Becky: GFV Prep and Greenfield Village Memorial Weekend

Ugh! Im such a bad blogger! Im sorry its taken me a WEEK to talk about Memorial Weekend. I caught up with a few families from that weekend, with larger family members, and they said that Sunday was the last day of taking care of the 'Memorial After Math'.

Yesterday, my boyfriend (of 7 months!) and I enjoyed a beautiful day at the Detroit Zoo. Because he is the owner of a business, he is often not available, or gets home really late. Im happy that the day went really well and we have became even closer because of this trip! Unfortunately this was the ONLY picture taken of that day:

Andy and I at the Arctic Circle, Detroit Zoo  

And for the long waited post:

May 24, '13, Friday 

It was confusing day for all of us. My boyfriend had the trailer at his shop, yet he worked in the morning, so I didnt know when he would be picking my brother and I up. Sue was at home waiting for her house sitter and Sophika to arrive. I wanted to arrive early, say, 2pm before most people arriving at 3. FYI, the gate opens at 5pm.

Sue txt me: "Where on our way!"

Oh crap! I had JUST finished packing my clothing and the night before I had made Switchel. I swear, Andy, had better remember bringing the frozen drinks!

"Where in line now!-Sue"

Great! It takes Sue an hour to get to my house. Its been an hour since she last talked to me. WHERE was Andy?!

"Andy still hasnt arrived"

"Where are you?"

"Home"

Wait. On second thought, I know Sue. She's the nice one that will drop everything for one person. I txt her right after:

"Stay there. Its first come, first serve. Snatch us the spot when you can."

"Ok"

I heard the diesel truck down the street. "Oh finally!" I think. I looked at the clock 5 o'clock! Really?! We're late!

"One more stop babe." Andy told me. Something I really didnt want to hear.

After picking up more Gatorade, we where on our way.

We pulled up and there was the line! Oh Good! We didnt miss a thing!

We had found the perfect spot near the silk tress. My brother and I had camped there last and Drew quickly snatched it up!

We had a wonderful group of friends help us set the "house" up. We had set up in record time! Our family would take hours to set the house up, but with the extra help, we split the time in half!

May 25, '13 Saturday

Saturday was pleasant. The weather was cool, but it never reached to a point where I had to wear a jacket, nor cool down with iced drinks.

Saturday was my brother's 18th birthday and I decided to wear my dinner dress for the whole day in celebration. Normally I would only wear this dress after 5pm for a dinner party, but I thought I wouldnt need to change for the fashion show that afternoon.

I FINALLY met Veronica and her awesome mom! I was very happy to see them! It was really great to finally to have met them, but also to talk living history with them!

I was often seen sewing that day: 

I was determined to get the sheer dress at least presentable for the weekend. I had come to terms with myself. I could make the dress presentable, but I would not have the dress finished like the original I was replicating. I still need to work on the ruffles and to gather the sleeves.

I had grabbed a new member of the 21st to escort me to the fashion show.  He looked fabulous from the first day he joined the group and I knew that Beth needed more people for the fashion show. It was a win-win!

 

This dress is also a replication form an original. I had this fabric for years, and only last year I found an original, in the book: Masterpieces of Womans costume of the 18th and 19th century, to reproduce it. It has a predominant square neckline suitable for fancier occasions like a dinner or a small celebration and would often be worn AFTER 5pm. The short sleeves are often another sign that it is a dinner dress. Although the dress SHOULD be made out of silk, it is not, yet the rosettes and covered buttons are. To top it off I added pockets! I love them and use them often.

May 27, '13 Sunday

R to L: Me, Sue, Sophika in our fabulous wrappers

I was happy to have Dad join us Sunday morning at breakfast. His plane arrive the night before from Los Vegas for work. It was different not having Dad set up, but it was good to have him for the weekend.

Sophika offered to cook for us that weekend.

"I have the NEED to FEED!" She would say.

I never went hungry that weekend!

There was another fashion show that day and I finished the dress in time!

I had Jacob escort me again.

Kris showed off her new impression too!

After the fashion show, the ones who could go went to the Eagle Tavern. Here is only a fraction of the members in our group!

 Later that night the ball that everyone has been waiting for was held at Lovette Hall. I had recently sold off the dress I was planning to wear, and the one that I brought was borrowed from a friend that forgot hers. I didnt mind that I didnt go to the ball. My boyfriend was wearing modern clothing, we didnt have time to make him a set. Instead of the ball, we joined those who didnt go, around a campfire.

Dad and Step-mom-to-be

Sophika looking gorgeous in blue.

May 28, '13 Monday
Monday wasnt such a pleasant as the others. For the sake of Jake, it rained the last part of the day. It was horrible to tear down the tent. The tents were wet, you were wet, and everyone wanted to go home. Because of the rain, I was not able to show Andy, my boyfriend, the activities going on. I hope to show him more than just our tent at Jacksn in August.

That morning however, there was a wonderful Memorial service in front of the town hall. The announcer asked for all that have served and it was awesome to see how many have severed for this great country!
 
Besides the rain and the week after, unpacking and drying the tents. I would say that this event was a success!

Kristen: Greenfield Prep Day 4

Exhaustion can't sum up how I feel right now. After all the cleaning, cooking, packing, and planning, I can honestly say that I am ready for Greenfield Village.

Kristen: Greenfield Prep Day 3

Tried to get more done today...and failed somewhat miserably. Wednesday is not my best day to accomplish anything.

 

With my newly cleaned car I was able to start packing. I always put down the carpets/rugs first because they take up the least room that way. It felt a little better to at least have started on the packing.

My vanity mirror needed to be fixed too. It's perfect at reenactments, since mirrors are rather hard to come by. The little frame came unglued, and I had my hot glue gun handy. Perhaps the easiest thing I did all day.

Next I was able to press all of the wrinkled clothing. A new iron makes all the difference!

I also mixed 3 loaves of bread and set them to rise until tomorrow. We have a pot luck planned, plus I'd like to have a little extra.

Before...

After!

My room isn't completely clean, but it's close enough where I can find my supplies. I am much too tired to keep writing. More later...

~Kristen

Becky: Greenfield Village Prep Day 2

Before I pass out from such a rainy day, I though Id update you on our crazy week.

School is not helping me tonight. I need this night, in particular to prep for GFV and Im stressing over the limited time I have. Its no wonder I have a cold.

I have a few sneak peaks on my sheer dress that I made presentable, but not finished to my liking.

Progress a month ago

Yesterday, day 2, I made hand sewn eyelets for the bodice. I prefer making these from now on. I had trouble with placing the hook and eyes earlier, I think I was too use to hook and eye tape that I forgot how to "manually" place hooks and eyes. 

I had this hideous gap between the waist piping and the gauged skirt. Not only did the hand sewn eyelets make the bodice lay nicer, it fixed the gap in between. 

Well, as my boyfriend likes to say, I like to tease. Here is my tease to you! The final project will be shown at Greenfield Village, Memorial day Weekend!

Kristen: Greenfield Prep Day 2

I woke up today completely tired. After reading my list from yesterday, I see why! There's still plenty to do, and with sewing group tonight I had less time to work on preparing for the actual setup. Luckily I plan this stuff in advance! Here's the work I did today...

First I stopped by Target to get a queen sized mattress as well as an iron (though I didn't do any ironing today). It's always a good idea to test these things before the event, and it seems that we only had a hand pump available. It was a useless good cardio activity.

No holes. Check!

Next I moved on to my car. Let's just say that I can be a teensy weensy little itty bit messy sometimes. Over time this stuff just seems to add up. Since every inch of my car is used to pack stuff, I need every crevice emptied. Hence the cleaning.

Before...

After!

Sigh. I am a highly motivated and intelligent individual, but I can't seem to keep things cleaned and organized. A byproduct of my creativity? Wait until you see tomorrow's cleaning post...Anyways, I started packing the kitchenware. I use these foam sleeves to pack the dishes into my wooden box so they won't break. I'm trying to pack light!

I took this idea from Sue Lamkin 

I'll eventually fill the spaces with rags/dishclothes

At sewing group today I learned how to do the cuff and the piping on the waist of the bodice. I also purchased another parasol to recover from the lovely Glenna Jo. So many projects, so little time! I had an extra minute today to stop at the antique store as well. Just a little reward to myself for working so hard!

These are actually a very light, subtle blue

Here is my to do list for tomorrow:

1. Clean out bedroom

2. Go grocery shopping

3. Iron 3 articles of clothing

4. Mix bread to rise

5. Finish washing the blankets

6. Start packing the car

~Kristen

Becky: Greenfield Village Prep Day 1

I woke up this morning to a harsh throat. 

I cant be sick! Not now!

Im paralyzed with excitement for the weekend. I even have my first exam tonight at school, but my concern is for the weekend. 

Kristen has mentioned that she has picked up these "small projects" when she knows that she might not have time to do them. I think everyone does that, including me. I have started making a clothing bag for my friends and.I found this victorian travel bag on etsy and thought I could make one myself. 

And of course, I thought I should treat my friends to them too. So with bringing out my college math book, 7 trials, I got the jest of sewing a cylinder. I have a good start with my first one, but none of them will be done before GFV.

To cool myself down, I searched Pinterest and here I found an old way to curl hair. This technique may be 60-70 years "before our time", but I was happy that the curls, on my hairpiece, came out very well. I will be using the same technique on a friend that has short hair. Hopefully it will look great.

I do wish that the women who made the video worked with styles between 1770- 1890. 

Well, its off to my exam!

Kristen: Greenfield Prep Day 1

Whew! So when I'm stressed, I write. It's soothing for me. I said that I didn't want to write that much this week...and that has turned into writing every day about what I do to prepare! It's nice to focus on the accomplishments of the day rather than to agonize over what is left. My OCD and anxiety have spoken!

It will get worse. Just wait...

I wanted to get a very good start on my to do list today after a work day full of screaming students! With impending storms, the tent had to go up first. In order to get to the tent, the garage needed to be organized. It is seriously awful great that we are moving soon, so this action had a deeper purpose. Oh yeah, and today decided to be 80 degrees, instead of a comfortable 73. Thanks Michigan!

 Before: an epic pit of despair

After: manageable 

It wasn't necessary to do this thorough of a cleaning, but it did make me feel better about the move next week. Plus I needed to find all of the poles. We laid them all out and started matching them up when it was brought to my attention that the tent fly ridge pole had snapped last year at Wolcott Mill. I do not have any extra ridge poles, so my boyfriend graciously offered to do it while I am at work tomorrow. We set up the tent anyways and have decided on an air mattress. Thank goodness we did this in advance!

The large crack in the middle is not supposed to be there

Since I started unpacking my reenacting gear, I decided to clean out the boxes and start a new load of dishes. Even though the dish ware has been in storage for 6 months, it still needs a good scrubbing. My awesome wooden box was cleaned, and I can't wait to start packing it soon!

Sue L. would note that this is not a temperance house

Next I started a load of reenacting blankets and settled down to finalize the grocery list. I'd like the final dollar amount of this to be under $30, though I know I can go way over that if I'm not paying attention. Here is somewhat of a list:

Breakfasts: Eggs, turkey bacon, toast, granola bars

Lunches: Sandwiches, nuts, fruit, boiled eggs

Dinners: Thick ham, beef stew, cornbread

Desserts: Pie, gingerbread cookies

Finally after all of this work I decided to relax and go to sleep...not! I am making Becky and Carrie garment bags; I started the first one today. It needs more work.

Just a bit of cutting and stitching... 

Warning: project in picture is more work than it appears

Unfortunately I was unable to start ironing because my iron broke! I need to stop after work tomorrow for a double air mattress too. I will bring it to sewing group and finish the week's ironing in one big push. Only 3 more days just like this until Greenfield Village. YAY!

Did you know that you could order these on Amazon? It came in today...

~Kristen

Kristen: GF Village Prep.

It is that special time of year! Everyone is extremely busy preparing for Greenfield Village, one of the top events in the state of Michigan. So many people attend this event nearly every second is on the curious eyes of the public. It is exhaustingly awesome! My family will be visiting every day, so I am already prepared to be tired...

GF Village 2012: Note the exhaustion on my face...

Since this is such a big event, large amounts of planning are involved. In reality, much of this preparation takes place for other events, such as Jackson or Charlton Park, but GF is the first big hurrah of the season, meeting with fellow reenactors, shaking the cobwebs out of our tents. This time can be incredibly stressful, and to calm my anxiety, I have created a basic how-to for the prep. Obviously these are just suggestions, but it seems to work for me!

I have to play tetris with my car to fit this stuff in there. Planning is mandatory.

1. Finish major sewing projects at least 1-2 weeks beforehand. Seriously, a button here, a hem there is no big deal. Creating an entire dress from scratch will stress you out.

I break this one every year. Why do I make these rules?

2. Plan grocery shopping/meals in advance. Will you need a cooler? What will the weather look like? How many people are you bringing? Do you plan on eating the food at the event? GF has Eagle Tavern, a historical tavern in the village that serves period appropriate food. It's easier than cooking over a fire, but it can be expensive...

Yes, I am the only one in my family who reenacts...

3. Set up all equipment at least a few days in advance. Give yourself some leeway in case a stake or two goes missing. Does the air mattress have holes? Did you lose a tent pole? These things can be impossible to replace once you get to your event.

This is a covered cot with farby stored underneath. It looked appropriate!

4. Set aside/clean outfits. I have left behind a petticoat because I accidentally left it in the dryer right before I left. Also plan on something getting wet/torn during the trip, so bring extra things if it is possible. I'm working on a garment bag to store said things...

One for Carrie, one for Becky with this material

5. Make a comprehensive list of everything, from toothbrushes to tent poles. Don't check it off until it makes it to the car/trailer! I know so many reenactors who have left behind items they *thought* they packed. Matches are replaceable, but a missing corset could be a problem.

Can't forget my new Fugawees. Soft as butter...

So here is my plan for the week, broken down more specifically into days. When I feel overwhelmed by a task, I tend to break it down into smaller chunks to make it seem possible. The countdown has begun!

Monday: Wash blankets, set up tent and fly, blow up air mattress. Iron one dress. Create grocery list.

Tuesday: Completely clean out car, pack cookingware in wooden box, iron next dress and put all clothing into traveling storage unit.

Wednesday: Grocery day.  Start dough for bread. Lay down carpets in car, pack 1-2 boxes. Do any last minute sewing. 

Thursday: All items need to be packed except the food. Any last minute sewing? Gluing? Crying?

Friday: Pick up boyfriend from house with food cooler after work. Setup at around 5pm. Relax afterwards???

I will try to follow my list. Anything beats jamming my car full the morning of the event and stuffing my face full of fast food the whole time...

Looking this good requires time, hard work, and easy food

~Kristen

Kristen: Walker Tavern

Isn't it wonderful to have two reenactors' perspectives of a single event?! Even though Becky and I spent nearly the entire day together, it does seem that we enjoy various aspects of the event itself.

First, let me say that I had been working VERY hard on the blue foral dress. If I recall, it was one of my "big" goals to have that finished. It wasn't completely hand sewn, though I used my new sewing skills to make it more accurate. Yes! I am progressing...

I had to take at least *one* dramatic pic

This was my first experience at Walker Tavern, and I have to say I was very disappointed that I couldn't go in the buildings. Part of me itches to be in the exact historical places! Luckily, I was able to sit under a friendly tent fly and relax with my fellow reenactors. A soft breeze, a gentle warmth came from above. It was relaxing not to set up camp, though I'm sure Becky and I weren't on our best Victorian behavior...

We wore ourselves out!

 Though somehow Becky found the energy to get excited for this pic!

As I am "attempting" to eat healthy, I chose to bring my own lunch instead of buying food from a vendor. I've done this before and gotten sick at a reenactment; my sandwich and veggies actually tasted delicious. Perhaps the setting makes the food taste better? The hosting unit (whose name escapes me...I'll fill this in later...) was quite kind and provide little bags filled with goodies. There were peanuts, cookies, and a bit of candy. 

I am quite happy with the ladies and gentlemen of this unit. They were pleasant company during my meal, and since this is my 3rd year we are all already acquainted. They were happy to oblige me by allowing me to take all these pics!

Even at rest these ladies keep their fingers busy! I'm always impressed by the sewing/knitting/crocheting skills around me, and they are even patient enough to teach me a few things! 

At some point my hair became a little heavy on my neck. I'm not used to dressing it now that it has grown out, so the thick braid that I've added has become almost a burden. Becky took the time to take out my (million) pins and fix it prettier. I have *no* idea how she did it, but she tamed the snarly gnarly beast that is my hair.

Kristen let me do your hair!

Uhh Becky?

Oh I see. Pretty!

At least someone used my braid!

I didn't really buy anything, though I anticipate spending a little at Greenfield Village in about a week. I did stop by the Walker Tavern gift shop to find a few post cards. Apparently one of the rooms in the tavern saw a murder with a stain that will not come out of the floor to this very day. While I was not able to investigate personally, I could safely gaze upon the post card and not an actual crime scene...

The house itself was quite impressive, and while we could not go inside we took pictures outside. The barn was still open to the public and we had fun playing with the little props. Really though, Walker Tavern you need to have your stuff open. I was dress too pretty not to be indoors...

Even with the tavern closed, it was a perfect opening day to the 2013 reenacting season. If you haven't noticed, dear reader, both Becky and I have been a little behind in our posts. I call it the pre-Greenfield rush. All of those buttons, hems, and wrinkles need to be attended to. I am also making a sheer dress for Sofia, so my fingers need to be nimble with my needle more than the computer. Hopefully I can do at least one more post before the weekend!

 ~Kristen