One Year

Wow.  It's been a whole year!  Last November was when I first sewed historical...and attended my first event. When I first met Bascha, I did not know what a pleat was.  I did not know what the grain of fabric was, or the process of making button holes.  I knew NOTHING.  Like seriously, NOTHING!  And not only did I not know anything about sewing, I didn't know anything about historical clothing either.  Like zilch.  I wouldn't have known what era a stay was in, or a bustle.  Actually, I didn't know what either of those two things were :P

If I were to try and list all the wonderful people that have helped me this past year, I would forget someone, so I won't try.  But I do want to thank Bascha and Ms. Rhonda.

Bascha is a jewel!!!! I could never, ever, repay her for the knowledge she has given me...or the practical help, or the friendship. She is so good at what she does, no matter what it is!  Bascha is one of those people that once you've met them you can't live without them.  Thank you so much Bascha!  Ms. Rhonda, Bascha's mom (and sometimes my mom in first person :D) has been such a blessing as well! I love you both! :D

If I had to say what I appreciate the most, it would probably be the fact that they never ever told me I couldn't do something.  I'll never forget the look on Bascha's face when I told her I was going to make a 18th century stay, since the only thing I had made before that was a petticoat.  But instead of saying "why don't you try to make a pocket" or "maybe that's too hard for you" she jumped right on in alongside me, and was there for me every step of the way :). No matter what I tried-draping, fba, a corset, a tailcoat-they always told me I could do it. :D And I have!  But I could have never done it without them. :)

My Sewing Buddy and friend :D 

Ms. Rhonda, doing one of the things she does best, cooking :)

I guess this post will sort of be like a "Year in Review" but without the pictures.  I'm going to put several lists, categorized by era rather than the order they were made.  This is everything I've made since the middle of November 2012, unless I forgot something. 

RevWar

5 petticoats

4 aprons

1.5 short gowns

1 linen gown

1 bed gown

1 stay

2 caps

4 neckerchiefs

2 stomachers

1 cloak

1 pair of mitts

2 pockets

2 shifts

**********************

Regency

3 ball gowns

1 work dress

2 bodiced petticoats

1 shift

1 short stay

1 men's tailcoat

6 waist coats

5 cravats

2 aprons

1 beaded shawl

**********************

Civil War

2 chemises

2 corsets

1 boy's shirt

5 dresses

4 or 5 petticoats (can't remember exactly how many)

2 pairs of drawers

2 quilted sun bonnets

3 skirts

1 blouse

3 aprons

1 fringed shawl

1 trimmed straw bonnet

1 set baby underthings

2 little boy tunics
1 trimmed straw bonnet

**********************

1940's

1 dress

4 skirts

I have learned SO much, and had SO much fun this past year!  I'm hoping next year will be even better! :D (and I'll have a finished project post tonight, with lots of pictures, so hang in there!)  

~Theresa