In Memory

This is the first year there hasn't been an Under the Redcoat at Colonial Williamsburg. Even though the weather is usually heinous, it's an incredibly fun event. Mainly because I get to be with some of the most awesome people I know! Luckily, the event will be back bigger and better next year. Definitely looking forward to it!

A Polonaise Jacket, and an Announcement

Here are some pictures of my finished polonaise jacket, plus a striped sheer cotton petticoat. The cap I made in the shop, along with a matching kerchief and apron.

As for the announcement... Michael has been chosen as the next tailor's apprentice at Colonial Williamsburg! So Williamsburg is to be our home for the foreseeable future! I'm so incredibly proud of my talented fiancé, and excited for our life together.

Happy things...

I've been putting a little extra effort into how I style my hair every day to go to the shop. It's fun!

And I got fabric today for a new gown!

I also found out that I have been awarded a scholarship! So tomorrow I will celebrate by buying myself a silver pinball ring. :)

Hand-sewn 18th Century Wool Stays

Completely hand-sewn stays, including boning channels. Made of white worsted wool and linen, sewn with linen tape treated with beeswax, boned with cane, and bound in deer. They were constructed using period techniques. I sewed the channels of each panel before assembling them, which I did by whip-stitching them together. The seam allowance is folded back and whipped down. Then the edges were bound and the seams were covered with a strip of the deer. Then the lining is put in, being whipped to the edge of the binding. Each tab is lined separately.

My camera is really not good at taking close-ups, or I would have taken detail pictures for you...

I am happy to report that they are EXTREMELY comfortable, which is a very good thing since I am wearing them 40 hours a week!

Hello from Williamsburg!

Now that I've been  in Williamsburg for a couple days, I've finally had time to get some pictures put up! It's been a whirlwind, and I'm still recovering from both travel and the excitement of starting my internship in the Margaret Hunter Shop. Already I've learned so much! And it's just amazing to be around so many beautifully constructed garments. Not to mention, everyone in the shop is incredibly fun to work with. I really am having a blast. Of course I want to make a million new 18th century things!

I'll be trying to get some pictures of the new stays I just finished. But here are some pics of me in the shop, and of the Blackbeard pirate festival in nearby Hampton.

Living in a dream :)

With my roommate Ashley, who volunteers in the shop

 With Mike at the Blackbeard Festival

Pirates!