Review: Wearing History's 1879 Dinner Bodice E-Pattern

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXc2HpkGXFbNTlbzzISeYpE4Lk-Q8hNJjBlYgU4CCqQMXwImq5Ys9cEJ9x8zjiqlPX3pUxhbUOJJeKID0mvFOR5JKoHslugK-YZMmmnhl3eWptWTQRuPyMlhi2b2akmnRmsRBIbJc2_sf/s1600/1879+dress+fin+12-14-13+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXc2HpkGXFbNTlbzzISeYpE4Lk-Q8hNJjBlYgU4CCqQMXwImq5Ys9cEJ9x8zjiqlPX3pUxhbUOJJeKID0mvFOR5JKoHslugK-YZMmmnhl3eWptWTQRuPyMlhi2b2akmnRmsRBIbJc2_sf/s640/1879+dress+fin+12-14-13+(1+of+1).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Last weekend I finished up and wore my new <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/search/label/1879%20Tea%20Gown">1879 "Cafe Promenade" dress</a> (or "Creme Brulee" or "Cafe Au Lait"), which I had quite a good time putting together over the previous few weeks.<br /><br />The bodice was crafted from <a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/e-pattern-1879-victorian-dinner-bodice/">Wearing History's 1879 Victorian Dinner Bodice "Resto-vival" E-Pattern</a>.<br /><br />My favorite things about this pattern were that it was affordable ($7.00), instantly available, and that it was a truly original pattern directly from Harper's Bazaar, March 1879. Wearing History had done all the hard work of singling out each piece from the otherwise *insane* multi-pattern diagram, creating something that my modern pea-brain could cope with. To give you an idea, here's what it looked like in its original state:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/e-pattern-1879-victorian-dinner-bodice/"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsXH6EmKiolO9KMhW5usniVW4udd_kbDhOvr70xYzTxssNCjyoGTX1-VwP0JDxuRL-h_l7Xo-rokTvE1-QD4NmEHwCrZ1fhEvhOOHfvOWeykhf9HOoN_72rIvBN2xuENGd5xZoTk7ZLm1/s400/original-pattern-diagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/e-pattern-1879-victorian-dinner-bodice/">EGADS!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>Assembling the E-Pattern</u></b><br /><br />This is the first time I've ever used an e-pattern, and was a little dubious at first, worried that I would get the scale on the prints wrong, or just not get through the taping together of so many sheets, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/e-pattern-1879-victorian-dinner-bodice/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMsMAnnvOdoRBVp1HipnGnLrFjjWFrhVk0CLC9-p12H9bMYLTk8CQKyZHPJy3HvA3IUdSe_6vRjUE10cp8FBcD8dSkNqUl1BW-0ieqXLHJgMk5i4Fj0xY52c6uYjmu5aogykhERH1RcL6/s320/R105webimage__38709.1376276977.1000.1280.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />I was surprised how easy it was. Wearing History provides easy-to-follow directions on how to print the pattern and assemble. Each page is numbered, and it's easy to see how the pieces go together.  I was impressed with the notes about the pattern, as well, though there are no construction directions.<br /><br /><b><u>Mocking Up</u></b><br /><br />I was also impressed with how nicely the pattern went together. Points lined up as they should. Things were trued, and matched nicely. Wearing History notes that the center back pieces are longer than the side back pieces, at the hem, but I concluded, based on how accurately every other point matched, that this was entirely purposeful.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQCPkeeVhyphenhyphenX1rzgT29pg58CVoUjU4YCsD-eyegfjHwBcbLdPO369Cj-EA9xapSsTE3P2rov3A0AAr32R3W1vhVypua-KElY8cYmwjP9QYl7pmACpEOGyJMXLlyO2RLGY-btU_D3lP2lj3/s1600/1879+mock+up+%25283+of+7%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQCPkeeVhyphenhyphenX1rzgT29pg58CVoUjU4YCsD-eyegfjHwBcbLdPO369Cj-EA9xapSsTE3P2rov3A0AAr32R3W1vhVypua-KElY8cYmwjP9QYl7pmACpEOGyJMXLlyO2RLGY-btU_D3lP2lj3/s400/1879+mock+up+%25283+of+7%2529.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the right - how the original pattern pieces went together. On the left side, my slicing and dicing</td></tr></tbody></table>The turn-backs on the bodice didn't match up, and were way longer than they appear in the illustration. I found these tails to go down almost to my knees, which didn't work for my proportions. I was also confused by what to do in back - more turn-backs? leave straight? - as there's no back view for what it was originally intended to look like.  I avoided these weird bits altogether by cutting a new line for the hem, which was easy to do.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrJIk-f4djVPrOq7zwaVu-NWDH-4y13DcqYdlAG0xQNW6rt6qGxrLbVuc6fV2Xwwnr3ltb8VGk1vHwJuDGJIBkNL0hyaKk_tc88T7mjvBpfx-8HLgEJnjdmOE-Cz7zyxLsOlqTdIVh6mO/s1600/1879+mock+up+%25282+of+7%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrJIk-f4djVPrOq7zwaVu-NWDH-4y13DcqYdlAG0xQNW6rt6qGxrLbVuc6fV2Xwwnr3ltb8VGk1vHwJuDGJIBkNL0hyaKk_tc88T7mjvBpfx-8HLgEJnjdmOE-Cz7zyxLsOlqTdIVh6mO/s400/1879+mock+up+%25282+of+7%2529.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn-back weirdness</td></tr></tbody></table>The bodice has quite a few pieces, making it easy to adjust to my size, which was a tad smaller than the original measurements (when does that ever happen!?). I took quite a lot of excess out of the armscye area in back, but I think that might have been a mistake, as I realized later that the sleeve is actually a drop-shoulder, rather than right on the shoulder, as it appears in the illustration.<br /><br />This was my mistake - I ended up with the front bodice piece dropping off the shoulder, and the back being cut toward the shoulder blade. Weirdness, and not the most comfortable. If I made this bodice again, I would cut the armscye fully on the shoulder point.<br /><br /><b><u>Construction</u></b><br /><br />Once I worked out my mock up, I cut the pattern from the silk/cotton fashion fabric, and a medium-weight brown twill I had in my stash. I flat-lined each piece together, then worked the front asymmetrical button closure, before assembling all the other pieces. The last assembly step was to do the darts, but what I *should* have done was add the boning to all of the seams before doing the darts, because I ended up "shrinking" the garment a bit too much, and having to let the bodice out at the buttons. No biggy, but a lesson learned for the future.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486404854/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486404854&linkCode=as2&tag=laureeske-20"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQuSyXsq9zhkZDgwbfrdc2fwKYPMVOr0kwKmU2ZP7lnno3y2Z6B1sZ6perjX04VYsPcHXmkepOo0i7TkFq71m5vuBoSuyCYMxpkISYfR4GQVMq_3ox3wu98N3m0J4igOZjOdul70fJnLd/s640/1879+bustle+prog+dec+9+(1+of+3).jpg" width="425" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486404854/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486404854&linkCode=as2&tag=laureeske-20">I worked the seam allowances according to bits from "Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques," a great book to have.</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The pattern included a two-piece sleeve that was longer than the one shown on the pattern illustration - about mid-forearm length, with a cuff - which I liked, but I decided to go with a full-length sleeve instead. I frankensteined the included sleeve pattern with a two-piece shapes sleeve I knew fit, but in retrospect I perhaps should have just stuck with the original sleeve. I ended up with weirdness near the top of the sleeves in back, which I think stemmed from my misunderstanding the armscye design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ThDScfGw-AmkD8SYjXXiJuI3iqcZW1NyhCj-Xfsb2b1H1g2EHMOprA7q-rOg6fvdmD8MNDbnqmId50YarelyrS5arBdMgXDLl5lMpPQDp5Zyqg-Z_dkKkhrqbwAhxyY-TwODoN77onQ/s1600/1879+bustle+prog+dec+9+(3+of+3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ThDScfGw-AmkD8SYjXXiJuI3iqcZW1NyhCj-Xfsb2b1H1g2EHMOprA7q-rOg6fvdmD8MNDbnqmId50YarelyrS5arBdMgXDLl5lMpPQDp5Zyqg-Z_dkKkhrqbwAhxyY-TwODoN77onQ/s640/1879+bustle+prog+dec+9+(3+of+3).jpg" width="403" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Conclusion</u></b><br /><br />I really like this pattern. Despite changing bits of it, and going rogue on some parts (to my detriment!), I will definitely use this pattern again, and recommend it for advanced seamstresses. It's easy to assemble, affordable, and completely authentic. You'll need some experience to put it together, and I definitely recommend doing a mock-up, just like any historical pattern.<br /><br /><b>You can find all of Wearing History's patterns - print or e-patterns - at <a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/">www.wearinghistorypatterns.com</a> .</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Wearing History's "Resto-vival" patterns can be found <a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/resto-vival-patterns/">here</a></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>The 1879 Dinner Bodice is <a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/e-pattern-1879-victorian-dinner-bodice/">here</a>.</b><br /><br /><br />

Review: Wearing History's 1879 Dinner Bodice E-Pattern

Last weekend I finished up and wore my new 1879 "Cafe Promenade" dress (or "Creme Brulee" or "Cafe Au Lait"),...

Read more »

Book Review: "Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail" by Astrida Schaeffer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/EmbellishmentsCov72-tilted.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/EmbellishmentsCov72-tilted.png" width="162" /></a></div><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/embellishments/">Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail</a><br />Astrida Schaeffer<br />(c) 2013 by Astrida Schaeffer<br />ISBN 978-1-938394-04-1<br /><br />Many of us have been anticipating Astrida's book "Embellishments" for quite some time. I was happy to receive it for my birthday, and quickly ran off to read every word of it (accompanied by tea and puppies, of course) upon its arrival.<br /><br />Beautifully put together, with professional photography of garments never before published, "Embellishments" is not only a feast for the eyes, but a useful reference for historical costumers interested in  late Victorian fashions.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p10a.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celestia's Homemade Dress, pg 5</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>The Pros:</u></b><br /><br />"Embellishments" focuses on details of late 19th century garments the way that The V&A's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1851775722/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1851775722&linkCode=as2&tag=laureeske-20">Nineteenth Century Fashion in Detail</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=laureeske-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1851775722" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> does, but unlike the latter, "Embellishments" actually shows multiple views of the entire garment, which is entirely necessary to the historical costumer.  Taking it one step further, Astrida also shows us how to construct the various trims seen on the garments, using easy-to-follow diagrams.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p15.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pg 51 - an example of a diagram showing how to recreate the trim seen in the upper right image</td></tr></tbody></table>"Embellishments" features ten gowns from the Irma Bowen Collection of the University of New Hampshire Museum, all of which are splendid and have interesting stories behind them. In looking through this book, I feel as if I'm privy to a private, seldom-exhibited collection of important garments worn by American women.<br /><br /><b><u>The Cons:</u></b><br /><br />For the intermediate and advanced costumer, "Embellishments" is much more about gorgeous reference material, and less about the techniques of making the trims.  The books covers the basics of knife and box pleating, ruching, bias binding, piping, and braidwork, among a few others, all things that experienced seamstresses will likely already be quite familiar with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/p9.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br />However, the value is in seeing how all of these trims appear and work together on a single gown.  The breakdown of each type of embellishment, along with the many detail photos provided, encourages even the most advanced costumer to go the extra mile when trimming a Victorian gown. I know that I am guilty of under-trimming, but after perusing "Embellishments," I feel quite inspired to really go at it with the trims on my next Natural Form attempt.<br /><br /><b><u>Conclusion:</u></b><br /><br />"Embellishments" is a great little book that should be on every historical costumer's shelf.  It is an independent publication created by one of our very own, and offers both splendid imagery and useful information.  You can purchase "Embellishments" directly from Astrida, on her website <a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/embellishments/">Schaeffer Arts</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.schaefferarts.com/dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cover.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I and American Duchess Company are not affiliated with Schaeffer Arts, nor do I receive any commission for the promotion of "Embellishments"</span></i>

Book Review: "Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail" by Astrida Schaeffer

Embellishments: Constructing Victorian Detail Astrida Schaeffer (c) 2013 by Astrida Schaeffer ISBN 978-1-938394-04-1 Many of us have been an...

Read more »

Spotlight On "Courage, New Hampshire" Episode 3

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxzoTnc1FmVivtvC-p4Gv4VTzKANzjmSEmXsiHd9oBHgZ9tb2ZV_fnG8j2pdSEK20VmkFlMG3PvyJ3L9_CjQ-C4sI3fGeGjH77cxnfSn297sAmA524GNXv4k7j52tFx-Iflhfyu0LPwP2/s1600/Courage+NH+ep3+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxzoTnc1FmVivtvC-p4Gv4VTzKANzjmSEmXsiHd9oBHgZ9tb2ZV_fnG8j2pdSEK20VmkFlMG3PvyJ3L9_CjQ-C4sI3fGeGjH77cxnfSn297sAmA524GNXv4k7j52tFx-Iflhfyu0LPwP2/s640/Courage+NH+ep3+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some of you may remember my interview with <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2012/03/v66-interview-with-mary-johns-costumer.html">Mary Johns</a>, the costumer for indie film "Courage, New Hampshire," or my visit to Riley's Farm, the amazing Southern Californian set of this pre-Revolutionary story.  (If not, <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2012/03/v66-interview-with-mary-johns-costumer.html">read the interview here</a>, and see <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2012/08/v221-visit-to-rileys-farm.html">pics from my visit here</a>).<br /><br />After seeing the behind-the-scenes at Riley's Farm, I'm looking at "Courage, New Hampshire" with fresh eyes, knowing all the "movie magic" that goes into it, or just plain hard work, in Mary Johns' case.  Episode 3 is particularly impressive, because she has clothed an entire country dance worth of folks, including several rather pretty silk gowns.<br /><br />What I love about the costumes in "Courage, New Hampshire" is that they seem so real and lived in.  The men's clothing (which I will showcase from Episode 4, next time) is grubby, rumpled, and worn, and the women's silk gowns fit the way you might imagine home-sewn or hand-me-down, re-fashioned gowns to fit.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISf-S3o4OTGVXHrX3GxGXUBBIZsHpDasBEYwSGq_XrNY8I0_s_JnuUPW01hZTzzWhxYo_jvN8tZ722RqmAib0kJfLNuKNNFCWZvLK0-HQkKkA1kTfcgSuN1lHAKPE0cfV1kZc3ILiW_tE/s1600/Courage+NH+ep3+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISf-S3o4OTGVXHrX3GxGXUBBIZsHpDasBEYwSGq_XrNY8I0_s_JnuUPW01hZTzzWhxYo_jvN8tZ722RqmAib0kJfLNuKNNFCWZvLK0-HQkKkA1kTfcgSuN1lHAKPE0cfV1kZc3ILiW_tE/s640/Courage+NH+ep3+3.jpg" width="608" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Pretty silk gowns from "Courage, New Hampshire" episode 3, along with three similar historical references, from left to right: Portrait of Lady Grantham by George Romney, 1780-81; Striped Gown, 1785-1895 in The Chace Catalogue, acc no. 1998.6.2; Gown, 1785-95 from Philadelphia Museum of Art, acc. no. 1955-78-2</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I greatly appreciate Mary John's dedication to historical integrity while having to work within the demands of a production schedule and funding constraints.  I was impressed when she told me that all the materials they use for the costumes are natural fiber - there isn't a stitch of polyester to be seen, which is the behavior of a mega-money production like "Marie Antoinette," not the typical catch-as-catch-can mindset of a low-budget independent film.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye0OfRWqPGSTIPF94E6d5mpsXeR3G-4gJMKna7BYdBSDT3Qm544e_ULxj8Ktthp0C361sBUlgE2MvpR728wEknduT0MYB1zhfnMfdMpFxcu1kOby6DaKB98cguXp9PBIFrpp_UA9NR724/s640/rileys+farm+aug+5+2012+%25288+of+10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye0OfRWqPGSTIPF94E6d5mpsXeR3G-4gJMKna7BYdBSDT3Qm544e_ULxj8Ktthp0C361sBUlgE2MvpR728wEknduT0MYB1zhfnMfdMpFxcu1kOby6DaKB98cguXp9PBIFrpp_UA9NR724/s640/rileys+farm+aug+5+2012+%25288+of+10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the scenes on Riley's Farm - silk, cotton, linen, wool, oh my</td></tr></tbody></table>Don't take my word for it, though.  You should watch it!  This is a series made by members of our own historical re-enactment community, with beautiful cinematography, costuming, lighting, set design, and an intriguing story to boot. :-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t65rUT1Mir0R4Th0MFmhs4gY5JCM-FFhWN_134bwB4M8JcvtyBo8VqWE6PpxiRUE5eSgeEFM_TtA9cLK2DPPFF0mbQGmsSMwarPYtk60E49zGc_sE1dLQuiVSh1H5YdFZ51jMAKBEKSj/s1600/Courage+NH+ep3+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t65rUT1Mir0R4Th0MFmhs4gY5JCM-FFhWN_134bwB4M8JcvtyBo8VqWE6PpxiRUE5eSgeEFM_TtA9cLK2DPPFF0mbQGmsSMwarPYtk60E49zGc_sE1dLQuiVSh1H5YdFZ51jMAKBEKSj/s640/Courage+NH+ep3+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />You can learn more about "Courage, New Hampshire" on the <a href="http://www.colonybay.net/w/index.php/buy-dvd/">Colony Bay website here</a>.  You can <a href="http://www.colonybay.net/w/index.php/movie-theater/">watch episodes online here</a>, and help support this small, independent, scrappy production company.  You can even visit <a href="http://www.rileysfarm.com/">Riley's Farm</a> and be astonished at how the CNH crew turns California hills into convincing New Hampshire fields.<br /><br />Enjoy!

Spotlight On "Courage, New Hampshire" Episode 3

Some of you may remember my interview with Mary Johns , the costumer for indie film "Courage, New Hampshire," or my visit to Riley...

Read more »

V297: Review: Litttle Bits 18th Century Makeup Products

For those of your interested in 18th century makeup - recipes, application, general wear - you'll  be pleased with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LitttleBits">Litttle Bits Clothing Company's</a> line of Georgian beauty products for the face.<br /><br />I had a chance to try out the lip salve, hair and face powder, and cheek rouge while in Colonial Williamsburg.  Here are my experiences...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyvT1Gf9clZozc8Zju_9QG1OUR8eDYfyU_UZzbO-EuvEgfCU446uo0CnHny-FqrGA_UhJWx7Pz3_e2RKe8Jwj145HFY9fg_d1wxESELs0-tM_JmrIWNNJOVdiR5m_lcNgHBFal-8sz49R/s1600/CW+18th+c+makeup+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyvT1Gf9clZozc8Zju_9QG1OUR8eDYfyU_UZzbO-EuvEgfCU446uo0CnHny-FqrGA_UhJWx7Pz3_e2RKe8Jwj145HFY9fg_d1wxESELs0-tM_JmrIWNNJOVdiR5m_lcNgHBFal-8sz49R/s640/CW+18th+c+makeup+(1+of+1).jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am wearing Litttle Bits rose lip balm, and the lavender face powder</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/105462337/1772-tinted-rose-balm-lip-salve-lip">1772 Tinted Rose Balm Lip Salve</a></u></b><br />This stuff is pretty great.  It's Georgian chapstick, and kept my lips from going dry (I'm a chapstick addict).  It smells good, and doesn't leave a weird sticky residue on the lips.<br /><br />Made with rose water and alkhanet root, the balm is slightly colored with a rose hue.  It will give you just the slightest hint of color, but you have to put quite a lot on if you want a deeper tone.  I found it worked really well with just the slightest dab of lipstick applied to the lips, then the balm rubbed over.<br /><br />The balm comes in a little tin that is easy to slip in your pocket.  I would definitely recommend this to 18th century ladies who need to keep their lips from chapping.<br /><br /><b><u><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/107529471/18th-century-lavender-hair-and-face">18th Century Lavender Hair and Face Powder</a></u></b><br />I will admit I was wary of this product at first, because (and this is just me), I hate lavender.  That majorly bummed me out, because I *really* wanted to give the powder a try, so I bit the bullet and popped the can open, and much to my surprise, the smell of lavender is not at all overwhelming.<br /><br />So I gave it a try on my face, over the top of regular, modern foundation, and I found the effects very lovely. It leaves a nice, silky, matte finish.  I also tried the powder on my hair, and was pleased with the effects as well, though it's good that you get 3.5 ounces, because it takes quite a lot of powder to do the hair fully (In the photo, I have applied some of this powder, but also sprayed my hair with modern aerosol temporary hair color)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Chb7KA5XNYejIl61Q2z3Iu1w6i501HUwrcjQQb3uJSFF_4tFeopcLJo27M9g5wStBAA4Ej2Nm10YY1SX-SElIL2sR4U8O16DlAEenyrOqngzf273x5SrXIubjtPclEvQk9o9gsXOMTn/s1600/CW+day2+%25286+of+6%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Chb7KA5XNYejIl61Q2z3Iu1w6i501HUwrcjQQb3uJSFF_4tFeopcLJo27M9g5wStBAA4Ej2Nm10YY1SX-SElIL2sR4U8O16DlAEenyrOqngzf273x5SrXIubjtPclEvQk9o9gsXOMTn/s640/CW+day2+%25286+of+6%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing the lip balm and the lavender powder.  The blush on my cheeks is modern.</td></tr></tbody></table>I would recommend the hair and face powder, to be sure, even for weirdos like me who don't care for lavender.<br /><br /><b><u><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94181742/1772-liquid-rouge-and-blush-18th-century">1772 Liquid Rouge and Blush</a></u></b><br />I was most excited to try the Liquid Rouge from Litttle Bits, to get that period look and be oh-so-authentic.  The rouge stays true to the original recipe, with alkhanet root, alcohol and benzoin root, rosewood oil, spearmint oil, and with the addition of vitamin E.<br /><br />I applied my usual makeup base, then dipped into the rouge, rubbing the rose-colored liquid into my cheeks, but nothing happened, so I thought perhaps there was something I was missing.  I wrote to Litttle Bits to ask, and here's what a found out.  Ladies! If you are using or planning to use this product, here are some things you need to know...<br /><br />For the rouge, <b><i>you must apply it over clean skin, without any foundation makeup on</i></b>. <br /><br />The rouge soaks into the skin, dries, and then brings out the color.  It will tingle and feel a little funny while it dries.  Litttle Bits recommended that the rouge be dabbed on, not rubbed in, and for a bolder color, you may want to apply several coats.  This process gives a blotchy appearance, similar to the ruddy complexions seen on ladies in 18th century portraits.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5232081/il_570xN.316315857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5232081/il_570xN.316315857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This rouge is not for everyone.  Reenactresses, you will like it, because it is one of the authentic ways that women rouged their cheeks 240 years ago.  Theater gals, and general costumers, you may be less excited about it, because it does give an appearance that is a bit removed from our modern sensibilities, and it cannot be worn with other foundation makeup.<br />--------------------------------------<br />If you would like to try Litttle Bits' makeup products, they can be found in her shop, along with lots of other cool things, on Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LitttleBits">http://www.etsy.com/shop/LitttleBits</a><br /><br />

V297: Review: Litttle Bits 18th Century Makeup Products

For those of your interested in 18th century makeup - recipes, application, general wear - you'll  be pleased with Litttle Bits Clothing...

Read more »