Corset Challenge; The Rest of the Week.

Well, I ended up making it 3 out of seven days in the corset challenge. It doesn't sound like much, but I think it was a start. It's most definitely something I'm going to try again. The main reasons for quitting were lack of outfits and Christmas rush. 

No one wants to be stuck in a un-used to corset while shopping and crawling around on the floor wrapping gifts.  

But I do feel that those three days were a complete success! The day pictured here was a work day, cleaning the mill from top to bottom and helping dad all day. I felt completely comfortable all day, even while sweeping and lifting. (note: losing the modern undergarment fixed ALL the problems!) 

I did wear my apron, but by the time I took these pictures it was absolutely filthy! 

On day three, I wore pretty much the same outfit as in day one, but I switched to my pink shirtwaist. 

I'll be trying this again some time in the next few months and we'll see how it goes. 

Things to change: 

• Make new slips. Mine is two sizes too small, and tattered... 
• Add in a few new spring-time dresses
• perhaps make a supportive upper garment, such as these: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 

My plans are for This dress in the next few weeks. Past patterns has one that's nearly identical. And I've found a material I like from Joann's, the plaid's rather smaller, but I think it'll do. 

So do please stay tuned. And do comment! I love hearing from you, and it's so encouraging to me and makes me want to keep writing! 

The Seven Day Corset Challenge

So, yesterday I had an Idea. After having read an article refuting the "Corsets are bad" myth, And highlighting the health benefits, (which I can't for the LIFE of me find right now!) I decided to give it a go. Seven days, all day, corset submersion course. :D

Today's outfit was a simple everyday one. My mint green blouse and brown cotton skirt. And My Edwardian apron.

I'm going to admit that today was miserably uncomfortable. When I first put it on, it was much too loose, so I took it off, laid it flat and adjusted it. Only I must have made it too tight, but I didn't realize it until later, and I had too much to do to take the time to fix it. That WILL be solved tomorrow.

Secondly, I have what my family tends to call the "Benson Back" after the family line that it comes from, aka "Curvature of the spine," so Sitting up straight has been an adjustment. I had to bring in a hard chair from the kitchen to use in the living room now.

Thirdly, because of a lack of proper supporting undergarments, I always pair my modern bra with my corset... Big mistake today... There is a bone, just in the wrong place, that tends to push the under-wire in said bra irritatingly against me... Not cool. So adjustments will be made on that score tomorrow as well.

I had lots of housework to do today, so I rather wish I had taken the time to make these adjustments. The day would have been a lot more comfortable...

Also Introducing, Darling

Hello Everyone! 

I'm Darling! (But you knew that just by looking at me! Haha!) 

Aunt Meggie Says I'm going to be here a lot, just like my Cousin "Little Bit." 

Guess what? My birthday was yesterday! The first one I ever had! 

And These pictures are from an amazing photoshoot Aunt Meggie had with Me and My Cousin. She's going to show them all to you REAL soon! 

I've made some real accomplishments this year; I'm learning to toddle! And I can wave and say Hi! 

  

I can't wait for you to get to know me! I'm a great Kid! 

Note from Meggie: My "R" button seems to be sticking tonight, so forgive any mistakes. Thanks and God Bless! 

A Trip to Tipton

We were blessed to be able to go and set up at several places this autumn, Our first, and newest, was the Fall festival at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City. 

We were invited to camp with several other people, but because of rainy weather, we were the only ones that did. Of course, I brought all my Victorian comforts of home. (You know you've been watching too much BBC when you know you can't forget to bring the works for a full tea service.) 

These photos were taken at the end of a long, wet, tiring day, But it was extremely fun! It was my first time being able to almost completely put aside modern life if I wanted to, and be Edwardian. 

It was extremely surreal, being alone at night in this place, almost like the lives that had been lived in this home went on dancing once everyone was gone. Not to mention the resident deer that enjoyed the lawn one evening, and the groundhogs who live under the outbuildings.

It was a great way to spend my birthday weekend I think.

I had planned an entirely new outfit for this show, but upon trying my blouse, it was much too small... and by then I was out of time and material. So I went with my old standby Green Blouse, though the skirt was new. A sturdy, everyday, bottom weight cotton, made from Past Patterns #5328

It turned out not to be too hard. It was too small for me around the waist, so I took a few inches off the top, which helped with the length as well.

Anyways, I'm extremely excited to get to go back next year!

Maybe we'll get  sunshine and a better turn out.

Until next time!
Meggie

Introducing Little Bit

Hi!

My Name is "Little Bit" (Bit for short)

At least that's what my Aunt Meggie calls me...

Okay, I admit, She's not Really my Aunt, But she and my mommy are best friends, so it's close enough!

Hey guess what? I'm gonna be a year old in December!

Aunt Meggie says I gotta say something to you since she's going to be using my picture a Whole  lot around here! I guess it's cause I'm just so darn cute! 

She's made me some really awesome dresses this year wanna see? Well you'll just have to wait! Those will be coming up real soon! Stay tuned!

Anyone listening???

Hi!

I just wanted to see if anyone is still reading my blog.

I'd love to talk to everyone again. Maybe get things going again. But I REALLY don't want to do it to empty cyberspace.

If you have google reader, you may have seen my latest post about moving out. Well that didn't go so well.... To many problems with it. So things will get flip-flopped around here and turned on their head until I'm satisfied but I'll be trying to remain here, but like I said, not if it means empty cyberspace.

So please comment here and help me get things back up and running.

Thanks a million!
Meggie

Another giveaway

Here's one from Accordion to kelly for a lovely bar of soap from Bambu Earth! http://kelliefalconer.blogspot.com/2012/11/giveaway-artisan-soap-by-bambu-earth.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+accordiontokellie+%28Accordion+To+Kellie%29

23 Skidoo, 20's shoes!

American dutchess is hosting a giveaway for her new T-strap 1920's shoes the  23 skidoo's!

link in the photo

Guess what??

Well that's been the only header I've been able to think of to put above this picture.

On a lark I was persuaded to enter some things in my local county fair. I had never been down there, so I had no idea what I was getting in to. (I usually go to the next county over, it's a shade bigger and gives me more reasons to go)
But! Here is what I saw upon entering the exhibit building! 

I don't think I've ever posted about these before, so when I get them back next week, I'll have to explain a bit about them!

Secondly, This past week or two I have started on a new life journey. I've begun learning Scot's Gaelic. (Gaidhlig) It's so much fun, this language! And it's definitely a challenge, seeing as it's not a Latin based language. Here's a bit of a sample: 

I think it's gorgeous! But of course that could be because it's my native language.

I'm learning Via These Lessons . These concentrate more on Grammar than Pronunciation or Vocabulary. It's a bit harder that way, but I figure, once I get the grammar I can do anything else from there.

I'm also enjoying some Gaidhlig Music and radio. Julie Fowlis sang a lot of the songs on the new Disney movie "Brave"  If you liked here there, you should check out some of her other music, she sings in pretty much pure Gaidhlig!

Another pace to really get into the culture is Here, Celtic music radio. The sad part is, most of the time I'm getting the "Through the night" programs due to the time difference.  It's still good though!

Anyways, I've rambled enough, back to study it is!
Much love!
Meggie

Ps, anyone willing to learn with me, I would LOVE to have a study buddy!

Polka Dot Splendour Dress.

If you've been following for a while, you'll probably know that I always think of the 40's on patriotic holidays. So, on the fourth I finished up my Polka Dot Splendour Dress. 

This pattern was an absolute DREAM to work with! The pleats and gathers made it adjustable, leading to a lot less fitting. It's so comfortable, and classy, and modern!

I wore it again to VBS tonight, and it was just fine, even while Baby wrangling. :D

I highly recommend this pattern if you can find a copy!

I also have a few other outfits to show off, so stay tuned.!

Minor Technical Difficulties

Source: w0lvesss.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

Well... Somewhere along the way, My camera has been misplaced. All I have to do is Locate it, and I can post some of my newest projects.

Until then, lets see if this will tide you over. I have long since Joined the ranks of Pinterest dwellers. If you would like, here is a link to my boards http://pinterest.com/avonleadreamer/

Sherlock!!

Just a quick note to Say, I have decided never to apologise when I can't post. Life is Life, and I won't be sorry for it. I have been sewing up a storm and can't wait to show you my newest finished projects.

Next of all, I'm about to douse you in a bit of Childish Fandom. Though I can't recommend it as a wonderful family show, I have completely fallen in love with BBC Sherlock! 

To move on though, They're trying to tear down the Home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and to show our hatred of the idea... aaaannd to show our support of Sherlock (season two moment) We've all done This: 

Source: crazyhusky.tumblr.com via 221B on Pinterest

Happy International "I believe Sherlock" Day!!!

A Bit of Music

I recently discovered Chelsea Moon through Alyssa's Blog, and fell madly in love with the sound!

I've listened to all her songs over and over, and hopefully will buy the CD soon.

Have a listen for yourself! She's got that great Country twang, a hint of blue grass, but also a crisp clear voice and great harmony! Not to mention, the fact that she's singing my favourite hymns. :D ("I need thee every hour", and "What a friend" are really good too!)



Secondly, things are really crazy here right now, a gargantuan effort of spring cleaning is underway.

I'm completely astonished at what God is doing in our lives right now. People that we have had huge troubles with for the past few years have quite suddenly thrown fits and walked away! I can't say it's been easy, but just knowing that it's God's doing has made us all just sit back with our mouths open.

And then it's good riddance to bad rubbish, and replace it with the good. In a few weeks our lives are going to change decidedly (and hopefully) for the better, but until then, it will be a rather large effort to get to that point.

So, you'll have to excuse me if I don't post as much, sewing and such have been on the back burner. But once all of this is over, I hope to be back in full swing and maybe double time. :D

So until then!
Meggie

A Daily Dose of Rediculousness

The past few days I have been watching "The 1900's House" (One of the ones where they drop Idiots  in) Episode 1 starts above.

So the first thing they did upon finishing the house was to call in the "Saftey experts" I was expecting the usual was going to be a problem, the "ancient" gass lines, the coal fires, washing ringer, but no. You wanna know what they had a problem with? The (Dun, dun DUN) "Cut throat" razor!! And! The Rag rugs posed a TRIPPING HAZARD!!!

I was astonished! So... you fall... Just don't do it with the razor in your hand...

But today's episode (I'm in part 13-14 maybe. I'm not sure what episode) Was all about "Lets complain about corsets"

The woman of the house seems to be a nice lady, but I guess she couldn't find enough to complain about, having just hired a maid-of-all-work to do the chores... So  we had a "Devilry of Corsets" Lesson.

Here's my take on the matter, Having delved into the world of  Historical costuming, I was, and probably for the same reasons, a bit nervous about corsetry. But as you may know, recently I took the plunge.

Though my corset is about 10-15 years later, it's still a corset. My personal experience was that, yes, it does take some getting used to, just like a new Bra would. But after that, I found it to be quite comfortable!

So, no, I haven't tried any of the truly "Cinching" Corsets, but any costumer will tell you the same thing.

IF FITTED PROPERLY, you will be FINE!



Source

 One thing they showed was a diagram of how tight fitting corsets could re-align the ribs and internal organs. And I imagine they could!

The above picture is what scares people to death about corsetry, so lets take a closer look.

In my opinion, just like today, there were women who did all kinds of unhealthy things in search of "Beauty."

But I also imagine that there were a lot more women who were sensible  and to compare times This:

Source

Would be looked upon much like This is today:

Source

So here we are, Yes, the Edwardians had some very strange ideas, but so do we. Are they that much different?

Here we have an example of what I think is a true, every day, Corseted Edwardian.

She doesn't look uncomfortable, or out of breath, or ill.



Source

 She just looks normal, modest, and comfortable.

So in essence, there is no need to be afraid of Corsetry as an uncomfortable, unhealthy item.

Well, in my opinion. :D

Polka Dot Splendour, Beginnings

Well, I'm ready to set out on a new project. As summer approaches, I've realized I need some cooler dresses.

I began surfing etsy for 1930's and 40's patterns and finally landed on this one at Mrs. Hudson's Sewing Room.

I just couldn't pass it up! 

I then began surfing fabric sites. No matter how many times I try, sometimes I just can't get good fabric in local stores... They specialize in Quilting fabrics, and I just can't ever get it right.

Well this time I think I got it. A Red and white polka dot seersucker from Joann.com .

It matched the pattern so beautifully, but I was scared of the 100% poly... Well it was on sale for $3 a yard, I thought , 'Hey, what's the harm'

Well it's perfect! Soft and flowy, and I just think it'll be a joy to work with.

I'll udate soon!

Meggie

Ps, Do pop over to Sahd, We're back up and running, and have some delightful new contributors, not to mention a new website and FB page! Ta! 

Hope Chest Buys

I thought I would  introduce you to the newest member of my hope chest collection!

The English Tea Store has a lovely selection of... well everything, from pots, to sets, to Tea-for-ones, and not to mention all kinds of tea, and cakes and, British brand foods and candies. :D

I recently decided that my hope chest was in need of a complete tea set. So I set to browsing. This is the one I have ordered what do you think?

I wanted to brag on this store a little bit. They were extremely kind in calling to let me know that the sugar and creamer were on back order.

Upon the arrival of the majority of the set, I was extremely distressed to find that one of the cups was in pieces.

Mom called them immediately. The person she talked to was SO sweet! No unkind or curt words, and even took the time to make small talk while she waited for information.

Now, I don't care what kind of system they had, but one broken cup, and they sent me a whole new set of six cup and saucers! So now I have 11! What a blessing to someone who hopes for a houseful of children someday!

All in all, it wasn't to expensive, especially since I got a second set of cups! I'm thinking of buying a second pot, to go with it. :D

As a question to my Titus 2s, what should I start looking for household wise now? I have two sets of  (Serves 6?) dishes, so I should be good there . But what was something you wished you had bought before hand?

Thanks for reading!

Meggie

Miss Million's Maid~ A review

So I finally broke down and done it... I bought a kindle... I have found myself lacking in the liturature department, simply because, either my library didn't have it, or my bookstore didn't.

I love buying online, but I don't like to make it a habit. So when I discovered through This Post from Edwardian Promenade, that there was a Site that offered these books for FREE! I knew I had to check it out.

I tried reading them on my computer, but I found the eye strain to be too much... So I set them on hold... until yesterday.

a friend of ours loaned  us his while he went out of town, and while trying to download a book I realized we needed our own.... sooo

Enter Kindle!!

(yes that IS "Jo's Boys" one of the books my library didn't have)

But that's another story. I'm here to talk about a book I found in the above post. Miss Million's Maid.

This book is one of the best reads I've had in a while. It gives a true glimpse into 1910's London life.

Anyhoo, a brief synopsis,

Beatrice Lovlace is an orphan who lives with her aunt. Decended from a long line of well to do "Lovelaces" Aunt Anastasia cant get used to the fact that they haven't a penny, and does her best to make sure that Betrice does the same, and doesn't forget where she came from.

But that's about to change, when Betrice's only friend, the household maid Nellie Million Recevies a letter. Nellie has inherited a million dollars from her estranged uncle, who moved to America and struck it rich.

Nellie imeditely leaves her position, which is when Beatrice has an idea. She would become Miss Million's maid, and get out of her aunt's stuffy, stuck-in-the-past world.

But can she keep little "Million" out of trouble?

I HIGHLY reccomend this book! It's so sweet, and reading about the era from someone who lived in it is extremely refreshing. :D

So go read! (you can download it to your computer, my eyes just couldn't  take it..)

Enjoy!

Meggie

Just in Time, Personal Tea Service

Look what arrived in the mail from the English Tea Store Today! And just in time for my Annual bout with Larangitis... (boo.. but at least it wasn't on Easter like it usually is...)

Look how pretty my favourite tea (Twinnings Lady Grey) looks without the tea bag!

Ahhh! To sit down with a nice hot cuppa on an unseasonally cold day, to soothe a sore throat.

(notice my quilt in the background? I have one strip nearly all quilted! Woot!) Until Next time!
Meggie
Ps, my Stay at Home Daughters Blog is now up and running again! go check it out!

Oh I Could Write a Sonnet - A Downton Inspired Hat.

Well, the best part about Easter this year was getting the chance to delve a bit deeper into  some millinery.

I fell in love with this hat of Lady Mary's the moment I saw it, and after a peep through my hat collection realized I had a hat that I could remake to work.

Sadly I didn't get a before picture. It's been in my family for as long as I've been alive. It was my sister's first, then Marmee's.

The hat had a squared top to it, a straight band, and a plain piece of wide lace hot glued to it.

So first thing was first, I removed the band and wet it to reshape it.

Then, I  made my band of some... well some "I don't know" material... It's not quite a satin or silk, it doesn't shine so much, it's thicker and rougher. I just always called it "Wedding Dress fabric" I had them cut an 1/8 of a yard, then simply left it flodec in half and sewed down each side.  I then made a hand gathering seam crosswise at intervals that were supposed to be at each quarter round... I got close..

After gluing it on, I laid out the flowers and glued them. Finally I glued some satin ribbon round the brim to hide the seam on the hat.

And here you have it!

(These pictures were photoshopped into vintage frames, I'm not sure what the french says on the one, I just thought it looked pretty)

I love taking pictures on my grandparent's farm! Isn't this view lovely? I swear I'm going to paint it sometime!

And I'll just end this with this picture.

This is me and Grandmother. She tells me all about the flowers in her garden every time we come over. She's 86 now,and a member of the greatest generation.

PS. I will be holding a  giveaway here soon. I won't reveal what it's for yet. But I should like to have 60 followers first. :D (That's just two more!) So, tell you're friends!

Oh I Could Write a Sonnet- Preview

Just thought I'd give you a sneak peek of what I'm working on today. My Easter photos look really great when "Old fashionized" But it sure takes a long time... So here's one that's done, the rest will come later! :D

A Stitch in Time

Well, My quilt top is finished!

(You can see my previous posts on this Here and Here )

A few days ago I put together the last piece and sewed it to the last strip.

I then began assembling the top. Strip after strip, seam after seam. It's the only part of the quilt that I sewed by machine. I figured as long as they were that it would give it a bit more strength and, well, take a lot less time!

It may have taken less time, but it sure felt like forever. Sewing on and on when all I wanted to do was sit and quilt (My favourite part!)

The first thing I did when I got my material was to cut the strips that went in between.  I highly reccomend this, if you cut your other pieces first, you'll either not have enough material, or you'll be piecing strips together, FOREVER!

I cut them exactly as per the directions in the book, and guess what? They were too short... So, after sewing everything, I had to piece extra length onto them, this went on by hand.

So, After two days of sewing Loooong strips, and an hour on the floor making patches, I'm ready to QUILT!!!

Linking up again with:

If you're stopping in from there, do please comment and tell me what you think!