It is only 8 days into the new year, yet I’ve been busy, busy.
Somehow, I managed to pull off a week’s catch-up work in 2 days for another department while technically on recess. I’ve been working at double, maybe triple speed this week as we dive into our January crunch time for exams. I’ve still been determined to get this pattern done.
And
It is nearly ready!
If you are on Patreon, you have access to my proof copy.
Once I am happy with it, and sure I didn’t miss something from staring at a computer screen for 12 hours, I will upload it to Etsy for everyone.
Right is the original. Left is my version. Both are blueish-green wool exteriors with canary yellow quilted silk facing inside.
I still need to create the doll version. I have 2 doll sizes drafted. I think I am still on track to have those ready by the end of January for you.
This new year is especially significant to me. I am starting the year as Anna Worden rather than by my married name, and I am also nearing a landmark birthday. I’ve never been good at setting traditional New Year’s Resolutions or such. I do find value in focusing on a theme and arcing intention this year.
For this year, my theme is to embrace and celebrate myself. My broader aim is to move beyond survival mode and into a period of growth.
Connections – Which of my readers are authors?
As I think about this year and what I hope to grow, I find myself reflecting on how much I value connection. This is particularly true of my many readers who have followed along for years. This year, I want to grow these connections. Starting off:
Over time, I’ve learned that a good number of my readers are also writers. Many of you have reached out to me with thoughtful questions about history, clothing, and millinery while working on your own projects, and I’ve always been glad to help where I could. What I’ve realized, looking back, is that I didn’t always take the next step and ask about the books themselves.
That’s something I’d like to change.
If you are an author, I would love to hear about your work. If you’re comfortable sharing, please leave the title of your book (or books) in the comments. I find myself in a place where I want to read more of what others have written. I’d like to fill my 2026 reading list with authors I know, supporting your work as you have mine.
Coming in January – Many have been asking for 1870s and 1880’s hood patterns. I am listening! I am currently working on an 1870s Light Wool Hood Pattern. Initially, I wanted to have this pattern ready for New Year’s Day. I’ve really pushed myself through recess to get it done for you. But, this hood is just too darling to rush. It will be available sometime this month with 2 sizes and a doll size. Of course, paid Patrons will have access to this pattern here.
Coming in February – I have my first program of the year scheduled at the Wehle Gallery at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. I am looking forward to sharing often overlooked or mis-identified Pen Wipes with visitors, including a make-n-take option.
Bergère Hats – I will begin sewing Bergère hats as soon as I finish the pattern mentioned above. I want to do my best to make a hat for everyone who wants one for this 250th year.
I do have additional plans that I am not quite ready to share. I will as soon as I have them more firmly in place.
Looking back on 2025, this was a year of collection and reflection for me. In reflection, much of the year was spent collecting truths about myself, noticing what holds my attention, what fills me with a sense of contentment, and what brings me joy, event when time felt scarce or energy drained.
Some of the most meaningful work I did this year looked very different form my usual practice, or what I usually share. I spent part of last winter and spring working with students in a wood tech class – trading needle & thread for power tools, drills & saws. While the current trend in sewing calls for being in the moment, this work truly required full attention in the moment to ensure everything was done correctly and everyone was safe. It was exhausting some days. It was also fulfilling and reviving. By the end of the school year, as my attention had to shift to exams, I made a table with a chess board top, just like all of the students. This experience reminded me how content I feel when I am physically making something with my hands.
That thread of making, designing, and seeing things take shape ran through the year in different ways. While most years I make and create, this year felt different. My mindset began to shift. I suspect it will continue to shift further.
In recent years, much of my attention was on connecting my work with those who came before me; 19th-century milliners, sewers, and makers. At some point this year, I started to come back to myself, asking: where in the creating process do I find joy? Contentment? Fulfillment?
I realized what I love about creating is the discovery, the exploring, the puzzling out, the figuring out how something can go together. I also find joy in sharing what I learn or dream up. Late this year, I began sharing some of the little project thoughts, the ideas that come to mind, that I sketch up, but may or may not actually make, on my Patreon feed because I love the idea of someone making the things I dream up or someone taking my little thought and growing it.
As this year wraps up, I find myself less interested in measuring output of the past year and more interested in staying with me, continuing my collection & reflection. I am stepping into the new year with a clearer sense of what beings me back to myself: making with my heart as my hands, puzzling things out, and sharing the process along the way.
PS – Cats also thing self-reflection is important.
Photo Summary of the Year:
Since I know you love photos…..
Initially, one of my goals for the year was to do a few “modern” programs – meaning small group programs dressed in modern clothes, using a PowerPoint. In the Spring, I did just that. I packed up a portion of my collection, including bonnets and newly cleaned bonnet blocks, and headed off to share a look inside the millinery trade with the Antiques Society of the Finger Lakes as the Geneva History Museum. It was a nice night with a wonderful audience.
I learned a few things that night. First, I can keep talking on topic even when the power goes out. If it hadn’t come back on so quickly, I would have been okay working my way through my display items with a flashlight. Second, presentations that keep me out until after 10 need to not be on a school night. 5 am comes a lot earlier than it used to.
Cats vs Dogs was a complete divergence from my more serious norm. It also felt like a much needed one. In the end, my goals were achieved. Nearly every visitor that come through the door connected in some way with the cats and/or dogs. Some shared stories of their own pets. Some mentioned their allergies. Some shared memories of fabric cats their grandmother had. One even named the reddish-brown dog “Reddington” and wanted to be sure I would remember.
I am very excited this horsehair bonnet joined my collection. I realized after opening it, I may at some sub-conscious level been acquiring an assortment of display bonnets for presentations. I now have a plain, natural 1860s straw with the parts separated, a black straw mourning 1860s bonnet (currently still working on the repairs), a striped straw 1860s bonnet, an 1860s horsehair bonnet, an 1860s drawn bonnet, an 1880s black straw bonnet, and an 1880s squash (loofah) bonnet that can accompany programs. Actually transporting them still scars me though.
This image brought me joy when I first saw it and each time since. It feels like a challenge in a tintype.
It screams: Recreate me!!!
I would absolutely love to see a site recreate this as a photo opportunity for visitors or for someone to recreate the whole image. If you do, I will get a better resolution image for you.
Favorite millinery of the year? That would likely be these:
First, the bad news: I am not going to have my new pattern done by New Year’s Day as I wanted. Each step is taking a bit longer than I anticipated. Okay, maybe I’m being particular. Plus, this hood has a sweet trim design that took about 5 hours to digitize and 5 hours, so far to apply.
Next, mixed news: I had arranged to work this week, which is technically recess. But, that fell through. On one hand, this leaves me a week’s pay short in my budgeting. On the other hand, this gives me more time to complete this hood pattern.
Finally, good news: I plan to offer this pattern in a doll size as well. Actually, 2 doll sizes: Both an 18″ porcelain doll size and an 18″ modern doll size. (aka: A size to fit dolls like American Girl Dolls.) The doll sizes should be ready in January.
This past year, with the funds from Patreon I have paid for my WordPress platform & domains, two amazing collection additions, and a couple of Clara’s Chewy orders.
The shipping mishaps with the black straw mourning bonnet nudged me into trying my hand at repairing or stabilizing original straw bonnets. I already have several ideas and techniques I want to explore when time and funding allows.
In the coming year, I hope to find ways to share more of my research & collection, as well as spend more time writing both non-fiction & fiction. Your support through Patreon will continue to pay for both written content on WordPress & Patreon, as well as research & presentation endeavours.
I would love to add at least 3 supporters to each of my main Patreon tiers in 2026. Doing so would reduce my financial anxieties and allow me to give more focused attention to my work.
32 degrees, light snow, and occasional sun. Could there be a more perfect winter day to visit a 19th-century village decorated for the holidays?
Based on the square filled with kids, young and old, building a snow family and playing in the snow, many found this to be the case.
In the MacKay House, we had a bit of fun as well. We pinned cats against dogs, encouraging visitors to vote for their favorites.
To help with the decision, or maybe make it harder, we displayed and discussed a variety of handmade cats and dogs. This assortment of Victorian fancy work and toys included pin cushions, needle-books, pen wipes, weaving designs, and early toys, all cat & dog themed. I even worked on an embroidered holiday cat pocket.
Several people inquired about making some of their own. Here are the directions or sources for most of them:
Dog Pin Cushion (also Good as a Toy)
This dog worked up well in soft, fulled wool, the type for rug hooking. I could see it made up in a wool felt or heavier cotton fabric as well. Thinner, softer fabrics would need an iron on stabilizer for more body. I discovered this pattern looks a little like a goat when cut & sewn according to the tempate. I made several changes to my second one, the plain brown one. I elongated the face, gave it a longer tail & ears, and made the body leaner. This PDF includes the original template and my alterations.
Cat Needle-book
I made the cat needle-book several years ago. Here are the original directions. I used thin pasteboard, 2 layers for the front and back, off-white wool on the outside, silk taffeta on the inside, and tropical wool for the needle pages inside.
Many people commented that the cat looked felted. I absolutely think this is a design someone could felt, particularly needle felt. I would love to see someone or multiple someones do so.
Patchwork Cat & Patchwork Dogs
The patchwork cat outline was taken directly from an original patchwork cat. The dogs are drawn from a photo of a lab. The dog in brown was made first, highlighting some problem spots with the design. Here are my outlines for these:
You will need siln or other fabric scraps, a cotton layer to sew the scraps to, a back fabric, and wool or poly-fill. I recommend tracing the cat or dog to the back side of your lining fabric. Do not cut the shape out until after you sew. Sew your silk or other fabric scraps to the front. Iron the front of your cat or dog smooth. Place your patchwork layer right sides together with the back fabric. Using the traced line as your sewing line, sew around your cat or dog. Leave a 2″ opening on the back to turn your cat or dog right side out. You will need to use a stick or pencil to help with small areas like the nose, ears, & tail. Fill with filling. Close the opening with a blind stitch.
Ithaca Cat – Ceasar & Friends
My full-size Ceasar Grimalkin, aka Ithaca Kitty, came from the History Center in Tompkins County. I intended to include a link to their shop but I do not see cats in the online shop currently. My small cats & dogs are courtesy of a friend. I also planned to include a link to a shop on Etsy where I’ve seen reproductions of the printed fabric available. That appears to be gone as well.
Cat Pen Wipe
Bad news first – My cat pen wipe was made years ago freehand looking at originals. I did not make a pattern or enough notes to make one.
Good news – I will be doing a program on Pen Wipes in February at the Wehle Gallery. Along with showing some original pen wipes and my reproduction pen wipes, visitors will have the opportunity to make your own simple pen wipe. More details to come.
Procrastination bit me hard this month. In early October, I told myself I should try on my clothes. As October became November, I told myself I really should try on my clothes. The first week rolled on and became the second. The weekend before Thanksgiving, I told myself I absolutely must try on my clothes. That is how two weeks before Holiday Open House I discovered my wool plaid winter dress didn’t close by a full 4 inches across the bodice.
This is how I found myself digging through my totes for an acceptable dress length and rush sewing a new dress during Thanksgiving break.
Luckily, I had a green & red plaid heavier cotton in my stash with 6 2/3 yards. While wool would have been preferable, the festive aspect had appeal. I debated between eras; fun with plaid battling speed.
While I drafted over the weekend, cutting commenced Wednesday morning. I sewed through from Wednesday to Sunday, with Thanksgiving, finalizing my divorce, and changing my name in between. The dressed was finished enough to wear Sunday evening with enough time for a relaxing movie before going to bed.
For such a rushed dress and having not made myself a garment in a long time, I am pleased with the fit. I opted to treat the fabric as if it were wool rather than cotton because of the weight and the winter purpose. Plus, the plaid wanted to. I went for a bit shorter skirt to save on fabric. Ironically, I have enough left that I may add some bias either to the skirt or sleeve or something. The skirt is 4 45″ panels, gauaged to the waistband. The hem is faced with a reproduction cotton print and bound with red cotton tape, as I did not have a wool hem tape on hand. The front bodice pieces are cut on the bias to create the Vs. Initially, I pleated the bodice, quickly discarding gathers as an option. Seeing the bodice set, I decided to top stitch these into darts to help the bodice lay. (At some point, I need to readjust one side as it lays funky with excess fullness sitting above the bust. I have torso asymmetry following the gallbladder surgeries.) I wanted to do something more involved with the sleeve, but I also want to be done in time. (With several other projects pending.) I opted for simple one-piece sleeves cut on the bias. These are fully lined with plain cotton. The fit is comfortable for my arms with hereditary wings. I finished it off with quick hooks, cuffs, and collar.
I picked my Moonstone broach and earrings, not wanting to wear black, which is primarily what I have. My knit cap definitely helps keep my head a tad bit warmer and cold migraines at bay. I consider wearing a red ribbon belt, which has a gold slide buckle. But, it just looked jarring and not quite right.
Oh, shoes. Because of the snow, ice, and a fear of falling, I wore snow boots and changed into house flats. It is what it is. I just don’t bounce as well as I used to.
This is now my Holiday dress.
I couldn’t find my red wool petticoat, which I what I pictured under this. I went with my dark grey, which is meant to be worn over a cage. It is too long for this skirt and sticks out. Adding to my hem drama, within 30 minutes of arriving I snagged my hem tape on a door frame and tore off about a foot. So, it needs repair be the next open house.
If you’ve followed me for some time, you know that, for me, one of the most important aspects of creating a program is connecting with and engaging visitors. I love when some aspect of what I am sharing with people sparks a conversation, stirs up a memory, or opens the door for a visitor to share their story as well.
Some times, the littlest thing can be what catches a visitor’s s attention, draws them in, and helps them connect with the aspects of history I am sharing with them. The most simple object can connect with a visitor, such as small strawberry pin cushions and emories. These tiny objects brought special smiles to visitors’ faces as they shared stories of little red strawberries. from visitors.
True connection with visitors can vary. A visitor may stand over my shoulder mesmerized by the turning of a pinking machine. A pair of siblings may pull over a bench to sit and ask questions. A young visitor may hop up and down as they make a connection with something they saw earlier elsewhere. Yet, engagement isn’t always active interaction. It can also be the quiet, elderly visitor in the corner staring at pen wipes, waiting for the room to clear so she can pull back her tears and tell me about watching her mother write with pen & ink as a child.
In developing my program for this month, I knew with all the stress in my life and likely in the life’s of the visitors I will see, I needed to do something fun that nearly everyone will be able to connect with on some level. This year’s 19th century handmade gifts for Holiday Open House are all about
Cats & Dogs
My hope is visitors will engage with the various pieces of cat & dog fancy work I’ve created. Maybe, they will share stories of the cat or dog, or similar projects or gifts they made. By doing so, I can help connect them with the history of handmade gifts and the educational aspects of fancy work for girls and women.
I also hope visitors will have a little fun with this and enjoy voting for cats or dogs.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 