Small Changes

Got to work on a short sewing project--altering a friend's bodice to add 1.5" at the waist.  I opened the side seams, and pieced the fabric by hand, then reattached the binding.  Fortunately, it didn't require alteration to the shoulder and chest, so I was able to leave the sleeve and armscye as-is.  The material is a windowpane sheer, lined in white muslin.

Bodice interior.

Musing

" I hope that some one who is better qualified than myself will take up the history where I now leave it."
 --A A Denny, Pioneer Days on Puget Sound

[Still working on thesis revisions. Arthur's day book has been very helpful to me, and, despite being nowhere near 'better qualified', I enjoyed this little high-five in his memoirs.]

Belt on a Band Loom

Cleaning up the old projects, to make room for the new. I started this band last summer to practice tension on the medieval box loom (beating it evenly with a wool warp is a bit trickier than the cotton I used the first time around).  By the end I think I figured it out, so hopefully the next project turns out a little more...consistent in its width.  It'll do for a belt with my serving attire, at least, or maybe just a strap for hauling small bundles.

Warp-faced wool belt.
Woven on a band loom with rigid heddle.

Thesis Defense

Passed. Now to revisions!

Getting Ready for the New Season

Took a break from thesis to prep all my shoes for the reenacting season. Cleaned, conditioned uppers, oiled soils, and then polished.

Four pairs, but five colors of polish...

I enjoy school, but am looking forward to having more sewing time...

Yet Another Sewing Kit

Nope. I definitely don't have a problem. I do, however, still have a fair amount of that wild stripe material left over from my quilted petticoat. So, I decided the Fort needed a "floor model" to accompany the copies of Fanciful Utility which are for sale in the gift shop.

Angled side shot of the kit makes it look more impressive.

I sort of like how the pink coral (aka "brains") print
from my pinner apron looks with the green.

Local Color

I came across this in my reading, and now really want to see someone reproduce the cart Rev. David Blaine made for his infant son:

 “I made him a little cart when we were in Portland, worth about $20.00. The wheels are just large buggy wheels and painted red with black stripes. The box is shaped like a shoe, long enough for him to lie down in and bundle up, and is painted sky blue. I have the material for a top but have not put it on. It will have three bows to be covered with enameled black cloth. The top will be fixed to fall back like a buggy top. I have no boy to draw it, so I have to be the horse myself. Johnny is very fond of riding.”--Letter to Seraphina (sister), Jan. 8, 1857.

In Letters and Papers of Rev. David E. Blaine and His Wife Catharine.