LadyBrower

Mr. Cutter! It's been too long. The little bit of research that I came up with said that they were common for poor people and farmers in Holland and some people still favor them today in out in the country (I know I would!) It makes sense that they might be used also by the poor dutch tenant farmers in NY. But I don't want to make any assumptions. lol. They just seem like an interesting thing to add to my kit to do a lower class, local-type impression. And they are cute. lol.

So, I've been assigned to read "World's End" by TC Boyle for my contemporary novel course, and, for those of you who have not read it, it's a crazy book that jumps between time periods including the late-ish 1600's all taking place in the Hudson Vally (NY). They keep mentioning wooden shoes (for some reason those as well as an abundance of strange food obsessions and amputations just keep coming up). I know that the dutch have been wearing wooden shoes/ clogs since about the 13th century... But I am having trouble finding sources for our era and my area. I guess my question is does anyone know of any sources about this fabulous footwear pertaining to pirates and peoples in the new york area during the GAoP?

You can definitely improvise too. What we had planned to do was set it up with about 10 people as the actors, and then randomly get other people involved in the middle of things. Like if we planned a scene where someone pulled a gun on someone else, they would have to grab someone to use as a human shield, or they would have to gain accomplices, etc. etc. But the fun thing was the party could be going on as normal and then suddenly a "fight" would break out. Then at the end the guest who weren't "playing" could help try to figure out who was the real murderer. There's a lot of things you can do once you have the basic game idea...

't would be brown rice, yes? and of what sort? Long grain or short? I don't know my history or rice.... But I know there are too many different kinds!

http://www.murder-mystery-game.com/murder-...es.html#choices <--the ghost one looks kinda cool. http://www.writemeamurder.co.uk/ <--- I don't remember what the exchange rate is, but it's personalized http://homepage.ntlworld.com/j.coutts1/diy.htm <--- this is a write your own. There are also a bunch of free ones

I've seen games like that before. You can actually just make your own. If you google murder mystery game you should come up with some good stuff. I was planning on something like that for our Halloween party last year, but we never did get to organizing it (a bit too much rum in the planning stages I thinks). Halloweenforum.com may have some good games too. That's were we got the ideas for ours, though for the life of me I can't remember what we played... I was drinking this funny green drink.... Anyway. If I find anything I had collected I will let you know. =) I know my roomate (Kian McBrian) was looking at all sorts of games, and has been given the job of finding period piratey games, so I will consult him as well, or try to get him back into the pub for you. Good Luck! Oh, you can also try "Loot"- it's a kid's card game (we picked it up for under 5 bucks at let target botique) its a little dopey, but very amusing. Particularly with the addition of pirate hats and alcohol.

=) Thank you very much. *blush* I wore the outfit to school today and I was pleased to find them very comfortable, although driving took a bit of adjusting, next time I will remove the busk before I get in the car... and runner is rather difficult, but that's to be expected.

Thank you, I've been so inspired by everyone's work here. =) and yeah... I have a bit of an obsession with the color red... =P

I still have to hem my skirt, and don't mind my facial expressions..... lol.

Oh I so love the rust! They are all beautiful... I wish I had the dollars to spend. I don't reenact that period, but I would wear it anyway... *sniffle*

Great. =) I was concerned because a lot of the others I have seen are more on the shoulder, and the gowns were on the shoulder as well so I was all manner of concerned. Thanks for your help!

These stays are the bane of my existence these past two weeks... This may be a stupid question... directed more towards Kass I suppose, but anyone who has used the 1670-1720 Stay pattern (RH711). Are they supposed to be off the shoulder? Because it seems to me that the only way they fit properly is to put the straps on the very outside fall of my shoulders, otherwise the back top doesn't fit at all. The pattern in Corsets and Crinolines (page 38) looks like it is suppose to be off shoulder, but it also says that the piece it is based from was probably a court dress because of the style of "day robes" were back up on the shoulder, though it also says it is similar to the stays worn by the effigy of the Duchess of Richmond 1701-1702, but then it says (c. 1680). Should I rip off the binding and try to reposition the straps to sit more on the shoulder? I'll post pictures tonight once I find my memory card.... as always, your advice is much appreciated.

Kind Greetings, and Welcome... Obsession, I think, is a matter of perspective. But on another note, with all these pirates running about, I wonder how you might have bewitched them into forgetting that is upon you to buy the first round? It is tradition, after all. For me I would like some rum with a bit of lime, if you would be so kind...

Oh great. So that stuff is good for lacing too? I didn't even think of it, but I was planning to order some for my petticoats and such. =) Thanks.

Just receive my buttons this week... They are not on the waistcoat yet, but they are lovely and high quality. Thank you!!

Lacing... I've tried ribbons but they don't seem sturdy enough. Anyone have a suggestion on what to use/ where to get it? Many thanks!

oops. I suppose I should mention THAT man is not my husband but rather good friend and fellow pub patron, Kian McBrian. lol. (My hubby is the Gent' in the picture I posted awhile back of the Captain Morgan costume) We shall be going to a number of events: Long Island, New London, hopefully to Blackbeard in VA and several local things. As for your rant, I was not scared so much as surprised. It is my firm belief that online forums, however convenient, can be a difficult place to communicate. We lack so many audio and visual cues that meanings can be often misconstrued. Though I must say you were probably quite clear with your superfluous use of Capital letters and exclamation points. lol. Still, I find it difficult to communicate properly. Given the fact that people seem to have different feelings on the pattern in question, it seemed to spark a small debate. I am sorry you were so upset, though. I will finally put in my two sense. Personally, I was not pleased with the one pattern I purchased, it was very expensive and it did not have nearly the amount of explaination that I had hoped for from a historical pattern, given that the techniques are different from modern sewing. However, this may be because the way I learn I require a little more explaination particularly with visuals (that's why I love the cheap patterns, they have pictures!) But anyway, maybe a lot of it is personal preference and how we are used to sewing. I don't know. I know it is unlikely that I will buy another pattern if I can find a way to draft my own. Again, it may just be personal, and the fact that I am not such an experienced seamstress that caused me trouble, but I am learning and going with that... I hope that all made sense, I'm on heavy duty pain killers so I'm a little fuzzy. lol.

The bottles and things look great! I just receive the Art of the Sailor from Alibris (I got it for 2 bucks!) and am going to try my hand at some knot-work. What kind of needles are you using?

huh. I actually have a tapered busk. I'm guessing that's not right? The holes are at the top of it too. I like the way you have that put in. How does it look in the front? Did you make it decorative? I was thinking that embroidery would look lovely, but I doubt that is correct. Thank you so much for the picture.

How do you have it fastened? I'm sorry, I feel like I am being dense again. It's these little details that keep getting my hung up. And I must thank you ladies again, I keep coming back and looking at your stays for reference as I am working on mine.. =)

Wow, Lady. I will strive to stay on your good side. Even through the computer that was a frightful rant. Good luck with the projects, I'd love to see some pictures. I used the jack sparrow pattern for my roomate's waist coat. It didn't turn out half bad, I just sort of put it on the fabric and drew on any adjustments (The collar, the length...) and went from there. At this point, his breeches were not finished (and he was lacking stockings. lol). They are done in stupid Gabardine. I decided I hate that stuff.... I don't like the texture.

I'm going to purchase some of the full oval for my next set (ugh). But for now, do you think that doubling it up flat to flat would have the same effect? Unfortunately I can't wait for new stuff to come it because I actually need the stays done for a class presentation on Thursday. (I am very excited to wear my garb to school. I will be doing it for another class too, I think. Yey!) I'm still a little confused on the busk too. One of the drawings at the beginning of the thread looked like the busk wasn't in a pocket at all. Just a little bit and then it looks almost laced in. Am i seeing this correctly? If so, I may try that as it looks like it makes the buck easy to remove if needed. =) Thanks for you help ladies.

I've been using the 1/4 flat oval. I'll have to look for the full oval. Thanks!

Ah.. I was trying to devise a way to make them a little stronger. I've added linen canvas to the interlining of the set I'm working on now (finally a set for me!) in order to make them a little stiffer/ stronger. I was also thinking of trying to double up the reed at least once per tab, so long as it doesn't look weird. I have extreme curve in my own waist and would rather not be constantly breaking reed. lol. I've never had to worry before with steel. =P I'll let you know how that goes.

When using a busk, where does it go? I made a "pocket" for it like I would normally make the channels for boning, but I think it looks funny. Is it better to make a separate pocket and stitch it to the lining? Thanks!