A Dress from 1938

Ever since I saw this pattern come out, I've been longing to make it. I finally found the perfect repro fabric (on sale!) for it, and I can't wait to make it. However, I've got a couple things to finish before I can start, like a commission and a couple 18th c things for this weekend's regimental Christmas brunch. Busy, busy!

Gettysburg Remembrance Day Weekend

This past weekend was truly wonderful, mostly because I got to spend time with one of my best friends doing something we absolutely love! Nothing beats that. :)

I made a new dress and for the occasion, which turned out quite well. Really makes me miss Civil War reenacting! It's mainly War of 1812 for the next couple years, but I will do everything I can to get my Civil War fix. It is where I started, after all, and I feel "at home" in the era. I think everyone has an era like that. What's yours?

Regional Differences

I am very amused at the hubbub surrounding this weekend's Civil War event back home in Southern California. The forecast of rain was threatening to have the weekend canceled and pushed back to a later date, causing much commotion among the local reenacting community.

A year or so ago, I would have agreed with staying home. But I've now been to multiple events in the pouring rain or near-freezing conditions here in Michigan/Canada. And not only did I survive, but I had a pretty darned good time! Even more amazing than the reenactors who are completely un-phased by getting a little wet are the scores (yes, scores!) of public who are willing to drive out and pay to walk around in the rain and cold to see an event.

I guess rain and cold are just something that Southern Californians are not used to! I'm certainly not! It's been an adventure learning how to cope with real weather and I wouldn't flatter myself to think I'm fully adjusted. But with good friends to hang out/commiserate with, the storm can be weathered. And it's kinda fun to wear period outerwear and furs! Soldiers didn't get to go home because it rained (although, granted, they set up winter camp in the winter!).

Yellow Wool Dress

It's done! Well, it's been done for over a week now, but I was only able to take pictures this past weekend. I wish I could have gotten better shots of the skirt, but oh well! You can read my notes at my LiveJournal.

Sneak Peak!

Just a little something to tempt you with...

Inspired by this original:

Mississinewa 1812

You can read my little write-up about the event here if you'd like, but here are some pictures from the weekend along with a couple (bad) pictures of my new spencer! Must get better pictures with better lighting...!

Picture by Danielle Lewerenz

Blog Award!!!!

Hello all! The awesome Lauren R has bestowed the Duchie Award for Excellence in Historical Costuming and Bloggery upon the Couture Courtesan! This is such an honor to come home to, after an excellent weekend at Missessinewa. There will be a lengthy post about it soon! ;-)


But first, the award! 

When you receive a Duchie Award, post on your blog (in any order):

• Five things you love about historical costuming/wearing vintage clothing
• Three (or more) blogs to pass the Duchie Award onto
• A link back to the blog who awarded you the Duchie

My facts:

1.  I love getting to learn about the past, and living the past.

2. I love feeling like a princess sometimes!

3. I love getting to meet amazing people who share the same passion for historical costuming. Many of them have become my best friends!

4. I love the events I get to wear my clothing to. So much fun!

5. I love being able to honor the woman who first taught me how to thread a needle, my Oma.

My picks:

1. mantuadiary.blogspot.com Nicole is insanely talented and takes incredible care to get every detail right. An invaluable reference for everything 18th century.

2. katiejacobs.blogspot.com Katie not only makes gorgeous clothes but writes insightful and clever tutorials on everything from hairstyles to pinballs. 

3. kleidungum1800.blogspot.com Sabine creates some of the most exquisite Regency-era clothing I've ever seen. She inspires me so much!