Kristen: Detroit Fort Wayne Park Day

Donate to help Fort Wayne. Any contribution helps!

Do you ever feel the need to randomly clean out underbrush with clippers and saws? Do you burn with the desire to plow through grimy dirt, completely ruining a pair of perfectly good yoga pants. No? 

What about historical preservation?

Isn't she Beautiful?

I had the opportunity this past weekend to volunteer at Fort Wayne's Park Day. I've even reenacted at the Fort several times, and already have a few posts that detail my experiences. (Here, here, and here!) The description on the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition's website clearly called for my expertise:

CWPT Park Day April 5 - ALL invited

For several years now, the HFWC and Historic Fort Wayne have been Michigan's only participant in the Civil War Preservation Trust's (CWPT) Park Day. Park Day is a single day when history fans across the country gather to help clean up Civil War sites for the coming tourist season. Park Day for 2014 is April 5. We need your help! All are welcome, not just HFWC members. Come out from 9am to 4pm (or any time in there you have) and help us get Historic Fort Wayne ready for the season. It's been a hard winter on all of us, and the Fort. We could really use a lot of hand! The CWPT sends us shirts and patches which we will hand out to as many participants as we can. Lunch is on us! Come join us for a great time helping the fort and visiting with history fans from around the area! All are welcome!

So I struggled fell mumbled leapt from my bed early with high hopes of historical preservation! Tom Berlucchi is the chairman of the coalition, and he met us in the barracks with a thoughtful talk on historical preservation of Fort Wayne. Another member of the 21st Michigan, Robbie Giorlando, joined me in the revels. Please note the massive amounts of pre-teen boys; a boy scout group was using this weekend as a campout, with an emphasis on helping out with various projects. I can not think of better work to wear out a kid!

We started with clippers and hand saws (no saws for the Boy Scouts!) and jumped right in. The last of the ditches around the five-star fort needed to be cleared. Other groups had recently cleared the hill, with the hill/bottom of the ditches left. I understand why they needed help; it was tough manual labor!

There are no pictures of me working, since I was too busy working to have anyone take one! I did get a few shots of the kids. Seriously, if you want anything razed, just hire a bunch of pre-teen boys. The weeds and thorns didn't stand a chance, as evidenced by these before/after photos...

Before

After!

 For my part, I cleared as much as possible. Four hours of work with a scrumptious lunch of (too many) hot dogs. While we ate, we listened to a very interesting talk (by Mr. Gardner? I need to sp. that) about historical preservation. I was surprised that a few of his childhood experiences mimicked my own. My love of history began long before I ever put on a corset! He also brought along a few magazines that focus on saving historical sites in the U.S. It's these moments that I wish I was a millionaire!

Oh, by the way...a few branches whipped me in the face, so I'm hoping they weren't poison ivy...I'll update on a blog post with that later...

 Before the makeover...

 And a whole new look! Fort Makeovers has struck again!

By the end, my entire body ached. My gluteus maximus is in  g-reatus pain-imus from planting my feet into the hill and cutting away. My arms were more than sore; I'm sure they fell off somewhere. Yet it felt good to contribute, to help restore Fort Wayne as a historical site. I'm rather proud of my aches and pains...

 Luckily Robbie is an EMT in modern life...

It was an amazing experience, one that I hope others will try. If not, I urge you to contribute to this beautiful site. Even $5 will help! Please help us to restore this beautiful place!

Be an Awesome Person and Help Fort Wayne Here

~Kristen

Kristen: Catching up

It has been awhile since my last post...a month at least! With all of these crazy activities going on, I thought I should update everyone on the excessive amounts of movement in my life!

1. Little Cynthia was born!

At just under 2 months at the time of this writing, the child is seriously cute. Adorable. Cuddly. She is currently the apple of everyone's eye...meaning that the importance of this blog is at a far second! Massive amounts of doting is taking place at this time.

2. My Master's Essay

My research for my final academic work follows The Sewing Academy website and how the research techniques follow rhetorical feminist theory. Whew! I keep writing drafts, most of which are torn to shreds and then put together again. Thus is the life of an English major! It has become my most exhausting class, on top of the other two I am already taking! As a result, I've had less of a desire to write anything at all, even for fun...sorry blog...

3. Family Time

In the past few months, I've traveled thousands of miles to visit family/fiance. I visited St. Maarten, skiied at Boyne mountain, and spent a few days in Caseville (all three weekends in a row!). Just as soon as I unpack my bag, another family event arises. Exhaustion much?

4. Exercise

A little farther on the list than I'd like, I'm still keeping up with a fitness routine. One week I completed 500 min of cardio/weight training! Most weeks are not that intense, but I am happy to report a 15 pound weight loss from September of this year. Also, less sweating walking up a flight of stairs and new clothes.

5. Sewing

Surprise! I am actually still sewing and whatnot. I keep having Etsy sales, including my first sewing basket. Recent support from my fellow reenactors has made me think about opening a sutlery at Jackson this year. I'm still thinking about it, though I will be stocking my shop occasionally until this summer.

Whew! Back to my papers now...

~Kristen 

Introducing....

Cynthia Rose

Cynthia was born February 12 at 5 am.

She weighed 8.1 lbs and was 21" Tall. 

It was a complicated delivery which ended as a Cesarean, but she is the best Valentines gift I will ever have!

As new parents, we learn something new everyday and we wouldn't change it for the world.

I hope to bring her to our first event in May, weather depending ofcourse!

Kristen: HSF Challenge #4 Pink

The Challenge: #3 Pink

Fabric: 7 yards 

Pattern: Tailor's Guide Civil War Workdress, my own tweaks!

Year: Civil War 1860-64

Notions: Cotton thread, metal hooks/eyes

How historically accurate is it? It it very accurate with all the materials used, though I did machine stitch the skirt. It is made withe the correct materials and nearly the same period method (I attempted!).

Hours to complete: 10-20, still working!

First worn: Will be worn for Greenfield Village this year!

Total cost: $40-50

I fell in love with this pink pattern! At first I thought I was a bit young for pink, but I was reassured that I could wear this fabric. Plus, I often portray a much younger lady. Unfortunately work on my Master's thesis has interfered with the completion of this project. All I have left to do is the sleeves, waistband, and skirt. This dress will definitely stand out at my next reenactment!

~Kristen

Kristen: 21st Michigan Civilian Meeting

Whew! So I've noticed how much less I've been posting on the blog this month. Since I'm not doing weekly academic posts for my blog (I have weekly times working on my thesis...), I have less of a blogging schedule. Things have gotten hectic after Christmas, and Becky's little one is just ready to be born soon! The timing of the 21st Michigan civilian meeting was perfect!

**All photos in this post by Ken Giorlando**

Part of the reason that I love the 21st Michigan so much is that the members truly enjoy each other's company. Everyone is friendly, and ready to gush about the improvements of the year. Another favorite aspect of this group; we want to continue authenticity, as well as have fun!

The meeting  was very productive. Ken Giorlando had plenty of compliments to offer the group, as well as key points to address for this upcoming season. Members chimed in to give advice or appreciate others. I took it upon myself to think of my own shortcomings; I can't sit still for more than 10 minutes, so I brought my sewing basket to work on whilst listening. Does the fabric look familiar??

I even had a short presentation prepared for the group! I created a worksheet (duh, teacher!) that asked my fellow members to write reenacting goals, list steps and resources, and then set a reasonable time line. It may seem like obvious advice, but with these chaotic times, it is easy to get overwhelmed! Everyone filled out the goals sheet, and waited patiently to eat some of that delicious chicken soup Mrs. Giorlando made for dinner. Also, I posed for some rather pensive looking photos. I always did have a dramatic flair...

Finally, everyone left...and I stayed to hang out! I've had a bit of a head cold as of late, and I just didn't feel up to the drive right away. The Giorlandos have a 19th century room in their house, with antiques, furniture, and period lighting. I could imagine escaping to this room to relax during a stressful modern day. At some point in my life I would like such a parlor in my home. Dreams for the future! 

 Now I'm ready to work on my thesis again...or maybe I'll just blog...

 ~Kristen

Kristen: HSF Challenge #2 Innovations

The Challenge: #2 Innovations

Fabric: 4 silk/wool pashmina scarves

Pattern: Loosely based on La mode Bagatelle

Year: Around 1808-1814

Notions: Cotton thread, metal hooks/eyes

How historically accurate is it? It it very accurate with all the materials used, though I did machine stitch the skirt. The rest is hand stitched.

Hours to complete: 7-10, with many breaks

First worn: I will hopefully 

Total cost: $45

I chose this for the innovations challenge because I just keep seeing these lovely scarves pop up as dresses on pinterest! Kashmir shawls were a rare treat in England during the Regency period, and to be able to make one into a dress was a sure sign of affluence. Eventually Scotland developed their own version of the shawls, making them more affordable to the populace. At one time though, the kashmir was a sought-after innovation!

Until next time!

~Kristen

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!