If I Had My Own Blue Box:

It is Sunday night. You’ve just made it home from a long weekend of living history. You are exhausted. But, you just can’t get out of your head that one thing; that one thing that you discovered just wasn’t quite right. The question is …. Can I fix it by the next event? Can I fix it by Friday?

We’ve all had this happen at one point or another. Okay, some of us have had it happen over and over several events in a row. Needless to say, it can be a bit stressful. You started this past weekend confident, happy with what you are wearing. Then you learned something. Now you are stuck with the question of what to do about it. Generally, it comes down to these answers:

1 – Change it Now.

2 – Set it aside to change later.

3 – Scrap-it and start over.

Most of us are anxious to have everything together and jump into number 1, have to much of a pile of number 2 and dread the thought of the time and money involved in number 3. Hmm, I wonder why we get stressed.

Lets take a breath and look at our options. Then decide which way is going to work best.

Option 1 generally involves items we absolutly have to have or items that are easier and less timely to change. In this case, honestly look at what time you have in the week or two before the next event. Deside what time you have available, as what materials you have on hand. If there are purchases you need to make locally, make them on Monday or Tuesday so you have them available when you have time to sit down and work. Leave the item out where you can see it and remember to work on it. All to often if we put it away, we will forget about it.

 Option 2 usually includes items which we want but can live without for another event, or items that will take more time then is immediatly available. For these items, I suggest a similar plan to that in option 1, just spread out over a little more time. Again, remember to purchase or order materials you need early and leave the item where you remember to work on it.

 Option 3 comes into play when something is significantly wrong or the cost of changing it out weighs the cost of replacing it. This last option can be a strain for many reasons. We may have already invested a good deal of time and money into its making or purchase. It is also possible that there is an emotional attachement to it. If the first is the case, consider options for different use or a new home such as a theater department. If the later is the case, I highly suggest find a new use in your home.

Now, lets take a look at some of the common items that tend to bug us on our drive home from an event and determine what we can do about them.

1 – You figured out your hairnet isn’t correct. If you really feel you need a hairnet, this is an easy and inexpensive change. If you can find a hair supply store, they carry fine hair nets that work great. If not, department stores carry something that is close and acceptable. You can wear this kind of net plain or with a decorative silk ribbon attached. To attach a ribbon, first pleat the ribbon decoratively, then attach it to the net. Wear your net with the top edge sitting on an imaginary line running from ear to ear over the top of your head.

2 – You discovered a piece of jewelry was not popular in the mid-19th century.  This is one where you will need to consider replacing the item. Most pieces you can do without until you find a replacement. If this is a broach you wear at your neckline, chances are you will want something for the next event. If you are able to do a little research and shop for a new piece before the next event, that is a great option. If time, money or shopping distance is a factor, consider a silk neck bow instead. Make a 2 to 3 inch bow of silk ribbon, securing it with thread. Pin this in place at your neckline instead of a broach.  

3 – You’ve been wearing an apron with straps and find you should be wearing a pinner or half-apron instead. This is an easy fix, assuming your fabric is correct. If the pinner section of your apron is the right shape, simply unstitch the straps. If not, you can either reshape the top to be a pinner or remove it. If you find your fabric isn’t quite right, this is a simple sewing project you can do with a minimal about of cotton fabric. I suggest making a new one.

4 – You have found you need or need different  collar and/or cuffs. Many of us start out without a collar and cuffs or go for pretty crochet collars when we start. Luckily, collars and cuffs take a minimal about of fabric and time. To make a collar, lay your dress/bodice so one side of the collar is flat. Trace the inside of the collar line marking the  front and back. Draw a perpendicular line out from the center back. Measure 1 to 1.5″ out from the tracing line all the way around. Connect this line with a graceful curve. Measure a 1/4″ to 1/2″ inside the tracing line. At the center front draw a line from the tracing line to the outer line which will give you an open V or a V that will best reflect the front of the collar for the years you need. Trace your pattern on a light weight cotton, and cut out. Hem with a tiny rolled hem around the outside. Bind the inside with bias. Baste the collar to your dress starting in the back.  To do cuffs, measure the circumference of your dress’s cuffs. Add a half inch to this measurement. Cut 2 strips this length and 4″ wide. Hem all the way around a 1/4″ hem. Fold in half. Place one half inside the dress cuff. Baste in place.

5 – Your dress is in need of adjustments. Depending on the adjustments and your sewing skills, this may or may not be one you can complete by the next event. If you are unsure of your skill or time, I suggest not stressing over the adjustment if you don’t need it. If the adjustment is absolutely needed and you don’t have any other options, ask some one to help if you are not 100% confident.

6 – You have found a piece of furniture you have isn’t right. Due to the cost and other factors involved in furniture, I highly suggest option 2 here. Set what you are using aside, spend some time researching and take your time looking for the right purchase. If this is a table or an essential piece of furniture you must have, consider your options for borrowing from someone or what our original counterparts would have done when they were in need of this piece. 

6b – You found a piece of furniture needs a change such as the hardware. This may be an easy fix if you or someone you know has the skills. If you just need to change out screws, take an example of what you have to the hardware store and find the appropriate replacement. (I’ll admit, I am accustom to hardware stores that are used to locals needing 19th century appropriate hardware.)

I’ll be adding more in the next few days. Suggestions welcome.