If I Had My Own Blue Box:

For the past few months I’ve been drooling over some great work, completely amazed by the delicate detail and craftmanship.

What has me so infatuated? The incredible patriotic cockades being made by the ladies of the West Side Soldiers Aide Society. I’ve long been impressed by the work this group does both in the 19th and 21st centuries. Their cockades just top that off.

These cockades began with Tom Arliskas’ research for a presentation at the March 2011 Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1860s conference in Harrisburg. Their in-depth research and fine work can be seen as they  follow the 150th anniversary cyle from the patriotic cockades supporting both the north and south during the first years of the War through to the 1864 election and then to mourning ribbons upon Lincoln’s death. Each ribbon is based on an original ribbon or period description with great attention to the details of construction. The digital reproductions on the ribbons are incredible.

Take a look at their wonderful work:

Wonder where you can get your own? Terry Klein Arliskas runs the Victorian Sentiments shop on Etsy. There you can see a variety of the cockades and ribbons she has to offer.  

I also highly suggest you take a look at the many wonderful things this group does by checking out their Facebook page.

Yesterday, Dan and I visited the Tinker Homestead in Henrietta, NY for their Civil War Days. This small event takes place on a site which combined a historic house museum including barns and garden with a nature park including woodland and marsh trails.

We both agreed this site is full of potential. Dan focused on the battlefield area which ran along the road for about 200 yards with a speckle of trees and a gentle roll of a hill to the east. In the center was a dry ditch running the full width of the field. It was just the right width and depth for men to hunker down in. On either side of the depression, a rail fence was run.  Along one side of the field is a walk way with spaced, younger shade trees perfect for visitors to observe from comfortably.

I focused more on the nooks and presentation spots along with the well layed-out walk ways and ample, well placed shade. The park had several wooden pavilions with seating. A couple had the traditional eating pavilion look while another was more rustic. These would be ideal for a variety of educational presentations through out the event. Each one is moderately to well shaded providing a comfortable area for visitors to sit. Upon first look each appears to be decent for a conversational presentation without the need for a sound system. There are several areas with nooks in the trees that would work nicely for civilian camping and interpretation.  The flow through the park provided by the walk ways around the historic site and the nature center is wonderful. The trails to different sections combine open space with wooded trails and a boardwalk over a marsh. I find this nice for moving people around a good sized space without creating that feel of needing to walk ‘all the way over there’. It also gives visitors and attendees to opportunity to stroll through shaded, cooler trails if the weekend happens to be a hot & sunny one.

As I said, the space is a good size. The parking is nice. There is a parking lot at the main part of the park at the historic house and nature center building. Directly across the street is a church with a large lot available for visitor parking as well.  On the other end of the park is another parking lot. This one is ideal for participant parking as it is connected via the boardwalk trail over the marsh and has its own pavilion which could be set aside for those who need a time-out or momentary escape. There is enough space to move some of the military camps to either the other end of the field on this little rise or to the small field/treed area just beyond the woods near the other parking lot. Of course this would just be if the attendance numbers increased significantly.

This event is in its 8th year. One would think in this time it would have grown to be a moderately sized event. But it hasn’t. We both think it is because there are just so many events in August within an hour drive of the area. There are just to many events for quality reenactors to choose from.

There are many things I liked about the site and the event. Upon entering the event area, you see the first of two gardens. You also see the food vendors which are local scouts offering pizza, water and ice cream all at affordable prizes. I love to see an event that gives this opportunity to the scouts. They used a tent/fly and the cutest wooden wagon for the food. There is a main trail headed east from the parking lot. As you enter the trail there was a raffle table. This was placed in a smart place for maximizing the number of people buying tickets. If this event were to grow, I would rather see this table next to the food vendors. To the right begins the three civilian set-ups,  two for the Christian Commission and one for a well done general civilian impression. These tents had great spots for talking with visitors and for comfort as the back of the tents could open underneath the shady pine trees. On the left as you pass the first garden, is the Union camp running along the back of the garden towards the raspberry garden. Almost directly across the trail is the pavilion they utilized for their dress and uniform discussions. We caught the tail end of the uniform discussion. It looked moderately well attended. There was one civilian who welcomed people down into the pavilion offering refreshments. This was well done. Next along the trail were two sutler tents. These are nice spots for the larger tents. I’ll skip over the types of sutlers. Moving beyond the honey bee house along the trail you find the Confederate camps. I noticed these were dressed to appear as though they were left just after a meal. Interesting. This brings us to the battle field and observations during the battle. About 300 people were in attendance for the skirmish which itself was light on numbers. It was great to see the number of children there. There were boy scout groups based the kids and leaders/parents in their recently acquired summer camp t-shirts. There were also several kids trying to dress for the event. In addition to the people who appeared to be comfortable along the tree line and wrapped around one corner heading up a little hill, there were a good number of cars stopped along the road for just the battle. After the end of the battle the kids were allowed on the field to collect papers. I don’t know if this was meant to be the scouts cleaning the field or a memento collection.

We did hear this event may change to June. This could help with attendee numbers. It could also give local schools to opportunity to attend with-in district. I do wonder what the grounds difference will be. I suspect the dry ditch won’t be dry in the early summer weeks. It may not be as hot or humid. We shall see.

I have to give it to Elizabeth Clark. She addressed something I’ve avoided like the plague ever since the “To Net, or Not to Net” article…. the word “snood” actually existing in the 19th century. Check out her article “Getting Snoody”. She addresses nicely how the word snood actually refers to a ribbon rather than a net. Major Kudos.

I’ll admit, I dreaded trying to explain why nets are nets, not snoods but snoods did exist. I just figured it was too complicated and would confuse people. Bad, bad me. Then time rolled on and I got interested in other topics. Bad, bad me. Now, I really wish I had my binders with me so I could pull out the definition that uses the word snood as a verb. My stressed brain isn’t even pulling the name of the dictionary to the surface. I just recall this nice explanation of the word as a verb as I looked through the magnifying glass at this dictionary I would never be able to afford myself. With a lack of that excerpt, take a look at this on from the Scottish Dictionary and supplement, vol 2 from 1841 with the verb part noted in red:

This incredibly funny song was written by Barbara Smith after being inspired by Anna Allen’s Farby Snood.

MY DREADFUL FARBY SNOOD

Lyrics by Barbara Smith Inspired by Anna Allen
www.thegracefullady.com/civilwargowns/ready-mades_farbysnood.htm
Sung to the tune of “Oh My Darlin’ Clementine”
April 11, 2008

On a Website, or was it Ebay?
Trying hard to make a dime,
Dwelt a re-en-actor merchant,
Selling LOVELY nylon Snoods.

CHORUS:
Oh my dreadful, oh my dreadful,
Oh my DREAAADFUL Farby Snood!
Wish you were LOST, and gone forever
How I loathe you, Farby Snood!

Bright it was, so color-ful-ul,
Hypnotiiiiiiiiiizing were his wares,
Authentic help so close at ha-and,
To help me hide my Modern Hair.

CHORUS

Clicked the mouse-y, paid the PayPal,
And my Snood, was winging home!
No more tears o’er my poor hai-air,
My Lovely Snood would cure it all!

CHORUS
 
Morning of the, next Encampment,
found me spooooorting my new Snood,
Rainbow Bright could do no better,
Imagine my so sunny Mood!

CHORUS

Promenading, through the Ca-amp,
Head a-blaze just like the sun!
What’s that titter? What’s that chortle?
It’s at ME, they’re poking fun!

CHORUS

Now you ladies, may just learn the,
moral ooofffff my little tale –
Trust you not that scheming sutler
Avoid like fire, the Farby Snood!

CHORUS:
Oh my dreadful, oh my dreadful,
Oh my DREAAADFUL Farby Snood!
Wish you were LOST, and gone forever
How I loathe you, Farby Snood!

I had planned to do a “spring fever” post back when I did the cabin fever post. The thing is, I really didn’t mean to do the fever part literally only to find once it subsided that it went from winter to summer. But, alas this seems to be the case. Just a week and a half ago winter still had a foot hold. An extended delirium of a weekend passed with the flu. Then on the drive home from work, the car announced it is 80 degrees. Not exactly February weather inspiring spring fever. But, since I am sure a good many of you are feeling spring fever, lets take a look at what might help….

With the hint of spring just around the corner, we know a first event of the season will be following close behind. All to many times we wait until just before that event to get the clothes out and, gulp, try it on only to find… this is snug, that is loose or “ooops, I forgot I needed to fix that.” This year, don’t wait. Get your clothes out now. Try them on. Even if you can’t get to them now because you want to get the kids new clothes done first or you want to finish up the trim on your winter ball gown or spring cleaning is calling you. At least get the cloths out and give them a try. Write down what needs to be tweaked, mended or replaced. This way, you know what you do or don’t need to get to. Once you know where your current wardrobe stands, then you know what else you can squeeze in.

If you’ve had a particularly rough winter, think of a 19th century spring pick-me-up to work on. This could be a new bonnet, a pretty piece of jewelry, a little purse, a nice neck ribbon, or a gossamer fichu. A nice project like this gives you ‘you time’ while giving you a new pretty to great the newly refreshed spring with.

Along the lines of new, this is the perfect time of year to learn something new. Pick a topic you’ve been wondering about, something you’ve wanted to know more about or a book you’ve been meaning to read. Audiobooks are a great way to catch up on some reading while you go for your morning or evening walk or while driving to work. Just remember to share what you learn with others.

This passage has caught my attention….

The Godey’s Lady’s Book 1844  page 13

Going a Shopping

“Once we had shops filled with pretty things, then we had stores; now stores have changed into immense bazaars, upon entering which , you may imagine a while town of curiosities that lie before you.

On the ground floor, spacious apartments, ornaments of splendour, counters in a new style, mirrors on all sides, a painted and waxed floor, and magnificent carpets. You imagine yourself deceived, you fancy yourself in the gallery at Versailles, and would not dare to ask for a small quantity of flannel, or a piece of waistcoating in such a palace, if it were not that you perceive a world of clerks and shop boys, coming and going, folding and unfolding, measuring shawls, and selling scarfs, silks, cravats! and a crowd of people of all classes, looking, admiring and buying. ….

… There is always a crowd before the windows – a crowd of women, young and old, pretty and ugly, all so fond of dress. How they admire these shawls, so beautifully folded, and these dresses arrayed [sic] so artistically across each other! Listen a moment. “

Listening to the calls, texts and emails of family and friends many of you have reached the point where they are sick and tired of the snow, freezing cold and ice. Despite the utter lack of what I consider to be winter here, I too am feeling that spring time itch many of us reenactors do. With that in mind, I’ll be putting together some posts to bring us from cabin fever to spring fever the reenactor’s way.

As the depths of winter are upon most of the country, now is the perfect time for those curl-up next to the fireplace type of projects. Here are some of my suggestions….

1. Make a new set of under-pinnings. Chemises and drawers take a beating each season. This is the perfect opportunity to make a new set or  two as you need. Since I only brought one set to NM, I definitely want another. I’m giving a yoke design with a deep curved V in front a try. Nothing fancy, just comfy.
2. Make extra sets of collars and cuffs. If you are like me having some extra collars and cuffs is very helpful. I don’t know how many times I’ve been in a rush trying to find the collar I want. Even though I used to have a small box where they lived, the one I wanted, no matter which one that was, never seemed to be in that box. Now, without specific trunks or drawers for 19th century clothes, I have an even worse time finding these.
3. Try a challenge project. You know that project you’ve put off because it has been just a bit intimidating? That project. For me, I’m going to try my hands at gloves. I have wide hands with short fingers which result in premade gloves not fitting well. I end up shortening fingers all the time. So, now is the time for me to give making a pair a try. I am comfortable making my own pattern based on extant gloves. But, there are directions and patterns on the internet. My catch is finding the right material. I am such a tactile person, I am going to want to feel the material for these before buying.
4. Since we are rolling into the 150th cycle, now is a good time to pick a period magazine or newspaper to get a better feel of the every-day knowledge people had.

More to come as we work towards spring…..

Since I accomplished something quicker then planned tonight, I’m going to do a completely frivolous post (regardless of the other things I’m behind on.) So, tonight…

What can you make out of a 15 yard bolt of muslin?

I pose this question because the simple investment of $18 ($29.99 minus a 40% coupon) on a 44″ wide bolt can do a great deal for your wardrobe.

• approx 5 chemises or
• approx 7 pairs of drawers or
• approx 1 full petticoat and 2 chemises or
• approx 1 full petticoat, 1 chemise and a pair of drawer or
• approx 1 tucked petticoat 0r
• approx 1 corded petticoat and a moderately full petticoat or
• approx 1 quilted petticoat and a corded petticoat or
• approx 1 quilted petticoat and a moderately full petticoat or
• approx 1 quilted petticoat and a nightgown or
• approx 1 quilted petticoat, 1 chemise and a pair of drawers or
• approx 2 chemises, 2 pairs of drawers, several collars and several sleeve cuffs or
•  approx 30 sets of under-sleeves or
• approx 180 collars or
• approx 240 various cuffs or
• approx 4-5 shirts for hubby or
• approx 3 shirts and 2-3 pairs of drawers for hubby or
• ….

Please add your combinations below….

Adding Gail’s list:

I’ve been horrible on keeping up with posts, and, well, so many other things. I did send off an article to Connie for the Gazette. It is a military version of the “Connecting with your Audience” article. So, if you get that magazine, please take a look. I do have this list of articles I want to find time to put together for the Companion and for the blog. One in particular I thought might be of interest for the magazine is about the bag obsession I’ve had of late. Okay, not really about the obsession, about the bags themselves.

It is fall…. ahhhhhh. Normally this time of year I am thinking about quilted and wool petticoats, wristlets and wool stockings, wadded hoods and cozy coats. Not so much this year. Instead I am finishing up the dress for the masquerade ball here in town. It is a 50s basque combination done in the sunset silk I’ve had laying around. After the party you will be able to see photos. I may squeeze in another workshop locally this winter. I now have 25 sewing cases and needlebooks done plus the scissors cases and pincushions. Writing to follow. Other than that most of my sewing is for modern clothes including a coat which will eventually make it up on my updates blog.

In the past year I have definitally gone through an antiqueing with-draw. Back home going to sales, auctions, antique shops and the like were almost a weekly thing for my family and friends. I have a fondness for Federal and Chippendale furniture, patent furniture, trunks and a few other things. It was easy to find such things in the western New York area. Here, with the much later American settlement, not so much. (I have the worst time phrasing that because the history here goes back quite a ways.)

So, yesterday I was driving home rather worn-out and completely over heated when I saw a yardsale sign. I sighed because I haven’t been excited by the contents of sales here enough to even stop. But then I saw this table. I did a U turn (allowed here). I looked it over curiously. I wasn’t sure about the shape of the leafs as they were rather unique. But the legs said something to me. I got the man’s number because I wanted to check with Dan before spending a good sum of money. This also gave me a chance to go home to look at the computer  (one very easy furniture dictionary) and cool down. In less then an hour I had to go back to get the table. After a change of clothes and a trip to the bank, the table was upside down in my car.

Here is my table at the yardsale:

This table has very similar legs:

My concern with this table is how dry it is. It looks and feels like it has spent quite a bit of its life in the dry desert air. I want to safely reintroduce some moisture into the wood. So, I am looking around for the best way to do that. I did find this list of articles to pick through.