If I Had My Own Blue Box:

These antique Valentines have been lucky a few times over. First the recipient saved them. Then, they survived a flood in Dad’s basement. While everything else in the box they were in was sadly soaked and ruined, these were tucked safely in a water-tight plastic bag. I’ve been wanting to share these pretties for a while. They’ve spent the last few years packed away, just waiting to be seen. Here is a small sampling (and, yes, I took photos instead of scanning for a reason)…..

Interested in more information on Victorian Valentines? May I suggest: The Secret Life of Victorian Cards   and Valentines; the Language of Love.

Many of us love Pinterest for daily eye-candy and possible inspiration boost. Well, today this image came rolling onto my screen. It instantly caught my attention because it is so full of information.

This is the “Quilting Frolic” by John Lewis Krimmel (1813)

I just had to share it with you. immediately, before even diving into what I see.

Luckily, there is a very nice blog post already out there Looking at the “Quilting Frolic”

At the Athenaeum, we also see his works: “The Blind Fiddler” (1812), “Blind Man’s Bluff” (1814), “Village Tavern” and “Country Wedding” showing interiors.

I feel as though I am lacking in posts on my progress with pretty photos. I suppose that happens when the projects I am primarily working on are private commissions. With private commissions, the client always gets to see the piece first.

I can say I am quite happy with the shape of the straw piece I am sewing this week. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one with its unique lines. I am going to just love bringing this one to life. Some packages arrived for another commission which resulted in some squealing at both the packaging and the contents. Soooo Lovely!

Once these pieces are done, I must focus on our Netherfield Ball clothing. I have been so neglectful the last few weeks.

Along with the millinery, I’ve had a myriad of ponderings. Among these…. A) Should I list the high brim straw bonnet I initially made for myself since I have a certain fabulous something in mind? (See below) B) Rats. It is time to work on my hair rats. Should I just do the same tried-and-true size and shape pieces? What do others do with theirs’? (btw – utter shortage of said posts out there.) C) Mini-mannequin heads for mini-bonnets. I’m sure you can guess where I am going there. D) Mirrors, mirrors on the wall. Or actually, how to build a mirror I can hang on my chrome shelves. I have a few ideas involving S hooks and eye screws.

To sell or not to sell???

What are your thoughts on these?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Accessory set.

I hadn’t seen these before. As over shoes go, if these were common, I would love to have a pair.

The MET has them listed as an 1825-30 accessory set – “By the 1820s, ankle boots were becoming the favored daytime footwear for ladies in both the United States and Europe, especially for outdoor wear. Like the shoes of the time, however, fashionable boots were often constructed of thin and flimsy materials, which made walking on cobbled or unpaved roads torturous. As a minor concession to utility, this pair of thin-soled boots is paired with a matching set of pattens which provide a heavier sole for walking. Pattens were basically utilitarian, hence it is somewhat unusual for them to survive in good condition, and even rarer to find a pair matching the boots with which they were worn.”

I’ve been so wrapped up in my current millinery obsession and planning for the Netherfield Ball, I nearly missed Quinn recognizing me for the Very inspiring Blogger Award. I am so very flattered. Thank you, very much Quinn. It is quite nice to know I’ve been inspiring people with my posts.  If you have not yet seen it, head over to Quinn’s blog The Quintessential Clothes Pen.

As with these awards, we have some rules….

Here are the rules: 1- Display the award and link back to the person who nominated you; 2- State seven facts about yourself; 3- Nominate 15 blogs for the award; 4- Notify the winners.

Seven things about me. Lets see. 1. I love spicy food, at time ridiculously spicy. Just this past Sunday, Dan had to open the kitchen windows because the three dozen jalapenos I was cleaning and cutting for salsa were filling the apartment with capsaicin. 2.  Similarly, I use sriracha chili sauce like most people use ketchup. 3. I lack a cat. My dear feline friend has been living with a dear human friend since we still can’t have pets. Sadness. 4. I love tea, but hate coffee. Icky. 5. I have a teeny temperature comfort window anymore. Below 60, too cold; above 70, too hot. 6. I love the smell of jasmine and lavendar and mints and rose and orange blossom.  7. I enjoy listening to thunderstorms.

There are several blogs and bloggers I find inspiring. I nominate….

• First I would like to re-recognize Quinn’s blog. I always enjoy her detailed progress posts with all the great photos.
• Anna in Technicolor is by another Anna, who looks at historic, vintage and modern clothing. Her posts are always a sprout of life.
• The Pragmatic Costumer is sorta my escape into eras I will likely never do, but love to drool over.  
• Mixing historic costuming and cosplay, In the Long Run always has an interesting project going.
•  In my opinion, Bygone Glamour is all about depth of though and research each time she picks up a topic.
• When the header photo itself inspires with the thought “I don’t have that one”, you know you’ve got something. Such is the case with Women, Words, and Wisdom.

For those who have not yet seen it, I rather like this image:

(Godey’s 1863)

Okay, this post is less about what I’m up to and more about what Mom and Lily are up to. This week their kitchen will be filled with maple cooking as they get their entries ready for the “Cooking With Maple” Contest at the Genesee Country Village.  

Some of last year’s Maple baked goods recipies

This contest is part of their Maple Fest taking place last weekend and this weekend. Guest can walk through the woods to see the tapped maple tree, visit maple camp where they will learn about boiling down  turning the maple trees’ sap into syrup and sugar as well as visit with village craftsman to see how the tools, buckets, troughs are made.  There will be tastings too.

I know mom has something interesting she’ll be entering as she bought a most interesting ingredient yesterday. Of course, both mom’s and Lily’s entries are a secret  until after the contest.

EDIT : Lily won first place! Check out GCV’s Blog for photos and the winners.

These antique Valentines have been lucky a few times over. First the recipient saved them. Then, they survived a flood in Dad’s basement. While everything else in the box they were in was sadly soaked and ruined, these were tucked safely in a water-tight plastic bag. I’ve been wanting to share these pretties for a while. They’ve spent the last few years packed away, just waiting to be seen. Here is a small sampling (and, yes, I took photos instead of scanning for a reason)…..

Interested in more information on Victorian Valentines? May I suggest: The Secret Life of Victorian Cards   and Valentines; the Language of Love.