If I Had My Own Blue Box:

Did You Know?

Did you know the techniques in Fanciful Utility: Victorian Sewing Cases and Needle-books can also be used for a variety of other 19th century projects?

They can!

The stitches and assemble techniques can be used for making many of the items found in Godey’s Lady’s Book, Peterson’s Magazine, Workwomen’s Guide, and A Girl’s Own Book just to name a few.

This leather, cotton and silk market wallet was made using the pasteboard and binding techniques outlined in the book.

You can make travel cases such as this one using the skill you learn from FanU.

I enjoy making both 19th and 21st century Christmas decorations. You can make some of those seen here. Also, the templates for the shaped in FanU can also make great ornaments.

I used the same techniques when I made the soles for these quilted silk slippers.

Other items found in period publication you can make using the same skills and techniques can include:

Watch pockets
Pen wipes
Children’s toys
Small books
Work baskets
Pasteboard doll furniture
Card cases
and so many more……

If you don’t already have your copy of Fanciful Utility: Victorian Sewing Cases and Needle-books, purchase your copy directly from ESC Publishing.

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on October 18, 2013 at 6:15 am Leave a Comment

Ideas, Ideas…. What Shall the Next FanU Swaps Be?

It sounds like the participants in the first set of Fanciful Utility Fabric Swaps have been enjoying the swaps. This summer and fall we did three swaps, a Cotton Swap, a Silk Swap and a Crazy Swap. The Crazy Swap is currently underway. It is so very nice to get a fun piece of fabric in the mailbox rather than the usual bills and spam. I know I get excited each time I see one of those envelops.

We’ve had a few people share their projects so far. I look forward to seeing more of the projects. So, please continue to share what you make.

You know me, my mind is always wandering and looking ahead. So, of course, I am pondering what themes to do in our next set of swaps. I think January would be a good time to begin another trio of swaps. That would give us one each in January, February and March to help us through those winter months. I’ve had a few different theme ideas floating around in my head. I would love to hear what you think; what themes you like and any theme ideas I haven’t thought of yet.

Here are a few….

First up, the “Romantic Swap”. This would include reproduction cotton prints from the Romantic Era, 1820s through 1840s. This era is full of fun, wild even, colorful prints.

Next idea has a motif I love. The “Paisley Swap” would include 19th century appropriate Paisley motifs. These could be an organized, all over print usually accomplished with a block, or Paisley’s set into a strip design. Lots of options here. New ideas 2b

Looking at a silk option, we could do a “Silk Jacquard Swap”. Oh, what delicious fabrics this could include. This would be one of the more pricey swaps for those that don’t already have a silk jacquard on hand.

As I was looking through fabrics, one theme that wanted attention suggested a “Mini-Swap”. This wouldn’t be mini-fabric. This would be for mini-prints. While tiny prints weren’t usually the showcase of sewing cases, an assortment of mini-prints could make for some fun cases. Doll lovers may particularly like this swap because the scale could easily be used with the doll size sewing cases and needle-books in Fanciful Utility.

This next theme is inspired by my Grandma. While using some of her fabric pieces, I notices she had a leaf theme going on for a little while. I made my little sister a rolled case with Grandma’s leaf prints. It came out so cute, I have to consider it for a swap. Thus, the “Leaf Swap”. Now, the question is… Spring leaves or fall leaves???

While looking at reproduction fabrics and original swatch books, a “Geometric Swap” stood out. I don’t think many of us think about geometrics showing up in prints from the 19th century. This could be a good way to look at them. I had been thinking about a “Patriotic Swap” or a “Centennial Swap”. I have to admit now… that one is hard. I need to know what you think about this one.

An idea stuck in the “I wonder” stage is Toiles. These don’t show up much in sewing cases of the mid-century. They would look so very cool if they did. Two other challenges are the scale of most toiles and the cost. I think some of us may get frustrated with cutting the prints evenly.

Whether you have already participated in a FanU Swap or are considering joining in, I would love to hear from you on ideas for the next swaps.

If you want to pick up a copy of Fanciful Utility (or give some as gifts), hop over to www.thesewingacademy.com to order directly from the publisher.

Published in:

Favorite Topics - Sewing Cases

on October 16, 2013 at 7:37 pm Comments (6)
Tags: FanU Swaps

“Travelers and Traveling” from 1860

Today’s reblog

If I Had My Own Blue Box:

I stumbled across this article, “Travelers and Traveling” by Mary A. Denison in Peterson’s Magazine from 1860.

I rather enjoyed the first part, but then it took quite a twist.

“Think for a moment of the masses moving in every direction. From homes of wealth and of poverty they come – from the emigrant’s little cabin of mud by the wayside, and the palace of the titled noble – on the they throng, men, women, and children – sick and well – joyful and sorrowful. Some are in the first flush of wedded happiness, on their bridal tour – some are leaving the home of youth and childhood, where they have been sheltered and fondled, to seek a scanty living in a heartless world. Some go at the call of husbands to the land of the golden mountains – some to while away a leisure that is wearisome, to fill…

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I Forgot to Categorize This.

on October 15, 2013 at 7:16 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Travel

Cold Weather Prep – ReBlogs

For today’s “Reblog”, I’m continuing with the cold weather theme and combining two previous post on prepping for the cold weather. Both are from 2011, which, as you can tell, was a year when the weather turned much earlier than this year. Right now, we have chilly mornings in the upper 30s and low 40s with “warmer” afternoons in the upper 60s or low 70s even. But, with the trees almost at peek, we know the cold, cold weather isn’t far behind.

Are You Ready for Your Cold Weather Events?

For those of us in the northern states of the country we usually see the onset of fall as the ‘end of the season’. But, many of us have cold weather activities ahead of us. This could be ceremonies for Veteran’s Day and Rememberance Day, Yuletide and Christmas events for our living history sites or even festive caroling in our communities.

For each of these events, the weather can get down-right Cold!

Keep in mind – Layers are the Key to Warmth. This means your 1) Underpinnings 2) Dress 3) Outerwear and 4) Accessories.

Here is a list of items that can help you keep warm:

Wool flannel or wool knitted drawers
A flannel Chemise (this can get Very warm) (post-war description)
Wool, quilted and knitted petticoats
Wool stays
Wool stockings

For your dress, consider:

A wool dress (This doesn’t need to be a heavy weight or even a medium-heavy weight)
Warm clothes such as a sontag, “hug me tight” or a knitted waist coat

For outerwear, think beyond the cape that will let cold air in and encumber you arms. Consider:

Coats such as paletots, pardessus, and sacques (2)
Mantles
Cloaks

Accessories help keep your hands and head warm. Consider these:

Shawls
Gloves, mitts, mittens
Hoods including quilted, wadded, wool and knit
Scarves and Nubias
Muffs
Fur
Knitted knee warmers

An Evening Chill in the Air

Have you noticed the chill in the air as evening sets in? I know it is still August. But, it is definitely there. While it may feel refreshing to fall asleep in this fresh cool air after many hot and humid nights, we all know this means even colder nights aren’t far behind. I’ll admit, this year I am particularly not looking forward to the colder weather coming in since I don’t exactly have my own home with my own favorite creature comforts. I am big, really big on my creature comforts, most of which come from what I’ve learned about how people kept warm in the 19th century. But, I digress.

With cold weather imminent, now is the time to make sure you are ready. After all, you don’t want to be left out in the cold without your cold weather wear.

Layers are the Key to Warmth. This means your 1) Underpinnings 2) Dress 3) Outerwear and 4) Accessories.

For your underpinnings, consider these:

Wool flannel or wool knitted drawers
A flannel Chemise (this can get Very warm) (post-war description)
Wool, quilted and knitted petticoats
Wool stays
Wool stockings

For your dress, consider:

A wool dress (This doesn’t need to be a heavy weight or even a medium-heavy weight)
Warm clothes such as a sontag, “hug me tight” or a knitted waist coat

For outerwear, think beyond the cape that will let cold air in and encumber you arms. Consider:

Coats such as paletots, pardessus, and sacques (2)
Mantles
Cloaks

Accessories help keep your hands and head warm. Consider these:

Shawls
Gloves, mitts, mittens
Hoods including quilted, wadded, wool and knit
Scarves and Nubias
Muffs
Fur
Knitted knee warmers

Published in:

Resources - Reenacting & LH

on October 11, 2013 at 4:00 pm Leave a Comment

The Usefulness of a Jacket – Godey’s 1858

For my first “reblog”, a little bit on coats/jackets as I’m quite a bit chilly tonight.

If I Had My Own Blue Box:

This is a clip from Godey’s, 1858, I had in my “Distracting Odds and End” folder. It simultaneously speaks of the commonness of a shawl and the usefulness of a jacket.

Hints on Jackets – When to Wear Them by Mrs. Damas Few things that we wear are, in my opinion, more comfortable than a jacket. There are various sorts, morning and evening- jackets, for young and old; but what I would first wish to call attention to is a comfortable jacket, one that can be worn at any time, the first thing in the morning, and the last thing at night. Mothers of families would do well to have such a one. It is a common practice with many to draw on a shawl; and, as this is generally done in a hurry, it rarely covers the chest, and requires one arm to hold it on. The jackets I…

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I Forgot to Categorize This.

on October 10, 2013 at 7:05 pm Leave a Comment

This Year’s Fair Favorites

This year’s Agricultural Society Fair had several entries that fall into my “Favorites” category.

The tiniest entry was actually smaller than the display tag that went with it. Look at this little doll. She is adorable! I was hoping to meet the person who made this doll, but I missed her. I’m pretty sure she is made entirely leather, with a painted face. I’ve been thinking about making a nice little doll for Mea. This would be perfect.

This is my tasty favorite of the event.

Of course, I always enjoy the hooked rugs. This one is so very pleasing to look at.

This piece of tineware is just nice. I would love to be able to request one for Dan.

I can’t help but wonder what this piece of crewel work is going to be. It is so pretty and well balanced.

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on October 8, 2013 at 4:29 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: GCV

Re-Blogging My Own Blog

I’ve decided to re-blog some of my blog’s resource posts that are buried in the depths of time. After all, the information isn’t helpful if it isn’t seen.

Do you have a favorite blog post you think others should read?

Let me know your what you would like me to bring to the surface.

Published in:

I Forgot to Categorize This.

on October 8, 2013 at 1:59 pm Comments (2)

How Lily & I did

I’ll start with how Lily did at the Ag Fair. Because… let’s be honest, this pig is just too cute:

This pig, one of three photographs she entered in the adult categories, won a blue ribbon. She also entered a really nifty fungus photo and a black and white architecture photo. For some reason, I just couldn’t get a clear shot of this photo. My apologies for this shot:

Lily also received a blue ribbon for her candied flowers. I can tell you they were tasty.

On to me. I can say this was my worst Ag Fair. I knew leading up to the fair that I didn’t have the entries I wanted to enter finished. Okay, in some cases even started. I also knew I was going to try some categories I hadn’t entered before. Then, the week before came this stupid cough that turned into a nasty cough accompanied by muscle exhaustion and a fever by the time of the fair. So, here I am at the fair on Sunday as the humidity crept up and the temperature crept up, utterly over heating. This makes for a cranky me.

As far as those new entries go… I tried pickles. They turned out to be strong enough to knock one on their bottom with just one bite. So, these did not get entered. This was much to my husband’s delight, as he started taking them for lunch as soon as I said they weren’t going. (I suppose I could have taken a photo of the half eaten crock.)

I also tried my hand at shrub. To me, a shrub needs to do its job of keeping someone hydrated and have a strong fruit flavor. I don’t like super sweet drinks in the summer heat. The sweetness just turns my off. So, my shrub is a cherry & peach done with red wine vinegar and honey. A tablespoon to a glass of water works nicely for me. It did not win a ribbon though. I was able to taste the blue ribbon shrub. It was light and sweet, almost like candy. I think it would make a nice winter, holiday time drink with more of a 1:1 ratio of syrup to water. She used the recipe on the museum’s blog. (btw – Mom called Sunday night saying I forgot my shrub in her canned goods box and hoped I didn’t mind that they were drinking most of it.)

The other category new to me was one of the non-clothing quilting projects. This piece is part of the memorial & commemorative project I’ll be coordinating over the next year or so. This memorial applique is taken from the center of a memorial quilt. Now that the fair is over, I’ll be adding the initials of family members in the open space. (I hadn’t thought about it until I was there on Sunday; but it is interesting that the first quilt project I enter is a memorial one while Grandma had been a quilter there.)

I entered a drawn bonnet in the “non-corded clothing” category. This is the “Peppermint” bonnet I was working on at the end of the summer. I guess the advantage of it winning a red ribbon instead of a blue is now I won’t feel bad about selling it. (btw – It is available on Etsy right now.)

I entered Dan’s wallet in the sewing “Domestic article” category. You should see the very awesome tiny piece that won in this category. (It will be in my favorites post.)

I wasn’t going to enter a needle-book this year. But, skipping the story, I entered one.

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on October 7, 2013 at 5:00 pm Comments (4)
Tags: GCV

Mom, Swimming in Blue

With being under the weather and the weather being heavy, this was not my favorite Ag Fair. Though, I did realize I entered my first Ag Fair entry 30 years ago.
This year, Mom was swimming in blue. She did really well. I think we counted 7 blue ribbons and 1 white.

Butter was one of the categories new for Mom. She joined a dairy coop this summer, which supplied her with an ample amount of local milk. She separated the cream and fats herself. The quest for a butter churn started in May, if I remember correctly. She found a nice reproduction piece. Then she found an original bottom in nearly the identical shape. They look nice sitting next to each other in the living room. I’m not sure when or where she found her butter press. It sure is pretty. (So is the pineapple) She was worried the butter would get stuck. But, out it came.

I won’t even try to get the names of the preserves right. I really should have written them down. I know there is a pickle, corn relish and a jam that won.

Here is her pumpkin pie. She also did an English gingerbread which is very heavily molasses. I happen to love molasses. So, I enjoyed the uber-darkness of the bread.

Mom decided to enter two plants this year. The first is a scented geranium. It smells wonderful. The other is a rosemary.

I missed a photo somewhere of her 4th blue. I have no idea what that was.

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Working on - Events/Activities

on October 6, 2013 at 3:39 pm Comments (5)
Tags: GCV

Peppermint – Full Size, Mini Size

I have waited so patiently to share the photos of this project. Now that the Agricultural Society Fair at the Genesee Country Village is underway and judging has taken place, I can share. Yeah!

This bonnet is called “Peppermint”. The striped pale red and creamy white just begged to be made into a bonnet. (This is one of the silks that was swapped in the FanU Silk Swap). The bonnet is drawn on canes over a buckram base. The flowers are paper in blues and rosey reds.

This is the bonnet that made me a little ribbon nutty for a few days. I just could not decide which ribbon to go with. There were several ribbon colors that would contrast so nicely with the stripes, a royal blue, a blue-lilac, even a warm brown. But, the more I looked at original drawn bonnet, I saw most of them went with a matching or nearly matching ribbon. With this in mind, I opted for a four inch wide ivory satin from The Ribbon Store, which is much more ivory than the cream of the photo.

I did say “full size, mini size”. So, here is the mini-size:

A bonnet Mea and Jo to share.

In this miniature version, made from the left-overs from the full-size version, the silk is drawn on wire over a small buckram frame. The lining and frill are of the same materials. The flowers are tiny blue paper from the larger roses in the full size bonnet. The ribbon ties are the same as the narrower ties above.