Kristen: 9 Homemade Civil War Christmas Gift Ideas

Perhaps the most fulfilling time of year approaches: Christmas. Nothing fills me with more joy than battling through crowds on black Friday and wrestling an old lady for a necessary Tickle-Me-Elmo. Please note the sarcastic tone I've taken thus far...

I've decided to come up with a list of gift ideas, just little things with the Civil War reenactor in mind. All of these have been featured with tutorials on my blog, so if you're new or want pictures, I've made it easy! So far, here's a list to get you started:

1. Travel bags: I have a post here that shows how to make these. It could be an afternoon project!

Cost: These can be made with leftover materials, or you could go all out! $0-$100

Time: I tend to take breaks while sewing. If you make this simple with less embellishment and use a sewing machine, this could be a 2-6 hour project.

Skill Level: Sewing intermediate. Need to know basic stitch and buttonhole.

2. Thread Waxer: It's an acorn, how can you not love it! I can show you how to make that here.

Cost: Beeswax ($10), play-dough ($1), string/soutache ($1), bead cap ($1-$3). Total about $15-$20, making dozens of them.

Time: At least 2 hours, plus wax melting time.

Skill Level: Not setting yourself on fire, patience.

3. Handkerchief: Really easy, an awesome gift for men and women, tutorial found here.

Cost: About $9 a yard here, with that making at least 3-4 hankies. Thread from stash.

Time: 2-3 hours each, depending on skill level.

Skill Level: Sewing Intermediate, hidden stitch.
****Special Note! Make your hems much smaller than I did!

4. Hair Flower: I've tried the basic gimping technique multiple times here, here, and here. A very unique gift, especially when placed inside of a necklace. If you can make one, it will be a very unique and thoughtful gift, especially for a loved one! 

Cost: $0-$15, depending on the jewelry/frame you put it in

Time: Practice makes perfect! Anywhere from 4-8 hours. 

Skill Level: Wrapping hair around a stick. Seems easy, incredibly frustrating!

5. Housewife: I have a housewife tutorial, right here. Can be good for both men and women!

Cost: $0-20. Honestly, this cost me about $5 for scraps and all the twill tape.

Time: 2-3 hours, with generous eating time allotted.

Skill Level: Sewing Intermediate, basic and invisible stitch. 

6. Spectacle Case: Can be for males or females! Check it out here.

Cost: Leftover supplies, 1/2 yard fabric and cotton soutache. Total $3-10 with leftover supplies.

Time: 3-4 hours

Skill Level: Sewing Intermediate, whip stitch and tacking down soutache.

7. Basic "hiding" bags: A gift any reenactor will love! See it done here.

Cost: Probably free from stash-leftover fabric, any thread.

Time: 10 minutes or less. I've got it down to 3.

Skill Level: Sewing basic, or machine perfection!

8. Cooler cover: One of the best presents I ever made myself! If you need a different thing covered, just make sure to get the right measurements!

Cost: About $10 for fabric, more if using actually treated stuff.

Time: An hour or two with the sewing machine, more if by hand.

Skill Level: Sewing basic, emphasis on measuring skill!

9. Beaded Butterfly: Are you in the mood for butterflies? These things make the perfect little additions to bonnets or hair pieces. Documentation was used to support nature's colorful friends.

Cost: $5-10, beads and wire.

Time: 15-30 minutes

Skill Level: A good set of eyes and finger dexterity

Happy gift-making everyone! And if you don't feel like making anything, you can always check out my etsy shop, The Victorian Needle.

~Kristen

Kristen: How to make a Victorian Traveling Bag

In the midst of all of this busy work, I've found time for a little project for myself. Sometimes when I find myself doing too many necessary projects. You might remember me mentioning a certain traveling bag that I wanted.

(North and South Emporium will sometimes have them in stock here)

Of course my fingers itch to try it, rather than simply buy it. While I need to finish a few things, I did need a break. I know on the site they listed it as a blue linen, but of course I had to use my favorite color, red! I also bought 20 yards of 2 different thicknesses of cotton twill and 3 leather buttons. 

I used 1 yard of the red linen ($3 with coupon) and measured out two circles with paper plates (thank you Sally for the suggestion!). The large rectangle piece was cut at about 27 inches by the circle around the paper plate. Then I cut from the 20 yards of cotton twill tape ($7 with some left over) and decorated the red linen with a pretty, freehand design. The handles were next. It's not perfect, but it's mine!

Next I found some black cotton from my stash (free!). I attached it to the back of the red linen so the edges would be finished. I did everything by hand! Then I took the rectangle and attached to the 2 circles, leaving an inch overlap to allow for my buttons. I had originally planned to only hand stitch, but I wanted the circles to be reinforced, so I used the machine.

The 3 leather covered buttons ($8) went on easily, though my button holes were not that great. I still need to practice those. I think it turned out quite nice! 

 

It's not perfect, but not too bad for a first try. I'm thinking of all those day events, when I need something small to carry all the little things, like a shawl or a parasol. It could also be good for carry petticoats to an event. In any case, I love it! Here is my to do list for the next few weeks:

1. Finish mourning bonnet

2. Finish gold dress

3. Recover Felicia's parasol

4. Make 1 handkerchief

5. Start next sheer dress

Kristen: Waterloo Museum

As a reenactor, I've attended many events. From large events like Jackson to busy ones like Greenfield Village, I can always see the beauty in the company and the surroundings. Waterloo is no exception!

This is the first year I've been able to attend. It was an oppressive, cloudy 90 degree day, so I wore my black sheer. The dress is quickly becoming my favorite!

I had a chance to walk through the museum, which was a farmhouse for a German family from the 19th century until the 1960's when the last daughter died. The Waterloo community later donated most of the antiques found throughout the house.

           

The house was beautiful. The first time I walked around I was able to take pictures of just the house. Later, Ken and I took advantage of a few photographic opportunities. Nothing feels more authentic than an actual historical place!

Also, I found some hair jewelry in the house! It was a completely unexpected surprise. If only I could open the case and take a look...

                                 

After a long day of walking around and visiting friends, this bag caught my eye. A fellow reenactor made a traveling bag just like the one I will have soon! I also found a maple syrup stand, and purchased a little candy to chew on. Perfect!

Overall, it was a beautiful, wonderful day. It's these little events that make my summer fun!

~Kristen

Becky's sewing update

Remember this?:

Well, this is my progress:

Ive outlined the bag with one layer of white ribbon similar to the picture above. I now have to get my father to make the machine button holes. I have no idea how to do them on machine, and my hand sewn button holes are kinda notorious for begin horrible!

I start Kris's traveling bag soon, but with the mistakes I make from the first one, I can correct then on the next bag I make! They will get better and better each one I make.

Again, Im adding on sewing projects faster than I can make them!

I was asked, however, to make, with pay, a custom work dress for a member of our group. Her impression is a domestic and I found some fabulous wool:

She asked for light blue, but I geared towards a gray just in case she gets the dress dirtier than a few beatings would clean out.

And so, this is my up to date sewing list, Ive been procrastinating because TODAY IS MY FINALS!

Sewing List 

1. Stephanie's travel bag
2. Kris' travel bag
3. Fix Dinner dress belt
4. Fix Wrapper belt
5. Sophia's Travel bag
6. Margaret's wool dress
7. Finish Susie's bonnet
8. My travel bag
9. Michelle's corset
10. Finish my bonnet
11. Baby clothes. Did I say Baby clothes?!