another.

Little sister Jubi modeling the sontag.

Evening Tour at the Fort

2010-08-31T10:57:00.003-05:00

Photos from an evening tour at the fort, over on our family blog, Well Full >

Civil War Era Knit-Along

2010-07-20T07:53:00.010-05:00

Over at World Turn'd Upside Down, Stephanie Ann will be hosting a Civil War Era Knit-Along. Starting August 1st. You can visit her blog for all the details :D

I am definitely planning on participating! Seeing the patterns she showed on her post inspired me to search through Google Books for anything knitting related.

Regarding the magazines, I searched "Knitting" in the search box.

Books:
-The queen's winter knitting book-1862
-The ladies' complete guide to needle-work and embroidery-1859
-The ladies' complete guide to crochet, fancy knitting and needlework-1854
-The comprehensive knitting book-1849
-Exercises in knitting-1846
-My knitting book-1843
-The ladies' knitting and netting book-1840

Magazines:
-Peterson's magazine, Volumes 4-1865
- The ladies' companion-1865
-the illustrated magazine-1863
-THE ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE-1862
-The ladies' companion-1862
-Peterson magazine, Volumes 39-40-1861
-The ladies' complete guide to needle-work and embroidery-1859
-The Lady's home magazine of literature, art, and fashion, Volume 12-1858
-The ladies' complete guide to crochet, fancy knitting and needlework-1854

Hints for the Ladies

2010-07-06T17:02:00.004-05:00

"G O O D H U M O R."

"Keep in good humor. It is not great calamities that embitter existence; it is the petty vexations, the small jealousies, the little disappointments, the minor miseries, that make the heart heavy and the temper sour. Don't let them. Anger is a pure waste of vitality; it is always foolish, and always disgraceful, except in some very rare cases, when it is kindled by seeing wrong done to another; and even that noble rage seldom mends the matter. Keep in good humor!
     No man does his best except when he is cheerful. A light heart makes nimble hands, and keeps the mind free and alert. No misfortune is so great as one that sours the temper. Until cheerfulness is lost, nothing is lost! Keep in good humor!
     The company of a good humored man is a perpetual feast; he is welcomed everywhere— eyes glisten at his approach, and difficulties vanish in his presence. Franklin's indomitable good humor did as much for his country in the old Congress as Adams's fire or Jefferson's wisdom; he clothed wisdom with smiles, and softened contentious minds into acquiescence. Keep in good humor!
     A good conscience, a sound stomach, a clean skin, are the elements of good humor. Get them, and keep them, and—be sure to keep in good humor."

- Godey's magazine, Volume 55, edited by Louis Antoine Godey, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale

A weekend at the Fort

2010-07-05T14:23:00.003-05:00

Just a couple of photos over at our family blog of last weekend at the fort.

See you later!

2010-06-11T14:21:00.003-05:00

Well, we've been offline for a bit. My family has recently moved into a 100+ year old house, which is in need of much TLC. So, we've kinda got our work cut out for us, for awhile. :) Work, but fun work. We're all bursting with ideas and plans of how to make this little house a haven.
Plus, now we're only 15min away from our Fort, yay!

Book Review: North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

2010-04-18T19:44:00.014-05:00

Ok, I simply adore this book. It's like it was written for me, I love it so much. I know this is not a universal feeling, as my sisters don't seem to feel the same, and by some of the less then 100% positive reviews on Google Books.
       But I LOVE it! I read it (actually listened to it, via Librivox Podcasts) once through this last month, and I'm already wanting to read it again!
The book was originally published in 1855, and the author, Elizabeth Gaskell, was actually good friends with the older Brontë sisters.

Margaret Hale is a young woman who knows her mind, and is not afraid to speak it. Which sometimes gets her into trouble in the north, where the people think very differently than she is used to.
       Not far into the book, because of moral reasons, her Father decides to leave his parish, located in the south of england, and takes his family to a manufacturing town in the north, called Milton. Both Margaret and her Mother find their new home to be smoky and unpleasant compared to their beloved Helston.
       Her Father works as a teacher and a private tutor, and one of his favorite pupils is the owner of one of the local cotton mills, Mr Thornton. Who is also not afraid to speak his mind, and through out the book he and Margaret have several heated discussions, often ending in offended feelings.
       Soon, the discontented mill worker strike, and the town of milton comes to a screeching halt. Margaret's compassionate nature lends herself to the poorer classes, of which she befriends a dying girl, named Bessy, who's Father also works in the mills, and is a union leader. This leads to more controversy between herself and Mr. Thornton and others of the upper class. Most are glad to just ignore her, but Mr. Thornton begins, rather unwillingly, to develop stronger feelings for her. And after she saves his life, by shielding him from a riot of strikers, and getting hit on the side of her head by a flying stone, he cannot go any longer without telling her of his feelings and asking for her hand. Which she takes as him trying to save her reputation, offending her, and she rejects him.
       Meanwhile, the strike has ended, not in favor of the workers. But Mr. Thornton can't seem to get caught up with his orders, and slowly gets farther and farther behind, eventually causing him to nearly loose the mill.
       Margaret's Mother passes away, and then also her Father. Mr. Bell, a wealthy old friend of her Fathers, takes her under his wing, and when he finds he is also dying, leaves everything he has to her, including all the property he owned in Milton, by which Margaret becomes Mr. Thornton’s landlady. When Mr. Thornton comes to London to discuss business with Margaret and her lawyer, and when the lawyer doesn't show, she lets him wait in the drawing room for nearly an hour before she works up the nerve to meet him again.
       Okay, I think I'll just leave it at that, the book ends within a couple pages, and I guess you'll just have to read it yourself to find out what happens :)

Victorian Hairstyle, for medium length hair.

2010-04-03T19:28:00.005-05:00

Here is a couple period examples for inspiration. This style could easily be worn with a hairnet, like the photo on the left.

This is a nice style for medium length hair, and works especially well if it's thick.

Start by parting the hair down the center, and then braid each side. I had to re-braid each side once because I'd started them to far forward, causing the braids to be too short.
You want to get the rubber band as close to the end and possible, or if the hair is long enough, you can make the ends into a little loop. Also, neutral colored rubber bands blend in nicely.

Next, take the end of one braid, and tuck it under and into the base of the other braid, secure with bobby-pins.

Do the same with the other braid, going underneath the first one. I put most the pins on the underside, using the rubber bands to get a hold of the ends.

Instead of blossoms, a large bow or hairnet also look great. Use your imaginations! :)

Pattern Review: Past Patterns, #002 Early Nineteenth Century Chemise

2010-03-24T18:24:00.007-05:00

I'm very happy with how this chemise turned out! Plus it was pretty easy and quick to put together.

The "open-neckline" is the style I went with, mostly because I wanted to be able to slip it over my head without having to un-button anything, but also I thought it was a little easier to make. Hehe!
      I had decided to hand sew all the felled seams, because I didn't want any visible modern seams. Which was time consuming, but I'm really glad I did, I think it looks more period correct.
      I kept mine pretty simple, but the pattern said that the original garment, was embroidered with red thread and had mice teeth needlework finishing the neck and sleeve edges.
      If I could go back, the only thing I'd do is make the body longer. Not a big deal, it's just after putting the corset on, it could be a tad-bit longer. But I'm also pretty tall, so this is probably a good length for someone of average height. :P :)

Here is a link to this pattern on their website, pastpatterns.com

P.S. My sister is modeling.

Pattern Review: Simplicity 2890 and 7215

2010-03-24T17:26:00.017-05:00

Goodness!! I felt pretty funny wearing my chemise and drawers outdoors! :P hehe. I made the chemise a few years back with Simplicity's pattern 7215, which unfortunately is discontinued. It was a little difficult, especially since I am not much of a seamstress, but with plenty of my Mom's help I was able to finish it. One thing I like a lot about this chemise is it's similarity to an original I found at the Metropolitan Museum.

1830's Chemise

I like how the original doesn't have buttons on the front, which on mine are kind of useless. The only problem I've had with my chemise is it was slipping down my shoulders, I took the easy route and sewed a few small tucks in the neckline, so far that has solved it.

I can hardly believe I've been re-enacting for six years and have not made myself pair of drawers! Well... actually I can believe that... argh! hehe. I used the Simplicity pattern 2890 for these, altering them just a little. I sewed the crotch seam and put in an elastic waistband. It was easy to put together and I had no trouble understanding the instructions. And believe it or not!! I made it all by myself! I've been also thinking of sewing the corset that is included with this pattern, we'll see how that goes. :D

The one and only problem I've had with these drawers, is their ridiculous appearance. They are a joke to wear! But since most people wear them under a dress, it's really not that bad :P hehe.

Hints for the Ladies

2010-02-01T16:07:00.007-06:00

"The frequent use of the-tepid' bath is the best cosmetic I can recommend to my readers in this connection. By such ablutions, the accidental corporeal impurities are thrown off, cutaneous obstructions removed ; and while the surface of the body is preserved in its original brightness, many threatening disorders are prevented. It is by this means that the women of the East render their skins as soft and fair as those of the tenderest babes. I wish to impress upon every beautiful woman, and especially upon the one who leads a city life, that she cannot long preserve the brightness of her charms without a daily resort to this purifying agent. She should make the bath as indispensable an article in her house as her looking-glass."

The Arts of Beauty or Secrets of a Lady's Toilet: With hints to gentlemen on the art of fascinating. by Lola Montez (1858)

The Ladies of Fort Scott

2010-01-29T13:00:00.023-06:00

An 1855 Fashion Plate - The University of Washington, Digital Collections

From the: Memoirs and recollections of C. W. Goodlander, of the early days of Fort Scott.
Pages 30-32

"In the early days of Fort Scott the opportunities for following Dame Fashion, were not so great as they were in the states, especially for the ladies, as there was no such a thing as a fashionable dress maker or millinery establishment at which the ladies could get their dresses or bonnets made in the latest fashion of the day. The men were better supplied in that line as Bob Blackett, who was the first tailor established here, would occasionally make a suit for the boys after his own fashion, having no fashion plates from which he could, but the clothes usually worn by us were hand me downs from the stocks of Colonel Wilson's and Dr Bill's stores which were made regardless of fashion, if they fit, all right, if not it was a go all the same.
      At this time hoop skirts were fashionable in the Eastern States. Our ladies were not going to be behind in style if they could help it, and as the old fashioned merchants here would not bring on the new style (hoop skirts) our ladies improvised a skirt after their own ideas, running clothes line into cloth six to eight inches apart and making it up into a skirt, then use enough starch to make it stand alone. They did not even stop at this. Some of the ladies in the country had the advantage of our town girls, as the grape vines were plenty in the woods. They would choose a good straight vine and sew three or four into their skirt, answering the purpose of the latest style crinoline.
      I remember well, at one of our dances two pretty country belles attended and wore their hoop vine skirts. They stood out so much that a young man would have to stoop over to shake hands with them, and to get near enough to kiss them was out of the question. as they would dance around and their grape vine hoops would hit a gentleman's limb, they would rebound in the opposite direction to such an extent, that anyone with whom they came in contact was in danger of being knocked down. The reader may think this grape vine hoop a hoax but Ben McDonald and Charlie Drake will verify what I say, also Charlie Bull as Charlie Bull took one of these country belles to a dance, a Miss Susie Foote, by the way, she was the belle of the ball that night, even though she was encircled with grape vines.
      Col Wilson used to tell his lady customers that seven yards was enough for a dress but they would say; "Colonel that might have done some years ago, but how can we wear our hoop skirts with so little calico?" The Colonel would in surprise say "Madam, I did not think of the late fashion you ladies have adopted in hooping yourselves in like a hogshead"

I've been reading this book on Google Books.

Fort Scott, Kansas; Then and Now

2010-01-26T19:17:00.009-06:00

Images from: Memoirs and recollections of C. W. Goodlander of the early days of Fort Scott

Book Review: The Mother's Book, by Mrs. Child

2010-01-22T22:18:00.012-06:00

This book is really very applicable in todays world, though written over a 150 years ago. I suppose that is because it's tapping into something that is age old, the relationship between a mother and her children. Really the relationship between any adult and any children. Some of the circumstances used as evidence, and some of the reasoning may be out of date, but the principles are timeless.

The quote under the title sums it up wonderfully.
"Do you ask then what will educate your son. Your example will educate him, your conversation, the business he sees you transact, the likings and dislikings you express, these will educate him, the society you live in will educate him. -Mrs Barlauld"
I can't say that I agree with everything in this book, but I do agree with that quote.

It begins in the beginning, with babies. The first paragraph is one of my favorites, "Few people think that the management of very young babes has anything to do with their future dispositions and characters; yet I believe it has more influence than can easily be calculated." -page 1
It gradually makes it's way through childhood, Developing the Bodily Senses, Development of the Affections, Cultivation of Intellect, Amusements and Employments, Religion, Views of Death, Politeness, Beauty, Gentility, Teens, and all the way to, Views of Matrimony.

"I, at this moment, recollect an anecdote, which plainly shows that politeness cannot be shuffled on at a moment's warning, like a garment long out of use. A worthy, but somewhat vulgar woman, residing in a secluded village, expected a visit from strangers of some distinction. On the spur of the occasion, she called her children together, and said, 'After I have dressed you up, you must sit very still, till the company comes; and then you must be sure to get up and make your bows and courtesies; and you must mind and say "Yes, ma'am," and "No, ma'am" — "Yes, sir," and "No, sir" — "I thank you." 'The visitors arrived — and the children, seated together 'like four and twenty little dogs all of a row,' uprose at once, bobbed their bows and courtesies, and jabbered over, ' Yes, ma'am, No, ma'am, yes, sir, no, sir, I thank you — There, mother, now we've done it!'" -page 110

And I can't really say anything else, if that last bit doesn't get you interested, well I guess, you'd probably not enjoy this book.

You can read this book online at Google Books.

Daguerreotype: Mother and Child

2010-01-19T17:22:00.010-06:00

I think it's helpful with researching when the picture is described, so that's what I plan on doing, feel free to add to my list :D

Date: ca. 1850

Beautiful baby in gingham dress. (One thing I love about babies is they never change, a baby is a baby.)

Lady, I'm wildly guessing between the ages 24 and 29. The collar and bow are pretty. I like the whole dress the sleeves, cuffs and Jockey (is that what those short sleeves are?). Rebecca say's her looks are more 1840's, in her opinion.

I love this picture, it's very realistic and beautiful.

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/george_eastman_house/2678298532/in/set-72157606223836462/

Game and Toys: Jumping-Rope

2010-01-15T23:26:00.012-06:00

I'm wanting to portray mid 19th century life to the best of my ability and I seem to get stuck on sewing, reading and having tea parties! But I hardly believe that's all they did! So lately I've been researching high and low for clues to what an average woman would have normally done.

I was inspired to write about the jump rope and at first was only thinking of children, but I'm led to believe that it was acceptable and encouraged for adults too. As a way of exercising. Not that they went skipping up and down the streets. (Hehe!) but I can imagine them jumping in their rooms, or the backyard. It seemed to be pretty popular with young girls, and I found it mentioned in plenty of boy's books too.

This is what I've come up with (so far), regarding jump-ropes.

"If you pass along one of these avenues, in the cool hours of the afternoon, you may see troops and troops of children, jumping rope, and chasing hoop round the fountain of Union Park; and if the sun is setting brilliantly, rainbows dodge about on the spray, as if playing bo-peep with the happy little ones."
The United States magazine and Democratic review, Volume 16- 1845, Page 569

"The Prize Extraordinary — A Hint For Boarding-Schools — The Governess of a ladies school one day made her appearance among her pupils holding in her hand a valuable and interesting book, which she knew that all of them desired to read, and some of them very much wished to possess. She proceeded to inform the young ladies that this beautiful volume was intended as a prize for the one among them who should first accomplish the feat of taking a million jumps with the skipping-rope. Skipping of course, became a fashionable recreation in the school—in fact a serious business. Sauntering, and lolling over the fire were almost entirely laid aside, and the sound of the rope and the jump was continually heard, each young lady counting her jumps, and entering the number in a book appointed for the purpose. At length the number was achieved, and the prize obtained by a persevering little girl, who, for two or three winters previous, had been a grievous sufferer from chilblains. Perhaps the cure or prevention of chilblains had never entered the minds of the young competitors, but so it was, that in the succeeding winter, chilblains were almost unknown in the school—and, in particular, the girl of the million skips has never had a chilblain since.—N. B. There is no patent that restricts this valuable remedy to that particular school. It is perfectly free for the use of any school, any family, or any young person who may have the good sense to adopt it"
The Family economist, Volumes 1-3- 1848 Page 17

The Book of Games- 1822

"There are some games which might be played in the open air by grown-up young ladies with great propriety, if arrangements were made for the purpose; and it is to be hoped that the time will come when every gentleman's seat in the country will be furnished with the means of out-door exercise for ladies, such as bowling-alleys with lighter and smaller balls to suit their little hands, trocogrounds, quoits, bows and arrows for archery, bowls, &c. In stormy weather, the first of these games might be played under cover with a free admission of air, and prove an excellent substitute for out-door exercise. Battledoor, the graces, and skipping-rope, are also very useful, as, by bringing the arms into play, they exercise the lungs. If, instead of sitting a whole morning over your books and work, you would jump up at the end of every hour or two and play the graces, or skip the rope, for five or ten minutes, it would greatly help to keep your circulation brisk and healthy, and with daily walks might prove sufficient exercise."
The Young Lady's Friend - 1857 Page 161

I just wanted to say that Google Books is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful... resource! I love it so very much.

Hints for the Ladies

2010-01-09T17:57:00.006-06:00

Coffee should be roasted more than is common with us ; it should not hang drying over the fire, but should be roasted quick; it should be ground soon after roasting, and used as soon as it is ground. Those who pride themselves on first-rate coffee, burn it and grind it every morning.
The powder should be placed in the coffee-pot in the proportions of an ounce to less than a pint ot water The water should be poured upon the coffee boiling hot. The coffee should be kept at the boiling point; but should not boil. Coffee made in this way must be made in a biggin. It would not be clear in a common coffee-pot.
A bit of fish-skin as big as a ninepence, thrown into coffee while it is boiling, tends to make it clear. If you use it just as it comes from the salt-fish, it will be apt to give an unpleasant taste to the coffee : it should be washed clean as a bit of cloth, and hung up till perfectly dry. The white of eggs, and even egg shells are good to settle coffee. Rind of salt pork is excellent.

- American Frugal Housewife, by Lydia Maria Child, page 83

Pattern Review: Swiss Waist, Heidi Marsh (swiss body)

2010-01-05T18:36:00.016-06:00

I put this together a couple years ago, it was intended to be worn at that years Candlelight Tour, and I did make it, but barely. I find myself often sewing late into the night before an event. When will I learn?!

I started out with Heidi Marsh's Swiss Body pattern, but after putting together a muslin version, I made several alterations. Mostly in regards to fitting, but I also made the V waistline in the front a little shorter.
Would I make it again, definitely! I love the look of the swiss waist. The only thing I would change, is I wouldn't use velvet. It's really a beautiful fabric, and looks really nice after I go over it vigorously with one of those sticky lint roller things. But it was a pain to sew with, shedding all over the place! And now it has a tendency to collect dust. I think I'd go with some nice black taffeta instead.

The neckline, waist and armhole, are all edged with piping. And since the velvet was shedding so badly, I had to cover the raw edges with bias tape.

These are the altered muslin pieces.

The image on the left is from Gazlay's Pacific Monthly, Volume 1, 1865 (page 268). And the other is apparently the fashion plate that this pattern is based on, it came from The Peterson Magazine.

And here is some original garments that gave me a lot of inspiration. I found these images at thegracefullady.com, where there are several other examples.

The only place I was able to find this pattern for sale, was at jamescountry.com.

Music: Guitar

2009-12-26T15:51:00.027-06:00

"Last night we were all sitting on the balcony in the moonlight, singing as usual with our guitar" - A Confederate girl's diary By Sarah Morgan Dawson

These past few days I have been strumming happily away on my Mom's guitar, I wanted to play an instrument that's a little more transportable then a piano. And have been weighing my options. Guitar? banjo? or something else? (violin, flute, harp, mandolin, etc.) Since I don't need to buy a guitar, I chose that one.

This Guitar is from the Metropolitan Museum Collection.

Date ca. 1835, Geography Paris, France

I've seen a few paintings (and even a CDV) of women playing guitars (during the mid nineteenth century). Here is a lithograph by Sir George Hayter. Judging by the lady's clothing, I'm guessing it's sometime in the 1830's to early 1840's. (My little sister Kaja pointed out the pretty ribbon on the guitar head)

I found this image at www.klassiskgitar.net

I've been told that the Banjo was popular during the Mid Nineteenth century, and supposedly guitars were rare? at least in America. But I find that a little hard to believe :( (hehe).

Here is a quote from A Confederate girl's diary By Sarah Morgan Dawson

"At sixteen, Harry gave me a guitar. Here was a new field where I would have no competitors. I knew no one who played on it;"

So maybe they were rare and not as popular as nowadays? *Sigh* well I might as well just quit... :P hehe, No Way Jose! I've fallen head over heels in love with them! and plan on taking My (er, Mom's) guitar to the next event! :P hehe.

If you love the guitar as much as I, here are a few that I thought might pass muster. (and not cost a fortune)

Aria Parlor Acoustic Guitar

A&L Ami Guitar

Squier by Fender SP1 Parlor Acoustic Guitar

Okay, one more quote from Sarah Morgan
"and then my heart failed me when I thought of my guitar, so I caught it up in the case"

Fashion Plates!

2009-12-21T21:53:00.007-06:00

I came across the University of Washington Libraries site while I was searching 'Fashion Plates' on google. They have a great collection, with fashion plates from several different eras.

Empire (1806-1813)
Georgian (1806-1836)
Regency (1811-1820)
Romantic (1825-1850)
Victorian (1837-1859)
Late Victorian (1860-1900)
Edwardian (1901-1915)

Hints for the Ladies.

2009-12-21T20:47:00.010-06:00

Let the ladies observe the following rules: In the morning, use pure water as a preparatory ablution; after which, they must abstain from all sudden gusts of passion, particularly envy, as that gives the skin a sallow paleness.
It may seem trifling to speak of temperance, yet this must be attended to, both in eating and drinking, if they would avoid pimples...

- Godey's Lady's Book, Volume 51, Page 108 (Aug 1855)

Book Review: The Lady's Guide to Perfect Gentility

2009-12-16T17:50:00.017-06:00

'But every man of sense and genuine taste will prefer the ruddy glow of health' -page 19-20

Okay that was't exactly the most relevant, nor the most illuminating quote, but I thought it was one of the funniest, though more so when in context.

I'd say that back in the mid 1800s, this book was intended for middle and upper class women. I just can't imagine that the average lower class woman had time to brush her hair for 30 minutes every morning, as they suggest. I don't even have time to do that! *sigh*
Most of the tips and information in this book wouldn't be applicable in todays world, but that doesn't take away at all from its value to me historically. Though, even if I did live back then, I think I would still roll my eyes at some of it.

A good portion of it is about 'Agreeableness and Beauty of Person' as they call it, I actually laughed out loud a few times. Not that is was so ridiculous, but more because of the way things are described.

'The skin is everywhere, except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, pierced by innumerable little holes, which are the mouths of a set of curious little organs, which pour out upon its surface an unctuous or oily fluid.' -page 12

There is a chapter on letter writing which has several staged letters that were rather entertaining. Also some instruction in good manners for visiting and parties. There is a even a few pages on choosing the most suitable colors to wear according to skin and hair colors. I'd never read anything like that in a book from this time period. Makes me think of those Color Me Beautiful books from the 1980s.

Conclusion: People are people. They may talk and dress different. But essentially they want the same things, whatever place or time they come from.

I actually read this book online, at Google Books.

Candle Light Tour 2009

2009-12-09T18:00:00.005-06:00

Every December, Fort Scott has the Candle Light Tour. It's pretty much their biggest event. And we wait and plan all year for it. Okay, I'm usually going crazy running this way and that, so I did a very bad job of taking photos this year. But what we did get is posted over on our family blog.

Check it out:
Day One
Dance Practice
The Dance

Book Review: Dating Fabrics, A color guide 1800-1960

2009-11-22T15:37:00.007-06:00

By Eileen Jahnke Trestain

The Fort, in Fort Scott, has what they call the 'Magic Room' (a room full of living history clothing). Which was very nice, since it can be rather expensive to put together a complete mid 1800s outfit. Though, we were lucky to find an item that fit just right (safety pins come in handy).
So once things got a little more serious, the desire to have an outfit for myself grew.

The first step would be to find fabric, and of course there are a lot of safe options, such at plaid, stripes and simple floral prints. The thing is, I'm usually not happy with safe, I just didn't know what would be period correct and what was not.
I've looked at tons of old photos and fashion plates, but nothing opened my eyes quite at much as this book.

Judging by the name, the book was apparently written to help people put a date on their fabrics. But with all the images of sample fabrics, ranging from the early 1800s to the mid 1900s, it's full of inspiration for choosing new, period correct, fabrics.

Pattern Review: Corset, Past Patterns #708

2009-11-07T21:06:00.014-06:00

This is the second corset I've sewn. When measuring myself for the first one, I didn't take into consideration the cinching, and it ended up being too big. Better to be a little too small, that too big, when it comes to corsets.
The first was a simpler pattern, just made up of curvy shaped panels. So, once I decided to try again, I was a little more ambitious and chose a pattern that involved gussets. I hadn't had any prior experience sewing them, but I always seem to convince myself, in regards to sewing, that I can do ANYTHING! Not that it works out that way, but I sure do enjoy the feeling.

I'm very pleased with how the gussets turned out, and over all am happy with this corset.
     The only thing I'd do differently would be to get some nice metal boning from online. Instead I used some plastic stuff I got at JoAnns. Which is not exactly doing it's job, too flexible.

So, I'd definitely recommend this pattern. I've been sewing for most of my life, not always successfully, but I was trying, so this might be on the difficult side for a beginner. But if your not like me (I have a heck of a time recovering from a failure) give it a try.
     This pattern is based on an original 1800s corset, which I really like, makes it all the more authentic.
     And Along with the sewing instructions there was info on the original corset, alternative ideas, etc. I just love Past Patterns.

At the Fort where we re-enact, we usually dress as either 'officers wives' or 'laundresses'. So if you are thinking of making a corset for yourself, definitely take into consideration what all you'll be doing in it.
     This corset is better suited for a woman of leisure. I find it is kinda difficult to bend at the waist when wearing it, which doesn't work when cooking over a open fire.
     Here is another pattern from Past Patterns, that they call their sensible stays.

Becca Up North; The Great Hinckley Fire, Hinckley Minnesota

2009-08-26T15:58:00.004-05:00

Ruins of downtown Hinckley, Minnesota after the 1894 fire.

The Great Hinckley Fire burned an area of 420 square miles, centered on the town of Hinckley, Minnesota on September 1, 1894.
The fire killed many people, with the minimum number centering at 418. This is in dispute, however, as many scholars believe the number to be closer to 800. It appears that this was the second-deadliest fire in the history of Minnesota.
After a two-month drought, several fires started in the pine forests of Pine County, Minnesota. The main contributor to the fire was apparently the then-common method of lumber harvesting, which involved stripping trees of their branches, littering the ground with such detritus. Another contributing factor was a temperature inversion that trapped the gases from the fires. The fires developed into a firestorm, with temperatures reaching 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people were able to escape by climbing into wells, or by reaching a nearby pond or the Grindstone River. Others escaped by jumping onto two crowded trains that were able to get out of town. James Root, an engineer on a train heading south from Duluth, was able to rescue nearly 300 people by backing a train up nearly five miles to Skunk Lake, where people could escape the fire.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

We visited the Hinckley Fire Museum yesterday. I can't imagine what it must have been like to have been there. They said in a video that some people had laid down in a swamp to keep from being burned, but the fire passed right over and around them, and consumed all the oxygen, and they suffocated.

The Museum is inside the rebuilt train station.

The downstairs is the fire museum, of which I didn't get any photos. But upstairs is decorated as the station-masters quarters. This is the kitchen.

I thought this table setting was really nice. I would love to eat at a table like that! :)

This is the sitting room.

And here is the child's room. There was only one. So they said that if there were more then one , they would all piled in here.

There was also the master bedroom, and a family room, that I suppose could have also been a dining room, or another bedroom.

Pattern Review: Cottage Bonnet

2009-08-25T15:16:00.007-05:00

This is my Cottage Bonnet :D I started it early last year at a workshop over at Fort Scott, but took it all apart because I didn't like the fabric :P. I think I used the 1842-1849 Cottage Bonnet Pattern.

So, for the past week I've been patiently sewing it all together. I did a little bit of machine sewing, but most of it is hand sewed!! :D It's pretty simple to put together, but takes a lot of time.

Book Review: Who Wore What?

2009-08-20T18:49:00.005-05:00

Who Wore What? By Juanita Leisch

I love this book! and haven't read any other like it. Juanita Leisch has researched what women would wear depending on age, wealth etc. during the Civil War era. She has excellent info for any woman wanting a correct Civil War outfit. Another thing I love about this book is the information on how to research photos. I spend hours looking at old CDV's online and feel like I didn't soak in as much information as I'd like, she writes how she's done it.

The sites I like best for CDV's are The Mccord Museum and Metropolitan Museum

Carpet Bags

2009-08-15T12:12:00.003-05:00

Rebecca and I went to a carpet bag workshop at the Fort last March. I did most of it that day then stuck it in my project box and abandoned it! so I took it out last tuesday and had Mom buy two dowels and a flat board, I sewed on a clasp and when Mom came home had Blu cut the wood to fit. All I had left to do was sew the handles up so the dowels don't slip out! I really should of done this in March :P hehe. I was doing a little bit of research and during the 1840's carpet bags started coming out because there was a demand for cheaper luggage.

Book Review: The Workwoman's Guide

2009-08-04T18:27:00.012-05:00

THE WORKWOMANS GUIDE
By a lady
containing instructions to the inexperienced in cutting out and completing those articles of wearing apparel, &c. which are usually made at home : also, explanations on upholstery, straw-platting, bonnet-making, knitting, &c.
Published in 1838 this neat book was written by a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. She was a poet, writer and editor (The Godey's ladies book). I really enjoyed reading this book, it's helped me humungusly with my quest for finding what would be in a workbasket from the early Victorian era (hopefully more on that later!). It also has instructions on making household linens, clothing for men, women and children and upholstery projects etc. A great book for re-enactresses and people curious about 19th century life.

To read this great book online go to: H.E.A.R.T.H or Google Books
Or you can buy this book at Amazon

Book Review: The American Frugal Housewife

2009-06-18T21:10:00.020-05:00

DEDICATED TO THOSE

WHO ARE NOT ASHAMED OF ECONOMY

by Lydia Marie Child

This is a great little book originally written in the early 19th century. The version I have is a copy of the twelfth edition. It looks like a period book, which is great because I can take it along when I'm re-enacting. It's like a little peek into the life of a middle class woman from the 1800s.

I suppose we could call it a self-help book, it is full of tips and tricks to help woman better manage there household. Some of it is not really applicable in modern days, for example, "Barley straw is the best for beds; dry corn husks, slit into shreds, are far better then straw.", but others are still very handy bits of of info, such as "it's best to wash leather gloves in clean suds, scarcely warm"

But it's all very interesting from a research point of view.

The first section is called "Odd Scraps for the Economical" which describes it pretty well, the two excerpts above, are from it.
Then comes "Simple Remedies" and it's full if interesting little remidies for a wide range of maladies, this last one was particularly interesting "As this book may fall into the hands of those who cannot speedily obtain a physician, it is worth while to mention what is the best to be done for the bite of a rattlesnake, Cut the flesh out, around the bite, instantly; that the poison may not have time to circulate in the blood. If caustic is on hand, put it upon the raw flesh; if not, the next best thing is to fill wound with salt, renewing occasionally."

Then comes several pages on preserving and storing various kinds of vegetables and meats.
The next is a chapter on "Common Cooking", and has instructions for making everything, pies, bread, tea, beer, etc.

And this is one of my favorite section, "Hints to Persons of Moderate Fortune" in which are several pages called "Education of Daughters". Here are the first few lines from it "There is no subject so much connected with individual happiness and national prosperity as the education of daughter. It is a true, and therefore an old remark, that the situation and prospects of a country may be justly estimated by the character of its women;".

You can buy this book in several different places on the web, but you can also read for free at Google Books.

Pattern Review: Past Patterns #704 Ball Gown

2009-06-13T13:47:00.036-05:00

This is a ball gown bodice, by Past Patterns. My mother did most of the sewing, being a much better seamstress then I! However I'm practicing, so hopefully someday, I won't be so dependent on my sisters and her (hehe!).

Past Patterns calls this an 1860"s bodice. A friend of mine, who is very knowledgeable in victorian clothing, says that they had tops like this even earlier. So I can use it for both 1840's (minus the hoops) and 1860's reenacting.

Many victorian dresses are closely fitted to the corset, so it is important to make a muslin draft first. I still had trouble with the torso being too long, so next time I'll be more picky with the draft.

I wish I had some photos of the back. It looks a lot like the front, but has a laced closure. I think it's really pretty and easier then making buttonholes!!

We did modify the sleeves a little, but otherwise followed the pattern.

That is me with my darling baby sister Jubi.

You can find this pattern at pastpatterns.com, along with many others!

A quick and simple 1860s hairstyle.

2009-06-04T20:14:00.004-05:00

It seems to me that most of the re-enacting events we attend start earlier in the day, and unless only Susi and I go, we usually don't have time to do anything elaborate with our hair. So over the last few years we've developed a couple simple styles that are quick, but still look period correct.

These are a few of the photos we've tried to base this style on. I find these old photos great for studying hair and dress. I often browse the ones for sale on ebay, or the collections on flickr. Here is a link to one of my favorites.

To do this style you will need a:

- Brush

- Comb

- One or more rubber-bands (hairband)

- Bobby-pins

If you tend to have fly-aways, then some gel may come in handy. And when we need this thing to stay still all day, hairspray.

After brushing thoroughly, part your hair in the center. Apparently this is the only way woman did it back then, I've never seen it any other way. I usually part mine on the side, so I start parting it in the center a day ahead of time, wetting it down periodically, otherwise it doesn't lay nicely.

Along the part, starting 3-4 inches back from the hairline of your forehead, section off the front portion of the hair. Straight down to just behind the ear. Do this on both sides and put the rest into a low pony, which will end up being the bun.

Take one front section at a time, and pull them to the back, I usually use a brush to smooth it out, and sometimes a little bit of gel. Twist it a little and then go underneath the ponytail, and wrap it around, twisting as you go. Secure into place with a couple bobby-pins.

Then we split the pony into two braids, and coil them into a bun, securing with a few bobby pins. And if it's necessary, a layer of hairspray.

All done! Not too bad, if I do say so myself. Of course Kaja is actually a little young to be wearing her hair up. Being only 13, back then she may have still worn it in a "girls" style. But since Susi recently cut a good 6 inches off her hair, I was in need of a model.

Introduction to Living History

2009-05-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

What is Re-enacting?
Re-enacting is portraying someone or an occasion from the past. There is a range of different types of re-enacting, and the one you might do, largely depends on were you go. At Fort Scott we usually dress in period clothing, but interact with visitors as ourselves. Other places you might pretend to be a person 'from the past' (example: you wouldn't know what a computer is). And closely related to that one, is acting out an event, real or fiction, with no interaction with "modern people". And then some people pretend to be a particular person, such as Abraham Lincoln. I've never done that myself, but have watched others, and it looks like lots of fun. Though I expect it takes plenty of studying and research.

What I think of Living History
Re-enacting is an exciting way to learn history. Either doing it or watching others can be more fun then reading about it.

To me I think the goal that all Re-enactor should aim for is to impersonate the era as close to the real thing as possible. Doing that takes lots of research. There is so much information available and a way to preserve that is to find it! and show the world.

Getting Involved
My first experience with re-enacting was when we visited the Living History Farms near Des Moines Iowa. I've always loved playing dress up, so this was fascinating. A few years later I finally got involved! Re-enacting at the near by Fort Scott.

The National Historical Sites are a great place to start, you can talk to the staff, or the re-enactors when at events. If you find someone already involved in your area, they'll probably be able to answer many of your questions, and there is lots of information online.
After Rebecca and I talked to a park ranger, We were asked to take the Volunteer Training. Which turned out to be rather fun, especially the fire safety part.

The first day we re-enacted the clothing my sister and I borrowed looked so goofy :P. Being unusually tall (for the fort) all the skirts were to short! but I had a blast and fell head over heels in love with re-enacting and American-Victorian history.

An Outfit That's Not Expensive and Still Looks Nice
The re-enacting dresses I've seen for sale have been very expensive! I couldn't afford this hobby if that was my only route. Fortunately I'm blessed with a Mother and Sister (Rebecca) who sew and am learning myself.

Making your own clothing is great because it can be much cheaper and sometimes more reliable. If you do sew, make the underclothing first! because the dress needs to be fitted to that. You'll look more correct too.

About Fabric, I've gotten fabric for two dollars a yard and My sister has fabric she bought for one dollar a yard! The place to look are the sales bins. Make sure the fabric is good quality and preferably a natural fiber! (It's less likely to engulf into flames if you get to near a fire).

The First Outfit (for re-enacting the early Victorian era)
it's important to make the undergarments first, at least the corset.

-Chemise
-Corset
-Drawers (I use my PJ's)
-Petticoat (a corded one is really nice)
-Dress (I suggest a simple day gown)
-Stockings
-Shoes (sometimes you can find boots at thrift stores or black ballet slippers)
-Apron
-Gloves
-Day Cap
-Bonnet
-Reticule or Basket.

My Chemise and Corset are made from a Simplicity pattern. I like how they turned out, though they were difficult to make. www.jamescountry.com has a great pattern selection. They also sell corset bones, hoops, gloves, stockings, etc. I haven't bought anything from them but know people who have.

Miscellaneous
Be prepared bring a hobby; knitting, embroidery, painting, drawing, sewing, quilting. There are many options.

Find out what questions you might be asked and research the era re-enacted.

Don't be camera shy! I've had many people take my picture! If they ask to take your picture don't worry about smiling or not! just smile! if they don't ask go on with what you were doing.

I guess the most important thing is to have fun! Thank you for reading this article, If you have any questions feel free to comment.

Susan Lyn