Mary Diamond

Hmmm, that fabric sounds a lot like what I picked up! Lovely pattern. I looked at the pattern (a Renaissance pattern, if I am looking at the right one) ~ I am not sure how you were thinking to use this. Do you have an idea of what you are trying to achieve? It sounds like you are working towards a more historically correct social ("dressed") outfit ~ which, for England, would usually mean a mantua. But, many ladies start with the basics, and work from there: petticoats, chemise, stays, neckkerchief (fichu) and apron (technically undress, but a good place to start, especially if you will be cooking).

Ah! Sorry to arrive to this topic so late. I have had the pleasure of M.A.d'Dogge's tutelage ~ he has many years of experience, and it really comes through when you are learning. The 2 reasons I got into pirates? Weapons and costuming. I Love swordfighting, and can always use more practice ~ and would be happy to make the trip down as well, providing it is sometime between October and April (the off season for me). Unfortunately, I haven't worked hard enough to create an opportunity for myself to swordfight at the last few events ~ simply not enough time, it seems. As Mistress Lilly mentioned, I did purchase a lovely smelting ladle from Baudy Bee (sp?) this PiP ~ will make a lovely defensive club against heavier weapons, perfect for a more common impression.

Godspeed, Patrick, Godspeed. There is no time like the present to start a new beginning ~ that is the beauty of it. We can always grow and adapt, but wait to long to pursue an idea, and the fire cools.

If you are referring to the gent closer to the loo, then I have his card somewhere ~ Mr. Symms bought some nice repro glasses from him. I will see if I can locate it (as I am starting to need glasses now, as well).

Yes, I was thinking of using the same for stakes. Readily available at my work ~ a landscape supply co.

Hey, Patrick... what are the 100 penny nails for? Tent stakes?

A Belated Wish ~ I hope your Christmas was wonderful, and these personal issues come to quick resolve. You are in our thoughts!

A very Happy Birthday to you, sir, and many more to come.

Thank you for providing the additional clarification, Captain! My Sweet Stynky ~ No.

Welcome ~

Mission? As in, the Surgeon? Where the H@LL was I? There must have been a story...

*sigh Don't get me wrong ~ I do not support lawlessness. I wonder, though, if Mr. Austin Gray Taylor, typing from the comfort of his La-Z-Boy, a cold beverage at hand, the football game providing background noise, knows why the Somali's are turning to piracy? It is not just a whim, I assure you (I know, I am preaching to the masses). I am sure they would rather be at home, with their family, in a warm house, in a safe neighborhood, grousing about the price of toys for Christmas. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from...ent/7754622.stm

The difference is really more of an evolution of the shape-supporting form. Originally starting with the modestly supportive bodice, in time and with additional stiffening they became stays (GAoP), which later become a corset in the Victorian era. Some further reference can be had here http://www.marariley.net/stays/staystimeline.htm. I have worn both stays and corsets ~ I have always found them to be comfortable, but, keep in mind, I take especial care in the fitting process. I prefer a more rigid frame, and do not care as much for bodice style, half boned, or corded stays. However, keep in mind they are movement restrictive.

Ah, Goddess, you have no idea how tempting that sounds!!! I do love sewing, and helping others (would be happy to give you a hand, just let me know!). And Gardening. And Heat and Humidity ~ and sand, and beaches ~ sounds like a lovely holiday! Mmmmm, coconuts ~ yummy! Did I mention my Fantastic relationship with Children? Currently, neighbor children are working at demolishing my snowpiles back to their original location, on my driveway. I guess they think I creating sledding hills just for them? Gah. Well, at least they aren't mine. Mark just left (he just got home from work) to go to therapy for his shoulder ~ time for me to go back out and shovel the drive again. Watch the news ~ you might just see a story about a crazy Chicago lady shelling "innocent" children with snowballs.

A very Happy Birthday to you, Salty!

Ah, Ransom ~ that is terrible! I seem to recall you mentioning that before. So ~ it took me 1.5 hours to dig out my driveway to get to my doctors appointment. Got back from the doctor ~ I have a nasty viral infection form of bronchitis, so I am off to la la land with my favorite bronchie drug ~ Tussionex. My dear hubby nicknames many things ~ bronchitis is brontosaur. When I get it, I have a tail. HhhhhhaaacKKK. Nope. Still have a tail. Ah, well ~ give me another week. Oh LooK! It is snowing again ~ how fun.

Sadly, I too missed the opportunity to be in either photo ~ but for a good cause. I was back at camp, picking up the shoes for the auction. I think. Or was it because I was rounding up folk at camp for something? Or... phoooey, all I remember is a lot of time spent on that path that evening. Now, what we require is a land dock of pirate Segways.

OH! And here I am, whining away ~ and I receive a package today, marked Florida Sunshine! Mister Willie Wobble ~ you are a dear, thank you for brightening and warming my day!

Chicago. Well, just outside by 13 miles, but still in Cook County, and 10 minutes from O'Hare. http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webport...ameEnumValue=41 A Really great place to live ~ we have travelled all over the world, and, while I hate for vacations to end, I am quite content when at home.

A thought ~ I am not well versed on this, but, perhaps there might be images of men in various stages of undress, a la GAoP Hogarth (A Rakes Progress, A Harlots Progress) or tailoring?

I wish I had a good answer for you on that ~ unfortunately, I do not. My recommendation would be to contact a museum or antique/restoration company for some suggestions.

Best wishes to you, Chole, for a Happy Birthday.

Which begs the dressing order question ~ would an shirt have been tucked into underpants?

A lovely 5°F, -7°F with windchill, just minutes from O'Hare, IL. My big problem with the winter in Chicago? No humidity. I feel like sand, have bronchitis and a dry cough that won't go away, am drinking constantly and visiting the loo every 5 minutes, it seems ~ yet my hands are practically white, they are so dry and cracked. I NEED to live in a rainforest. Thought it would be fun to attend Burning Man ~ 'til I found out how dry it would be there. I set up the humidifier in the bathroom next to our bedroom (don't want the moisture falling on the hardwood floors), and was brushing out my hair while standing in the stream of humidity ~ and my hair still Stood on End. This is ridiculous, and I am miserable. Who here saw the movie Big Fish?

A Beautiful Item! Agreed with the above posts, this is a keeper as is, or, perhaps, with a little loving TLC to prevent further degradation of the materials.