Many apologies for my absence in the past few months. It was only semi-planned but I didn't anticipate how busy this summer would be. A quick rundown of the things that kept me away:
1. I finished my old job and moved back with my parents for a spell.
2. I was unemployed, hence the funds for sewing projects were non-existent.
3. I was finishing up grad school, so my energy/time for sewing was non-existant.
4. There was lots of travel! Some planned, some unplanned. Sometimes it's more important to experience life fully that to worry about recording it.
I wish I could say I am back in full force, but I'm not. However, there is lots of good news:
1. I finished my graduate certification in Online Instruction. I am now fully certified to teach online.
2. I got an amazing, fabulous job as an instructional designer for a corporation in Minnesota, working on their training team! It's a dream come true.
3. I'm moving to St. Cloud, Minnesota!
So, while I will be gone for a little while as I move my whole life and settle into my new Little House on the Prairie (more like Little Apartment on the Prairie), and start my new position. However, the good news is that I will have increased space, time, and energy for sewing now that I will be working a regular 9-5 job (plus more paychecks to blow on fabric...and two fabric warehouses within 50 miles...)
Sometimes, God gives with both hands :) See you soon!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
It's A Major Award!
In a first for this blog, I've been given an award! Not just one award, but three awards! Many thanks to my dear friend and kindred spirit, Ada, over at Of Woods And Words for the honor - you all should definitely go check out her stuff, she never fails to enlighten and amuse.I read blogs avidly, so I am aware of some of the etiquette involving awards, if not the finer details. Supposedly, I need to pass them on, so I'll send these along to the inspirational Rachel at Her Heart In History, Biz of Biz And The Bungalow, and Emily of Emily's Alpine Path.
Also, I apparently need to reveal five things you might not know about me. So here we go!
- I dislike coins. Severely. Especially pennies. They gross me out. I don't know what it is, but ever since I've been little I've been grossed out by them. You know how sometimes you're walking barefoot through a house and you STEP ON ONE!? I HATE THAT! It's not to the point of not being able to handle them at all, but it's not fun.
- My first job ever was making Helga Hats for the Minnesota Vikings. My church youth group director owned a textile company, and this was when the Vikings were actually winning, so I was hired to hot-glue those horns onto the hats. I still have scars on my fingers from the hot glue. It was the best job ever.
- I have a twin sister, which many of you probably already know. We were undiagnosed multiples - my mother did not find out she was having twins until she went into labor. I (the smaller baby) was hiding behind my sister the whole pregnancy. Surprise!
- I didn't learn to sew until high school. My mother was not sewing inclined, though she taught me how to do things like run a seam, hem a skirt, patch jeans, and put on buttons. I didn't learn to use a machine until I took Clothing Tech I and Clothing Tech II in high school.
- I didn't learn to knit until I was in college. Again, my mother was not a knitter. I took it up independently in college - and unbeknown to me, my twin sister took it up on the same day as me.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Eye Candy (or, my new love of millinery rears its head again)
Blogging is srs bsns, guys. If that last post was too heavy on the wordage for you, here's an eye candy post - the new hood I made last week.
Is that not adorable!? I made it using this pattern from a German magazine from 1859. Reasons I am proud of this:
1. It was my first time ever using an original pattern (and just look at that pattern! It is not very clear and I am the Queen of Literal).
2. I hand-quilted the inside. I am not a quilter. I am especially not into geometry. The lines are all basically at right angles and that makes me happy.
3. I got the wool for $6 a yard and the silk for $4.50 a yard. The batting and ribbon ties (which will be replaced with ties made out of the lining silk) were from my stash. That means this baby cost me the low, low price of $10.50.
It's a good thing I got it made, too - I have a reenactment next weekend and they're predicting the possibility of snow. Considering it's 60 degrees and gorgeously sunny outside, I'm hoping the forecasters are wrong...
Is that not adorable!? I made it using this pattern from a German magazine from 1859. Reasons I am proud of this:
1. It was my first time ever using an original pattern (and just look at that pattern! It is not very clear and I am the Queen of Literal).
2. I hand-quilted the inside. I am not a quilter. I am especially not into geometry. The lines are all basically at right angles and that makes me happy.
3. I got the wool for $6 a yard and the silk for $4.50 a yard. The batting and ribbon ties (which will be replaced with ties made out of the lining silk) were from my stash. That means this baby cost me the low, low price of $10.50.
It's a good thing I got it made, too - I have a reenactment next weekend and they're predicting the possibility of snow. Considering it's 60 degrees and gorgeously sunny outside, I'm hoping the forecasters are wrong...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Improve Your Impression: An Accuracy Manifesto
I've been discussing with people what to do with this blog. It started out as a place to show people what I have been making, and what events I've been to. However, the whole "Look what I've sewn! Look where I've been!" format has gotten a bit dull. I need a bit of a challenge, if you will.
It's springtime, and for those of you who reenact, you know it's the start of The Reenacting Season. This summer will be especially busy, as it is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War (more on that later). With the start of a new season, and inspired by other blogs I've read who are touching on this topic, I'd like to start a short series with my thoughts on accuracy and how to create and accurate impression. This week, I'll be explaining to you what accuracy means to me, the choices I have made regarding it, and my overall personal guidelines on what it means to be accurate.
Accuracy is a very touchy issue among living historians. It carries with it an inherent value judgment; we are reenacting the past, and the more accurate you are at doing it, the better of a reenactor you are. It's a topic that splits up groups, ruins friendships, and causes feuds the likes of which will probably be reenacted in one hundred and fifty years ("The Battle of Which-Colorway-Is-Right").
I wish accuracy did not come with such animosity as it often does. It is understandable - how do you convey to someone information that may disprove a "reenactorism" or commonly held myth that they are perpetuating? Part of the sting is that your impression is who you are - so any criticism towards your impression is inherently a criticism of yourself.
I believe that accuracy should be the ultimate goal. For me, there is no other option. I want to experience life in the past, and live as they live, and create the things they created, in order to better understand them. The term "experiential archaeology" has been used for living historians - by doing things just as they were done, wearing the right clothes, eating the right food, you come to understand why they did things the way they did. You can't get that experience if you make too many compromises.
However, we live in the modern world, and unfortunately, there is no magic time machine that will take us back to that period, and even if there was we'd still find out we had gotten some details wrong. This manifesto is less about why one needs to be accurate, as much as it is about how to be accurate, and what constitutes accuracy for me.
You'll note that I talk in personal terms here - accuracy is about MY journey. It is not about what the person next to me is wearing, it is about what I am wearing. It is difficult not to play the game of "I look better than her!", but a better game to play is "I just look darn good!". It's more satisfying in the end. My personal guidelines are to never criticize someone else's impression. I will only offer advice if it is asked for. Period.
Now then, what are my own personal guidelines? I'm going to organize this in a list.
For you fellow reenactors - what is your accuracy manifesto? What is your "bottom line"? And for all you fine readers - any brilliant ideas for topics you want me to touch on?
Coming Soon: Part Two - Top Ways to Improve Your Impression.
It's springtime, and for those of you who reenact, you know it's the start of The Reenacting Season. This summer will be especially busy, as it is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War (more on that later). With the start of a new season, and inspired by other blogs I've read who are touching on this topic, I'd like to start a short series with my thoughts on accuracy and how to create and accurate impression. This week, I'll be explaining to you what accuracy means to me, the choices I have made regarding it, and my overall personal guidelines on what it means to be accurate.
Accuracy is a very touchy issue among living historians. It carries with it an inherent value judgment; we are reenacting the past, and the more accurate you are at doing it, the better of a reenactor you are. It's a topic that splits up groups, ruins friendships, and causes feuds the likes of which will probably be reenacted in one hundred and fifty years ("The Battle of Which-Colorway-Is-Right").
I wish accuracy did not come with such animosity as it often does. It is understandable - how do you convey to someone information that may disprove a "reenactorism" or commonly held myth that they are perpetuating? Part of the sting is that your impression is who you are - so any criticism towards your impression is inherently a criticism of yourself.
I believe that accuracy should be the ultimate goal. For me, there is no other option. I want to experience life in the past, and live as they live, and create the things they created, in order to better understand them. The term "experiential archaeology" has been used for living historians - by doing things just as they were done, wearing the right clothes, eating the right food, you come to understand why they did things the way they did. You can't get that experience if you make too many compromises.
However, we live in the modern world, and unfortunately, there is no magic time machine that will take us back to that period, and even if there was we'd still find out we had gotten some details wrong. This manifesto is less about why one needs to be accurate, as much as it is about how to be accurate, and what constitutes accuracy for me.
You'll note that I talk in personal terms here - accuracy is about MY journey. It is not about what the person next to me is wearing, it is about what I am wearing. It is difficult not to play the game of "I look better than her!", but a better game to play is "I just look darn good!". It's more satisfying in the end. My personal guidelines are to never criticize someone else's impression. I will only offer advice if it is asked for. Period.
Now then, what are my own personal guidelines? I'm going to organize this in a list.
- Who Would See? There was an article on a website from a group out west that apparently no longer exists now, but I read it when I first started reenacting and had no clue what to do about anything. The author's point was that it is a great disservice to ourselves and the public to keep anachronistic itemsaround and justify it with "Who would know?" We're smarter than that, and the public is smarter than that, and someone WILL notice those plastic plates. He pointed out that the better thought is "Who will see?" Will someone notice that plastic cooler if it's in a wooden trunk? Will anyone realize I have a cell phone on me if it is in my pocket, turned off, and stays there? Of course, this only goes so far - the ultimate high is to have a totally period environment, without a single modern thing in it. Sometimes, that's not always feasible. If no one can see it, it will probably be ignored, and it will not compromise on your personal accuracy.
- Good (For Now). My goal with each dress I make, each item I acquire, is that it will move me further on my goal to accuracy. As a progressive reenactor, I believe that accuracy is not a destination, it is a journey. Historians will always learn new things and find new objects to tell them more about life in the past; what we knew 20 years ago is obsolete. We can never hope to know everything, especially for the amateur living historian, but we can keep learning, and remain undaunted. I own a dress that I made three years ago; there are things at are wrong with it, that need to be fixed (although I 'd rather just make a new dress than fix an old one!) or removed altogether. I know more now than I did three years ago. That's what accuracy is to me - a constant movement forward in knowledge.
- Know Your Limits. There are those of us who can afford the highest end reproduction fabrics. Some living historians have wardrobes that rival my modern wardrobe (trust me, that's not a difficult task). For the vast majority of us who have bills to pay, total accuracy - at least, going out and purchasing total accuracy in one fell swoop - is not economically feasible. For my part, I personally know which compromises I can make to save a bit of money. This goes along a bit with "Who Would See" - I use whatever thread is on sale. No one except for me is going to know what kind of thread I used to sew my dress, and considering the amount of thread I use, saving a dollar or two with each spool makes sense. I line my dresses with plain old muslin rather than polished cotton - again, it saves me a few dollars, and no one is the wiser. In this same vein, however, I always take care to match my accuracy goals with my budget. I only have one silk dress - it's all I need and it's all I can afford, and I get way more use from my nice calico dress and wool dress than I do my silk. I don't have a parasol, I have two fashion bonnets (and a straw hat that was, okay, a splurge for fun). My budget is tight, and trying to stretch it out to accurately portray someone with an unlimited budget (the Mary Todd Lincolns of the world) wouldn't be very successful. To this end, I portray someone who is aspiring to the upper classes, but is solidly set in the middle class, which fits my reenacting budget quite nicely.
- Compromise On Little. Having said all that, I give myself little leeway. As I stated, accuracy is my goal (and though I am a bit biased, I think it should be the goal of everyone). One of the best things about reenacting is that it's like one big post-rummage sale deal brag - you can't attend an event with my group without hearing how little someone spent on the silk for their dress, or where someone scored the perfect brooch, and so forth. The fabric for one of my favorite dresses (a reproduction cotton) cost $1.49 a yard - I wear that dress proudly, beaming in the knowledge that the entire thing cost me less than $25 (notions and trim included). Accuracy is an investment, and like most things, it takes time - it has taken me close to ten years to get to a point where I feel reasonably confident that I can attend any event with a great deal of accuracy. And I won't lie, over the years I have made some shoddy acquisitions. I wish I would have saved that money and waited out the more accurate deal - because when you know what to look for, it's surprising how little you have to spend for it.
For you fellow reenactors - what is your accuracy manifesto? What is your "bottom line"? And for all you fine readers - any brilliant ideas for topics you want me to touch on?
Coming Soon: Part Two - Top Ways to Improve Your Impression.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
There and Back Again!
I apologize once again for the extended absence! My computer went to that eternal resting place, where there shall be no more backups or updates. It took a month of poking at it to finally figure out that the power supply was shot. So I am currently writing to you from my new laptop - which incidentally needs a new name, and I am very uncreative in that regard, so please comment with suggestions!
The bad part about my computer being dead was...well, a complete inability to get anything done! I do quite a bit on my computer - I am recording secretary for my reenacting club, which means I need my computer to type notes. I am also taking graduate school classes online, which means I need my computer to attend class and complete my work.
...plus I'm just basically addicted to my email and Facebook.
There was a good side, however. I got quite a bit of sewing done!
I finished the Epic, Infamous Smoking Cap. This was one of the first things I've ever been commissioned for, and it was...well, epic. That's violet silk thread on green velvet, which was inspired by a mention in Peterson's for that combination in a smoking cap. All that embroidery is done by hand, which was a real learning experience. I am very proud of how well it turned out, and how happy my client is.
I also decided to try my hand at a tucked petticoat. I finished this beauty last weekend, just in time for the ball, so I did not get pictures of it, but I will try to get some later. If you haven't noticed, I'm the worst at remembering to get pictures...
And there we are, enjoying the ball this past weekend. It was a lovely time, as always, with great company, excellent dancing, and wonderful food.
And that is where I have been!
The bad part about my computer being dead was...well, a complete inability to get anything done! I do quite a bit on my computer - I am recording secretary for my reenacting club, which means I need my computer to type notes. I am also taking graduate school classes online, which means I need my computer to attend class and complete my work.
...plus I'm just basically addicted to my email and Facebook.
There was a good side, however. I got quite a bit of sewing done!
I finished the Epic, Infamous Smoking Cap. This was one of the first things I've ever been commissioned for, and it was...well, epic. That's violet silk thread on green velvet, which was inspired by a mention in Peterson's for that combination in a smoking cap. All that embroidery is done by hand, which was a real learning experience. I am very proud of how well it turned out, and how happy my client is.
I also decided to try my hand at a tucked petticoat. I finished this beauty last weekend, just in time for the ball, so I did not get pictures of it, but I will try to get some later. If you haven't noticed, I'm the worst at remembering to get pictures...
And there we are, enjoying the ball this past weekend. It was a lovely time, as always, with great company, excellent dancing, and wonderful food.
And that is where I have been!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
In Which A Countess Is Born
I don't think it's any secret that I do a lot of organizing of reenacting events. A WHOLE lot. I don't really mind; I think that if you want something you have to work for it, so I'm more than willing to put in my fair share of work. Organizing things seems to be a talent of mine anyway. However, it's been a very full year and I found myself a little tired. Needing a break - or better, needing a shot of adrenaline.
That's when I got invited to the Twelfth Night Ball.
Our local chapter of the Victorian Society holds a giant Twelfth Night ball every winter, complete with dancing, games, a dinner, fortune telling, and general reveling. I usually work. However, my good friend Kit decided this year he wanted a break, and wanted to re-energize after planning so many events in a row, and he asked me if I'd like to come along.
What started out as simply going to the ball turned into a huge day of funtivities. Kit kept the preparations a total secret, only telling me the barest of details so that I wouldn't have an anxiety attack (I discovered in all this that I do not really enjoy secrets and surprises, or rather, I dislike the anticipation of secrets and surprises). I got dressed up in my gray wool - it seems like I hardly wear anything else these days but I guess since it's wintertime that's not such an oddity - and the bonnet and got prepared for anything.
Kit picked me up at my house and we met a couple friends at a nice restaurant. We had a four-course lunch. During the lunch, the other lady in the group and I received posies - mine was full of beautiful yellow, blue and red flowers. Kit chose them using the language of flowers, but I'm too ladylike to divulge the meanings!
After stuffing ourselves, we went to the Como Conservatory to enjoy the warmth inside the greenhouses and take some pictures. People were extremely interested in what we were doing there (I really can't blame them) and I'm not ashamed to admit that I pretended to be in the Crystal Palace or the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Next we went to the Saint Paul Hotel. We got a table near the fire and enjoyed a cheese tray with the yummiest brie I've ever had, plus some lovely herbal tea. We finished off with a glass of champagne and toasted an incredibly enjoyable afternoon together
After that, we finally made our way to the ball. I must say, it was my first experience ever simply showing up for a ball. I usually help with set-up in some form, and I'm not complaining (see above "must work for fun time" philosophy) but it was really very refreshing to simply show up and make myself pretty. Because Kit is an awesome friend, he made me a sash with an Order of the Garter decoration on it, and brought a crown. We went as the Earl and Countess of Devonshire.
Now, I'm not a high-maintenance girl. I'm not much into jewelry. I don't even want to wear a tiara at my own wedding. But there was something about seeing myself all dressed up as a pretty princess that gave me the giggles.
We talked, we laughed, we danced, we ate more food which I wouldn't have thought possible). We got to sit at the head table for dinner, and I had my fortune told. In the end, the last dance was waltzed, we said goodnight, went out for a nightcap at WA Frost, and then went home.
It was truly the most magical evening I have ever spent anywhere. It's been a while since I got that afterglow feeling after an event, wondering if it had all been a dream, laughing to myself remembering the special moments, calling up all my friends to gush about what an amazing time I had. It was exactly what we had intended - a shot of adrenaline, a breath of fresh air.
However, it is definitely a long, hard fall from Countess of Devonshire to Betsy. It took a full day at work for me to get back in the swing of things. Having experienced The Countess, I'm keeping her in reserve for when students need a supercilious look, or when I need to feel extra graceful.
That's when I got invited to the Twelfth Night Ball.
Our local chapter of the Victorian Society holds a giant Twelfth Night ball every winter, complete with dancing, games, a dinner, fortune telling, and general reveling. I usually work. However, my good friend Kit decided this year he wanted a break, and wanted to re-energize after planning so many events in a row, and he asked me if I'd like to come along.
What started out as simply going to the ball turned into a huge day of funtivities. Kit kept the preparations a total secret, only telling me the barest of details so that I wouldn't have an anxiety attack (I discovered in all this that I do not really enjoy secrets and surprises, or rather, I dislike the anticipation of secrets and surprises). I got dressed up in my gray wool - it seems like I hardly wear anything else these days but I guess since it's wintertime that's not such an oddity - and the bonnet and got prepared for anything.
Kit picked me up at my house and we met a couple friends at a nice restaurant. We had a four-course lunch. During the lunch, the other lady in the group and I received posies - mine was full of beautiful yellow, blue and red flowers. Kit chose them using the language of flowers, but I'm too ladylike to divulge the meanings!
After stuffing ourselves, we went to the Como Conservatory to enjoy the warmth inside the greenhouses and take some pictures. People were extremely interested in what we were doing there (I really can't blame them) and I'm not ashamed to admit that I pretended to be in the Crystal Palace or the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Next we went to the Saint Paul Hotel. We got a table near the fire and enjoyed a cheese tray with the yummiest brie I've ever had, plus some lovely herbal tea. We finished off with a glass of champagne and toasted an incredibly enjoyable afternoon together
After that, we finally made our way to the ball. I must say, it was my first experience ever simply showing up for a ball. I usually help with set-up in some form, and I'm not complaining (see above "must work for fun time" philosophy) but it was really very refreshing to simply show up and make myself pretty. Because Kit is an awesome friend, he made me a sash with an Order of the Garter decoration on it, and brought a crown. We went as the Earl and Countess of Devonshire.
Now, I'm not a high-maintenance girl. I'm not much into jewelry. I don't even want to wear a tiara at my own wedding. But there was something about seeing myself all dressed up as a pretty princess that gave me the giggles.We talked, we laughed, we danced, we ate more food which I wouldn't have thought possible). We got to sit at the head table for dinner, and I had my fortune told. In the end, the last dance was waltzed, we said goodnight, went out for a nightcap at WA Frost, and then went home.
It was truly the most magical evening I have ever spent anywhere. It's been a while since I got that afterglow feeling after an event, wondering if it had all been a dream, laughing to myself remembering the special moments, calling up all my friends to gush about what an amazing time I had. It was exactly what we had intended - a shot of adrenaline, a breath of fresh air.
However, it is definitely a long, hard fall from Countess of Devonshire to Betsy. It took a full day at work for me to get back in the swing of things. Having experienced The Countess, I'm keeping her in reserve for when students need a supercilious look, or when I need to feel extra graceful.
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Years Resolutions
I've never been one for New Year's resolutions. I tend to think that if you notice something you want to change in your life, or think of a goal you'd like to set, you should set it and get started on it immediately, or as convenient, depending on the goal. However, the beginning of the year is as good a time as any to look back on one's accomplishments, and consider where one wants to go.
In the last year, I did the following:
Here's wishing a happy, healthy, and productive new year to all of you!
In the last year, I did the following:
- Sewed a new set of undergarments, which I consider to be the best set I ever sewed, having worked out all the kinks (a pinchy waistband, not enough fullness, not long enough, etc.)
- Finished the gray wool governess dress.
- Created a headdress to go with my ballgown, which I consider a feat as it was the first time I ever took something from an illustration, with no pattern.
- Started and finished the gray calico dress.
- Missed out on almost every event this summer due to surgery.
- Threw the party of the year and raised a lot of money for a worthy cause.
- Learned a LOT about sanitary fairs and society in St. Paul in the 1860s
- Learned more about parlor games and held a workshop.
- Got my first commission for a smoking cap.
- Constructed my first bonnet.
- Create two new sets of undergarments, including at least one over-the-hoop petticoat.
- Sew a new purple sheer dress.
- Sew a new wrapper.
- Reconstruct my work dress (reset skirt, take in sides of bodice)
- Finish the smoking cap.
- The bonnet has brought about a couple of possible commissions; hopefully those will pan out!
- Potentially, a paletote (depending on job/financial situation this fall)
- Hopefully a cage crinoline (my old hoop has seen better days!)
- Some potential knitting commissions for sontags.
- Outside of clothing, I want to work more on my etiquette. I know the rules and how they work, but I have a hard time putting them into practice. I am afraid I'm too much of a goofball, and would never be considered "ladylike" in the 1860s. I need to work on putting that into practice.
- I'd also like to learn a bit more about period cooking, and have a couple signature dishes that I can create.
- Stay healthy enough to attend all the events I can this summer.
Here's wishing a happy, healthy, and productive new year to all of you!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I am in love
Remember in my past post how much I talked about the Christmas presents that need to get done? I'm still working on them. I have one last present to finish (sorry Dad! I left my needles at your house, slippers will be coming forthwith!). Most of them got done on time, and looked fabulous.
That's with no thanks to my current distraction. For you see, I've fallen in love. With millinery.
I really bought a bonnet kit (okay, asked for it for my birthday) because I couldn't afford a new bonnet. I desperately needed a new one. My only fashion bonnet has been working overtime for 8 years, and it's starting to show - it's a bit dented, and just getting slightly droopy. So rather than shell out the big bucks for a professionally made one, I decided with some trepidation to try my hand at millinery. I figured I'd create something that looked average-to-middling, lose my mind in the process, and swear off bonnet making for the rest of eternity.
It was an AWESOME decision. I REALLY enjoyed it. Everything was just the right level of fussy, but not too fussy. I think I forgot just how much fun it is to see a pile of supplies/material come together into a work of art. Having sewn three dresses in two years meant the process had become a bit of a yawn for me. Trying something totally new and different had woken me up again.
I'm super proud of my finished product. Millinery may just be a new obsession for me. A girl can never have too many hats, right?
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