Cheeky Actress

Dearest Mother! Tis a joy to hear from you! Please forgive me for my past transgressions, Mother. I did it for love! Lovely example of first quarter stays. Any chance they have this in a book somewhere...the example pattern?

Sorry that you will not be able to make it, Capt. Bo. I am sure that Captain Sterling and I will stop by during the weekend and say hello to Mr. Dollinger of Smokin' Iron. Like always...we'll have pictures to show and stories to tell...hope you feel better soon!

I pray you....Good People! There are three (3) days left before this wonderful, trade show/net-working/lecture gathering/party begins! There will be lots to see, do, and don't forget to stop by and say hello to Bilgemunky in his very own pirate lounge! There will be all sorts of lectures, demos and shopping...don't forget the ball on Saturday night! Hey Maddogge...the ladies of Rakhshanda Tribal Dance ( Athena, Emilie and Leize) will be attending again this year...remember to bring your dingle-dangle jingly bits!

To be honest, she did not go into detail regarding the may or may be not. It is very difficult to determine this because...we just don't know. She did state that smaller items, such as bucs and stomachers have been known to be incorporated into 'other clothing' instead of being ripped apart and made into something else (it would be unusal and difficult to tear such an item apart and to use its' fixtures for something else)...yet, again...you can, "never say never" when it comes to such things.

Lara has seen this item and that was her opinion on the blue/flowered Bodice item. Lara said, "The Met labeled it a 'Bodice' - and this may be correct. Items this pretty would be on show and probably had a lovely matching petticoat and perhaps sleeves to match. It was a custom to use larger pieces of fabric to construct other items if there were a need - yet, we don't know for sure that this is the case with this item.

I wonder if that could be horse-hair? I'll have to check on this too.

The stiffener was likely starch, though, I am not sure that was the only producted used to stiffen linen back then.

Hmmm, a group of mad-cap pyrates wondering into LA's fashion district with a glazed look in one's eyes....this could be trouble....Rumba...BIG TROUBLE. .... when fabric store employees know you well enough by name and WHY you are there. Oh yes...I know that feeling,...I feel like Norm from Cheers when I enter on my lunch break on Friday afternoons! .... when you have a discount card and use it on average 5 times a week. Yes, I have done this...until Wal-Mart did away with their "Double Tuesday" points. ..... ye wish ye had more money to buy more yardage. Yes...very much so...especially imported silk... ..... always stopping by to see if they have something for ye to use even if ye don't have the money. Or the time to make something else...by now, you already have 3 or 4 projects that are in the on-going stage...what's one more on the pile?!

Cheeky-- you simply MUST give tutorials on hairdos for the Gaop---{ please, please, pretty gorgeous please!!} All the caps i have seen online are simply wretched!!! Hairdos?!?!...hmm...Okay, pull your hair back into a bun and cover your head?!?! Tada! At least this is what I've seen in paintings for the common woman of the time. Court and Upper Class women did a few things differently. Because of their status and wealth they could afford hair-dressers and wigs. This goes with say, they would be the top of fashion. The Silacious Historian's Lair is a wonderful place to find a ton of information. Nicole Kipar's website includes historical notes on the French and English. Listed is everything from manners to court and common dress. I highly recommend taking some time to look about - especially at the period art work she has.

I would LOVE to see what she finds. And if the Met would allow her to take images to show us. I like the two mantua's they had there - the one brownish wool and the other is salmon silk. Well, this would depend if they are on display or in the research area/storage. There are a TON of items (textiles) they have just laying there in the dark waiting to be pulled out and examined. Sadly, there isn't enough display space for EVERYTHING! As for as photos, I am not sure what the rules are regarding this...I am sure there are, I will have to ask her.

You know...that's a great question! I'll ask Lara tonight about this type lacing technique.

Yes, I'll tell her when I email her again tonight, Lady B. She said that she has/have the ability to go to the Met and inspect rare items such as these for her research and work. She did say that the Met is changing out a few exhibits and when they are done she may make a trip to over to their 'archive' section to further investigate a few more items of our time period.

Ooo! Oooo! I nearly went bazonkers when I saw this and came straight away to th' Pub! Lookie!!! Hey Lady B....What are the stats on this one? Looks first quarter of the 18th century. What can you tell us about this lovely find?

These were one of many stays that the Met Museum in NYC have. They only labeled these are 18th c. No specific date unfortunately. Titled it a bodice, made in Venice and made of cotton. I'm not sure if the museum has this correct though. But the style does appear correct. I've been waiting for an email from my NYC buddy Lara, but it seems that my email isn't working again. Looks like if anyone is trying to send me attachments, the server thinks its SPAM! If you are trying to get a hold of me. PM me and I'll send you an alternative email you can use. Anyway, I called her and asked her about these...she's seen them and this is her opinion on this item. These stays are probably the first quarter of the 18th century, perhaps about 1720s to 1750s. The stomacher is fully boned, which was common about then. This makes the stomacher very ridged forming a peak, making the front long and lean-- like a bow of a ship. The stays also show long tabs which would reflect the late 17th century. Perhaps this is a carry over from the skill of the stays-maker? The material is just (drool) drop dead beautiful! Lamas silk weave used in the body for those lovely flowers. Yet, upon closer inspection, the gold trim may have been an 'add on' from a later time period? The Met labeled it a 'Bodice' - and this may be correct. Items this pretty would be on show and probably had a lovely matching petticoat and perhaps sleeves to match. It was a custom to use larger pieces of fabric to construct other items if there were a need - yet, we don't know for sure that this is the case with this item. Lara did say that this is a great example of the evolution of the stays.

Ooo, now that's a lovely example of a Fontage, Lady B. And it's probably the first quarter of the 18th century, also.

Well then...seeing that I work for a paper company (box plant), I be able to supply the whole Crewe with an endless supply of corrugated stock. Thanks Chole...

Who is up for this challenge? After all... it's the Whydah exhibit! ~Lady B Lady B... Would you PM the CAPTAIN regarding this event with further detailed information. Thank you. Cheeky

I have to agree with you Mary regarding the topic at hand. Making a quick mock-up out of cheap fabric saves on frustration later. While making other period undergarments, I’m talking 1880s corsets here. I always have to stop and change my mental gears when working in another time period…sewing techniques do differ). I prefer using a medium to heavy weight fabric; such as twill or canvas duck. Personally, I usually have about a 1 yard or so laying about. The nice thing about this weight of fabric is you can obtain a better feel/form then a lighter weight fabric – especially when you cinch-up your lacing (spiral). And like Mary…I am a very impatient person, therefore, helpful hints always cut down on the loss of time and money!

I think this is the 'Wedding Outfit' in which the Captain is speaking about. Captain would this have been a transition from the Petticoat Breeches of the time?

Yes...I guess I am...but you put it out there...right there...for me to pounder about. Come now...do Tell!!!

Rusty Nell...Do you know what the date on this one is? I only ask because it reminds me of the Jacobine/Stuart time period. Lovely...

.Oooo! Okay, I have to ask. What colour is the coat and waistcoat and what colour with the stump work be? Are we looking at early American/Colonial - New England themes here? Pictures Please!

Vice nice, indeed! Scarlet Jai just hold'n her own!

WOW! This group - Snowshoe Men I just googled a few things last night looking for information about my ancestors who settled in Scarborough area of Maine. I found out that one Isaac McKenney was a member of the Snowshoe Company in the 1730s in York, ME (Scarborough Settlement) area. I need to do a bit more research on him for he is a KEY Ancestor in my family lineage. His son, Daniel is our direct bloodline to the Northern New York McKinney’s.

Wow! I am jealous!...I cannot get over all that Silver! I really wish I had a time-machine so I could get this stuff!