New year new beginnings

Hey y'all, it's been a while since I've written anything. I can't say that I've been more excited this year than ever before! The reason being is we celebrated New Year's eve in our own home.

We've been calling our new home Hidden Acres. Hidden acres is set on 6 acres on a private drive. The closest city is 3 miles away and I have to drive on a dirt road. We once lived in a busy city on the corner of a busy road and the freeway. It's a culture shock to now live on the outskirts of a small city with the population being just under 12,000. 

 

This home is our new beginning. Our plan is to eventually have a small garden, get goats (I'm still trying to convince the hubby for goats), raise chickens and move my in-laws in the basement. But first we had to do a few things such as gut the basement and fix the roof line.

 

 

January has been a funny little month. Some weeks were just freezing and the next, I was able to bring the kids out and play. 

Here to a New Year!

Becky: Baby's First and Second Shirt

In my post about January, I wrote that I had finished some baby shirts. I was confused on why there would be two different types of under shirts for baby; an open shirt (split in the back) and a closed shirt (no openings).

I thought I should unearth my resource books and find out. My best recourse books were Workwoman's Guide (1838) and What Children Wore (Or Wished They Could) in the Era of the Hoop by Heidi Marsh which referenced Godey's Magazine often.

In the Workwoman's Guide by A Lady (1838) I found a recommended list for baby's wear:

  

Baby-Linen Inventory

Shirts......................12-18

Flannel Bands...........2-4

Flannel Caps.............2-3

Night Caps...............6-12

Day Caps.................3-6

Napkins (dozens of)..4-6

Pilchers......................4-6

Pinafores...................6-12

Bedgowns.................4-6

First Day-gowns........3-4

Night Flannels............3-4

Day Flannels..............3-4

Flannel Cloak............1-2

Flannel Shawl............2-3

Robes.......................4-6

Petticoats..................4-6

Socks.......................4-8

Hood........................1

Cloak or Pelisse........1

Both Workman's Guide and What Children Wore had provided the essential information to whomever would be making children's clothing. They stressed the importance of the child's health and comfort:

The first is, the health and comfort of her child - and this course is, and ought to be, a paramount consideration; the next is, that its clothes should be neatly and tastefully made, so that they may be contribute to the pleasing apperance of the wearer. (pg 151)- How to Cut and Contrive Children's Clothing Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine 1857

Along the lines of comfort and health you may want to keep these tips in mind: 

• Every article of dress, for a newborn infant, should be white. White is easiest to clean!
• Materials differ depending on family income; the low class could not afford the linen which upper class could easily use, Therefore keep in mind on the cost of material and the class you portray.
• Some articles could be cheaper ready-made rather than making them at home.

Now onto the Shirts!

Open Shirts

I wish I could find the images to go along with the discriptions, but I have found pictures that may help to visualize:

What Children Wore (Or Wished They Could) in the Era of the Hoop by Heidi Marsh

Infant shirt- Material , fine cambric. The trimming consists of narrow frills of the same simply hemmed. The upper part has flaps which turn over, back and front. On the shoulders the flaps are shaped in points, which button down on the sleeves -Godey's 1862 (pg 114)

Slip for young infant. The sleeve cut out of the skirt, which is gathered into a neck band. Very simple and new. -Godey's 1860 (pg 116)

The first shirt- fine linen, such as French cambric is often used. Each is 23" X 11", therefore, one yard and seven-eighths makes six shirts without the sleeves. Sleeves are made in half-handkerchief form, joined at the shoulder and felled seamed (for open shirt).

Closed Shirts
Infant's Second or Closed shirt-" When infants are about nine months old, they generally leave off using the open or first shirt, and begin to wear the closed shirt until they reach the age of seven or eight years, when the usual shaped shirt or shift is worn."-The Workwoman's Guide by A Lady (1838)

At seven or eight months a leather shoe may be worn. ---The little shirt is now closed, and from seen in the engraving. It is made of the same shape for boys and girls.-What Children Wore (Or Wished They Could) in the Era of the Hoop by Heidi Marsh

Conclusion
Keep in mind the health, comfort and material you use when making children's clothing. You would like to have lightweight white cotton or linen depending on your persona. First shirts are open backed and may or may not have ties to keep them on baby.
Both open and closed shirts have flaps on front and back.
Closed shirts are for older children from seven (according to Heidi Marsh' research) to eight years old (according to The Workwoman's Guide).

I hope this information will help you on your next children's outfit! I dont plan to make so many items listed in the inventory, but it is a great reference!

Becky: January Recap

The new year started out proactive! I have finished two cotton shirts for the baby. One shirt is closed, and one was open. I will have a post later explaining the two different shirts, however, the shirts are similar to this one I found on Pinterest:

 And this one, Naomi Barnes is selling on Etsy:

I used Elizabeth Stewart Clarks' SA-100: Infant Linens. Her patterns are very accurate and well understood. I enjoyed making the shirts because they are simple and fast to make.

In the same week I had finished my baby's gown. There isnt a grand picture of it yet, but I was happy to show the finished project at the baby shower I hosted a few days after....

There was a horrible snow storm the day of my shower. The snow and ice prevented half of the expected guests to stay home. Snow, notwithstanding, I had an amazing turn out. I was so happy to see everyone that could make it and I hoped that they enjoyed it as much as I did!

Here is a picture of the table set up. I had amazing help from close friends and family, I only gave out ideas and they set up the whole place! I had Hot coco mix in mason jars topped with cupcake paper as favors, all ideas from pinterest. The duck theme was also a pinterest idea.

There wasnt much that I didnt get ideas from pinterest... Can you tell I love that site?!

Here is our cake reveal...

It's a GIRL!

It was a crazy week because the day before the shower was the 21st's annual Christmas Party. Here is Rosie, Carrie and I just before dinner.

The fiance and I started childbirth classes the next week. We will be delivering at the ABC here in MI. The ABC is Alternative Birthing Center where the nurses try to keep the experience as natural as possible. They honor your birth plan as long as baby and mother are safe and also shy away from epidurals and c-sections.

The "Center" which is only three rooms on the far end of the L&D wing, has full-queen size bed, yoga ball, and even a water tub, if any mother wanted to have a water birth, which I do not. It is very much like a home-birth, but if there was anything to happen, the L&D is right behind the door. 

If you are unaware of what is happening in the North of America at this time, Im not sure what Id say to you. January has given us some crazy weather. As in crazy, I mean, for a few weeks we have been negative temperatures and heavy snow falls.

This is Michigan as of two days ago:

I have the link I used here.

The two "Polar Vortex"s that North America has been blessed with allowed us to break a recorded of fallen snow in one month. We have acceded near 40" of snow!

With this Andy, the boyfriend, has been working non-stop since Christmas in December. The days he does get off, he is recovering lost sleep. However we were able to go to the cottage in Canada the other day. Was it a great surprise for us to find that the piped were frozen? We had no water that night, but I came up with the brilliant idea of using melted snow as rinse water. Why not? Snow was EVERYWHERE!

It was a great way to end the month!

P.S. I hope February isnt this harsh! The baby is due in 10 days!

Becky: A Recap of the Holidays

Like I said in my last entry, December was busier than November with the holidays.

I began the month sewing. I had bought insertion lace from Mrs. Lynch, which surprisingly matched the lace I had already sew on the gown. This was my first attempt at insertion lace. It was a learning experience and I suggest to use nothing less than 1" insertion lace if you plan to work with it by hand.

I had Jillian come over a few times that week to work on her corset. She is now embroidering her corset on her time. We have gotten so far working together that she may be able to wear her new corset by the beginning of this season!

Between December 13 and the 15th, I had help organizing the baby shower and creating the favors. Andy had volunteered to be Santa Clause for his church's pancake breakfast that morning. After the busy morning, family and friends who wanted to help, stayed later to help fill mason jars with coco mix and marshmallows. The procedure went very fast, we had many helpful hands and as a group, we also made clouds out of folded tissue paper. These will later be hung up from the ceiling with rain drop shapes made out of construction paper. Here is our centerpieces for my ducky themed baby shower:

That Tuesday I visited my father and sewed with a group of 21st members. It was a long time since I sewed at the party they hold every week. It was a fun and well needed time to reconnect with friends.

December 18th was the first heavy snow MI received. As a landscaper/ snow removal man, Andy had to work that night, but he made sure that some kids got to see Santa at their day care! I have to say, he is the cutest Santa Ive ever seen! He admits that he loves to act as Santa during the holidays and to hold the littl'ns.

Sometimes it sucks to have the night shift. The next day, I slept to prep for that night of work. Andy and his family had accidentally scheduled the trip to Greenfield Village's Holiday Nights on the same night I was to work. It turned out perfect though! The temperature was just around 40 degrees and there was no snow showing on the radar, but the snow from the night before made it a magical night!

I know Greenfield Village as if it is my home. To be frank, it practically is in my backyard! I have been going to the village since... well I dont know when! Here is a picture of my parental grandfather, me, and my mom at Cotswold Cottage, my favorite building/ house at the village:

I had showed this picture to my boyfriend, Andy, earlier. He said that he remembered the picture, but it wasnt his plan to propose to me at this spot specifically for the picture. Wait, what?! Propose? Like to get married? YUP!

Andy asked me that night to marry him! And of course I said yes!

It was a total surprise! I was too caught up looking for Jillian who might have worked that night, but I never saw her. Andy had jokingly pushed me to the cottage as we were walking towards it. I was a little confused when he forcefully made his way away from his parents, yet his brother was right on our heels. Then all of a sudden he got onto his knee, spoke my full name and asked me to marry him.... I think. He was so emotional, his first few words were strong, but as he continued to ask me, he got quieter and quieter... and maybe even a little tearful? In my mind it was a blur, I knew what was happening and I knew what he was asking that I dont think I let him finished before I said yes!

The next day Andy, my now fiance, and his brother hosted a Christmas business party at a local bowling alley where I got to show off my new ring!

Days before Christmas, Andy taught me how to make a Mushroom and spinach strudel. We bought a case, yes a case, of mushrooms and spinach to make the 12 strudels. Then we "sweated" the mushroom and spinach down with garlic and onions. As I am no cook, Andy had to show me how to "paint" on egg wash to keep the strudels together.

We had so many we gave one to each house we visited that week. I still have one or two left, but they are perfect for freezing. They are a yummy polish food and Im ecstatic to learn how to cook cultural food that my fiance loves to eat! 

Christmas Eve was spent at Andy's extended family and Christmas was spent with his parents, but this was the sight you would have seen:

The day after Christmas was spent with my side of the family. And at some point of all this commotion, I caught the cold. I also found time, somewhere, to finish the christening gown. Im so excited to be able to show everyone at the shower my hard work! It is so pretty!

The last days of December we confirmed 90 guests to attend at my shower! We underestimated our guests by 30 people!

Counting all the duckies

And the last seconds of the year Andy and I spent them with close family and friends! I hope you had a joyful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Becky: A November Recap

I should be punished for not writing. I mean how can Kris post so many yet, Im sure she is doing far more things than I am. But either way, I feel the need to tell you why I have not wrote one word in almost two months. I wish this entrance was as exciting as Kris' Jane Austin's birthday and New Years, but alas, I admit it may not be.

And so, my recap of November:
The first weekend Andy and I took a vacation. My guy had planned well in advance to celebrate our first anniversary at Zehnder's Splash Village in Frakenmuth. It was so much fun! The first day wasnt so great though, I was sick in the morning, but we eventually made it to Bronner's to buy our first Christmas ornaments together. We even bought one for our upcoming addition! We didnt do too much walking around the city, but I remember spending our last day solely in the water park. His brother came to join us and we all enjoyed a family chicken meal at Zehnder's. Here is Andy and I at the dinner table. If you know us, this is a daily scene!

The next week I dragged Andy to Ferndale. There is a really cute shop in Ferndale that sells cloth diapers. "Not the cloth diapers your momma use to use". We went there for a cloth diaper class to teach us about the different cloth diapers they now have. Cloth diapers have really made a turn for the better. Here is Thirsties All in one:

It looks just like a disposable diaper, but the only difference between this and a disposable is you have to wash it, it saves you money, and there are no chemicals being absorbed into the baby's private parts! How can you go wrong?! 

The class taught us so much it made us really think of using, or rather, think better for using cloth diapers. I bought a couple of Thristies to show the Grandmas-to-be, they were still a little shy from them, but they said that they are willing to try them out! I also bought the "old fashion" prefold that the grandmas-to-be are used to using. I plan to use the prefolds during events even though they are not "PC".

Days after, was my historical baby shower which I LOVED! It was a touching event to have the support of my girls! They are all precious! 

On the 10th, I took my mom to a Baby expo. Now some people can really hype up they're stuff on facebook. I say this because this expo in Novi was a total bust! It was such a disappointment. It was held in a hotel room, I saw at least 5 empty tables and mothers could not push their strollers around it was that cramped! I found this to be the most unorganized expo Ive been to. There was even a lawyer that dealt with funerals and death! REALLY? at a BABY expo? it was a total mess!

November 19th was my 22nd birthday. It wasnt super special, but my family tried to make something out of it. I had worked the night before, slept half of my birthday away, and then I had work that night again. But my family had worked out a dinner at Buddy's Pizza where we all shared some yummy deserts!

Thanksgiving was also busy! The day before Thanksgiving, I spent dinner with my paternal aunt. Thanksgiving was spent with my maternal aunt in the morning and later that night with Andy's paternal cousin.

Then shortly after, Andy and I spent the last day of November celebrating his Aunt's 75th birthday!

Lets just say November was a busy month! And a little hint for my next post, December didnt give November any slack!

Becky's Sewing Sneak Peek!

Here is a little temptation for you until the next post. Of course this is all hand sewn!

Victorian Secrets Chapter 1-5 Review

With in the first five chapters, Sarah jumps right in. She begins her story when her husband buys her an under bust corset from Timeless Trends. Reluctant of the negative vibes and comments she has heard, she pleases her husband to try it on. She wanted it off right after he laced her, but realized she liked the figure in the mirror. As her husband went left for errands, she had alone time to rethink about the corset. She noticed she ate less, her posture was better, and her migraines went away. When her friends come over to a gathering that night, she was showered with compliments.

As she continued to wear her corset at home, she began to learn the multitude of facts and history behind the corset. The myth of women breaking their bones was brought to my attention. I have ignored the fact that women did not brake their bones in corsets, but Sarah explains that the baleen of a whale thrives in water. From dehydration, the bones of the whale break, splinter, slice and shatter.

Now that we can no longer use any whale parts: oil for lamps and bones for corsets, corsets must now be made with steel metal "bones". Ive had plenty of moments that, instead of breaking, my bones would "pop out" from their casing. I feel that although the material we use today maybe different, women of the past and those in the present, still have the same "problems". Another view of "bones breaking" is the similarity of reeds breaking. Reeds or Cane, which ever you can to get a hold of, have to be warped or shaped straight in order to slide them between the channels when making a 18th Cent. Stay.

Cane/Reed

18th Cent rep. Stays

Sarah later makes a comment on how little connection the society of the 21st has in a day. Sarah and Gabriel have to help dress each other while wearing historical clothing. While getting dressed, she makes a comprehension that some person of the day would always have another hand at helping one get dressed. Today this physical connection or verbal connection from person to another is almost non existent. I know others who limit their public display of living and argue that there is no more connecting with people. I was once able to limit my txt messages and online time when I had a razor that had little to none. Now Im unable to wake up without checking my smart phone before crawling out of bed.

Chrisman became more comfortable in her corset that she began to try sleeping in it. She had a rough first night, but later her body became more agreeable with time. I know from experience that a corset is uber comfy and sleeping is just as comfy.

Chrisman brings up her mother often. She says that she gets her impressions of a corset from her mother and her habit of eating also was influenced by her mother. With the same expression of her mother brought up twice, I couldnt help thinking that she was some what dissing her own mom, but none the less I gave her mom the benefit of the doubt and continued reading.

Wearing a corset at any rate, does not live long. Like with any piece of clothing, wear and tear and they come to an end. Sarah's corset was now overlapping from the use, strain, and her waist getting smaller. Once again her husband went to Timeless Trends to buy her a second corset. Timeless Trends is by no means, what so ever, any way, historical, but they are well made, form what I can see. Whatever floats Sarah and Gabriel's boat, I couldn't say anything, for one, I dont know them, but my thought was in dread as I read that they went back to a site (not fit to my standards). But I kept reading.

Once again it was time to buy another corset, but this time Sarah explored other outlets. They found the price of a corset was out of their budget. If I was to meet anyone interested in buying a corset, I would speak up and express that one would save money with a better quality, more accurate corset that fits YOU rather than continually buying a pre-made off-the-rack corset. Not only would they be saving money, but the custom corset would feel amazing!

Sarah mentions that she never had a license, she always drove her bike to school. She saves money from not owning a car which would be insured and need more savings for repairs, she doesnt own a phone, and a television would be another payment that would spend their savings. A young couple with no children would easily be able to limit their savings, but I began to think on how or what I could live without. I have mentioned the phone situation previously, but I would be willing to go back to a prepaid phone for emergency and other verbal connections. Im not sure how close the city they live in was, but my boyfriend does not live or work in a 30 min bike ride radius from my house. A phone and a car are something that I can limit, but I could not take away from my daily life. What would you be able to use without to be more in-tuned with history?

Sarah and Gabriel Showing off their ride (Facebook photo)

Are You Bold Enough to Be You?

Lookie what I bought!

Im so excited that the book came earlier than expected!

The author, Sarah Chrisman,and her husband collects and demonstrates Victorian clothing, but they do not only present their collection, they wear Late Victorian clothing 24/7, 365 days a year! They emphasize that they are not actors and such, but true ordinary people who like to wear the clothing of their choice.

Sarah has a degree in French and International Studies from the University of Washington. She has traveled to Komatsu to teach English and she has a massage therapist license. Gabriel has a bachelor degree in history and a masters degree in Library science, both from Unviersity of Washington. But however normal and well educated they may seem, they limit their technology of the 21st century and do not have cell phones, television, and Sarah doesnt even own a drivers licence!

Sarah A. Chrisman's Blog and her book (I assume, since I have not read it yet) recaps her four year adventure of wearing her corset and Victorian clothing. In interviews she has expressed that she feels "more sensual and striking in the corset than she has in contemporary clothing." Later in the interview she reveals the physical effects of wearing a corset: "she eats as she pleases and yet, never leaves the table hungry".

Before her 4 year journey

Updated photo shoot

Its clear to see Sarah's transformation between the two images. There are clear physical aspects that have changed, and it may not be my place to say, but I think she even looks happier and healthier. With credit of Estar Hyo-gyung Lee.

If you would like to learn more about Sarah or would like to read along with me, you can Buy the book here!

Sarah and Gabriel are not the only ones who wear historical clothing year round. 

Lauren, from San Diego, wears vintage clothing. She has sewn since she was eight and began studying fashion history when she was fourteen. She graduated with a degree of Fashion Design from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She is often wearing Vintage clothing from the 40's wherever she goes. You can read her blog at Wearing History- Lauren's Blog.

Another Lauren, was interested in historical costuming, not so much of historical clothing, but with years of experience she has grown into a great historical clothing seamstress and has also produced nearly twelve different historical shoes dating from 18th century to the turn of the 19th century. You can reach her shoe and accessory store under "shoe shop" tab through her American Duchess- Lauren's Blog.

Mia, from Georgia, may not be submitting anymore posts on her blog, but you can surely be inspired to wear and live in another time with her blog! Mia's Blog sheds light on her African-American family living on a small "cottage" with her siblings. At the time she kept her blog, she helped raise a small self-sufficient garden, taught her younger siblings, and constantly made homemade goodies!

These four women may not be the only ones wearing their historical clothing at events, but nearly everyday. I would love to find more people braving the 21st Century expectations and to courageously wear what they wish. This is a personal dream that I have had since I was little. It originally began as becoming an actress to just wear the clothing a few hours a day to wearing them during the weekend for historical events. Maybe one day I will be bold enough to wear my corset and clothing daily!

Join me and read Sarah's book! I hope you get enthused to wear your historical clothing outside of an event  just because you wanted to!

Baby Shower from Becky's POV

It was so wonderful for Kristen to host a baby shower for me! She kept many secrets while planning this shower, but little did she know I had a big secret for her!

I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the little school house. I was greatly surprised at the decoration and set up. It was a very cute and personal. 

She personally printed and made cards of quotes and images of baby clothes for decorating the table. Also, see the lemon drops there? I was a big fan of those!

I was very happy to see who was able to come, but before I greeted anyone else, I had to greet the most important guest there: Bernie!

I was "running late" and everyone was hungry so after greetings we ate! Boy! It was delicious! Kristen made some great soup and the drink was great too! I think it was Sprite, Amazon tea and lemon slices.

Games were planned after food and one of the guests taught us an old wives tale. We used an needle on a thread over my stomach to see which way the needle swung. If the needle imitated a pendulum swing, the baby was to be a boy, but if the needle made circles, the baby was a girl. And the needle went in circles! Am I going to have a baby girl?

Pass the envelope was Kristen's planned game! We had to settle down from seeing how many chillin's the other young girls will have. Kristen read a long paragraph about how important it was to see a doctor when a child was sick. I think the subject could have been a little brighter, but we had fun being confused on the direction of passing the envelope. We have played this game at other parties such as Christmas party and other small gatherings.

Presents were next! I would have to say this was my favorite part of the shower, besides the food ;). I thanked everyone for coming because I was truly happy they were able to make it, and then I had a question for Kristen!

I asked her to be the baby's God-Mother and she said YES!

My face was pretty much like this when I opened all the presents. I am so happy to have friends with crafting skills. Most of the gifts were hand made and it made the presents even more special!

I also have to thank my dearest boyfriend. He really is a trooper! He is not yet use to the reenacting lifestyle, but I hope sooner than later he will become more comfortable with it. I gave him a good prep talk before we entered the door and made sure he was comfortable throughout the shower.  

I think he recovered pretty well :)

It was a really fun shower and Kristen did an amazing job. I didnt have to do anything but arrive. She even provided my thank you cards. Im so grateful for her and those who came!