lady constance

ohhhhhhhhhh--- ENGINES!!! mmm.... first car 1970 AMC rebel with a 302 , and that DID 100mph easy...she would start to shimmy at 110 mph and decided that was nto real good for longevity of engine.....she dies of a cracked block one winter when temps hit -60 below wind chills... second car 1976 ford granada that hit deer with the greatest of ease yet bore no wounds!!!{ but she ate power steering pumps-- every 6 months i replaced that SOB---- third car AND my LOVE was my 1979 monte carlo WITH T TOPS---- sniff sniff.... traded it for a piece of shit ford escort wagon when baby number 3 came along....cause the hubby did not want to get rid of his 1972 dodge charger-- { but it had NO t tops!!} and it did need a radiator ... like arent they cheap??? me and the 2 babies looked and were cooooool drivign around in that!!! { and the husband would take it to work quite a bit if i remember it right---- {yah he loved it too} and as of late--- i have this thing for cars that allow major AIR blowing over me-- 4 years ago i got a1980 trans am with t tops for 650$ { geee-- i have a thing for topless cars!!!} but the guy i bought it from had a race engine it , and it got 8 miles to the gallon--- BUT IT SOUNDED FREAKING AWESOME!!!--- and when i did not have time or know how or welder to replace liners, well off it went--- and then, 2 summers ago, i bought the mazda rx7 because it was a convertible.....and i wanted my men folks to learn to work on rotary engines....and they do! that thing EATS cheap arse made in china alternators and batteries.... tis for sale-- any buyers??? i LOVE my husband but his weakness aside from piracy is that he is a total motor head and i can "assist" him in wanting any little cool car that i want...and have the spare cash laying around for!!! { makes him totally more adorable than he already is!!!}--- now i want him to get the VW automatic running for around town -- { the bad part of motor heads is that everything has to be perfect!!!}since my 12 passenger gets lousy mileage....and no stereo... ahhh.... maybe if i promise to paint a jolly rodger on the VW bus, me husband will get her running sooner.... pax, lady constance

Capn Sterling, did get janet arnolds book about clothing construction and directions and real examples..... AWESOME!!!--- they have unbeleivable actual pictures of all kind of needlework done one coats a sleeves and necklines -----and interestingly enough women sewed the under clothes and shirts of their families-- and the laws concerning such... very interesting reading!!! and the knot{ something like 2 billion knots} tie-ing book of my husbands----- al the decorative ways to use and tie and such tht was used on all kind of garments.... navy and nautical things ..... OOOOOH!!!-- how the knots were made and sewn over on clothing of all kinds..... from many centuries.... and there are many types of faggoting stitches!! for edges, and all over use.... patterning the stitch... usig the cloths natural warp and weft... aggravate the count to post his NEW linen shirt on line--- of course i cannot finish until i have buttons he ordered -- but that is all that is left to do!! 3 buttons and their holes.... :) pax et oro lady constance

WELL A HEARTY THANK YOU TO CAP'N STERLING AND MICKEY-- { and MARY DIAMOND FOR THE PERSONAL emails on this particular issue}--------- we have finally seen the ignorance of our ways!!!--- it has been done! --AND ON LINEN TO BOOT!! { i did tell the count i am rather SICK of working in muslin!!} as gratuity to all of you {aside from all the prayers asking for your personal blessings for all of your charity and patience with us}, i shall make the dear husband post the final product..... not much eh? and may i publicly acknowledge that my husband is not so picky--- {perhaps it is well that he is so-- he DID choose me for a wife!!} --- it was my fault!!!!!! { no great suprise there!!! during our marriage i have been wrong 50% of the time, excepting finances and child rearing practices--then i am 90% right!! }--- and we are still dickering between the two of us about underarm sleeve "boxes" { my vote is to make them one peice cut at a gently eliptical curve for the underarm space- easier on the seamstress}--- and i am willing to hand sew in the lines making it LOOK as if there are squares there } and Cap'n Sterling--- awwwwwwwwwww-- man i was hoping i could really do some cool looking needlework on the shirts !!!!!!!!!! SIGH!!! anyway-- i have fabric to dye today at my mothers house as i donot have a top loading washer ---- the more i get dyed, the more i get to sew.... good thing i have quite a crew of galley slaves to keep up on the daily washing and cooking while i play with pirate clothing making!!! PAX et ORO lady constance

ahoy!! have finished 6 shirts..... but i SAW one that Mary Diamond made... gorgeous!! and noted the details of her neck line.... but , is it period correct to do as i please around the necklines? were there typical designs of that time ? such as leaves/ flowers/fluer de li's type of motifs? was it all up to whomever sewed the shirt to do as they pleased? { keeping in mind it is a man wearing the shirt} the dear husband says it might be too much-- my answer was , " you are a pirate.... you stole a better looking shirt off a man you took down on raid!"...... AND--- my husband notices with much comment about how the Gaop shirts HANG goofy ------- the whole front of the shirt rides BACKWARDS,which in effects the neck opening---it goes backwards so that he is constantly pulling the shirt forwards..... WHILE at the same time the sleeves and shoulder pull forwards.........???? { it is true} even when tucked into his shorts/ pants/ whatever he has on at the time..... is this a common problem with ye men??????? or am i doing something wrong???? i appreciate ANY advice or comments on this subject!!! and will plead with the husband to post a pic of the problem............ pax et oro lady constance

count-- i could come up with come smart a** comment--- ay-- the world would be a better place without smart a** folks , eh?

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh!!! wonderful fabulous fantastic magnificent bravo !!!! thank you mickey, capn sterling, history fanatic !!!! from the bottom of my heart!! thank you!! the huge muslin Gaop shirt fits the 21 year old that will be coming-- he said "YAH-- now THATS a shirt! make me 10 of them mom-- i'll wear them everyday!!"----- one convert, 8 to go! re working the dear husbands pattern size.... and THANK you for the post explaining that posture makes a difference--- although husband wants me tot try a curved neck line on the Gaop shirt.... a square elipse if you can imagine to keep the back from pulling forward while the sleeves want to roll forward...... or by adjusting the arms forwards one inch off center line....{ his idea-- man is genuis about physics and ANY kind of construction} the boys breeches--- a standard size 2 toddler is fitting the 10 year old son well---- hmmm.... looking similar to baseball pants......excepting the waist band....got a bit of work on this , but every screw up is learning and that cannot be taken away from me ! HA HA! i still win!!--- quite a moment when the oldest son and father had on pirate shirts.... darn handsome men they be!!! { or is it the shirt that makes them so?} and the ten year old was THRILLED!!!! and these are only the muslin dry fits....!!!!promise to make the dh post a link to a page........... got to go-- tis 4am!!!!! PAX ET ORO { peace and prayer} lady constance

Mickey- sorry about the interuption of my previous post... the children were yelling my name-- { sounded like either bleeding OR excitement from fun--- happy to say it was-----!!!!!!! PACKAGE OF FABRIC DELIVERED!! THE LINEN FABRIC i ordered saturday from where cap'n sterling sent me came today!!! GORGEOUS!! i can begin today.... all my muslin patterns cut pieces for patterns can now be used on the linen!!! ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU HAVE REFERED ME TO IS WONDERFUL AND confirms my research that i have done!!! i owe you more than a debt of gratitude-- although i do think i have caught the virus of historical fanaticism!!! { and a love fo fabulous fabric i already HAVE!-- just ask the Dear husband!!} QQQQQ-- question---i am not so sure about the weight of linen for the breeches i intend to make.... i think for the boys esp, it needs to be heavier weighted for wear.... or should i say ABUSE!!-- or is it canvas all the way??? { SIGH__ more research!!} so the question come to me.. IS WOOL A BETTER CHOICE? and if it IS, then do you wash to shrink it PRIOR to sewing { KEEP THE HUSBAND AWAY FROM THE WASHER WHEN IT COMES TO WOOL ITEMS!! RULE NUMBER ONE-- NO ONE NO ONE touches anything in mothers laundry basket!!! QQQQQQQ-- question--- when you went about sewing did you make your patterns out of muslin ,,then dry fit and then decide to make the same pattern for the real fabric???? { this is how i do it for a perfect garment of any type that i am re creating from a " look" } QQQQQQQ-- question____ do you preshrink your material { wash and dry it}even your LINEN before ever sewing or cutting it? { years of sewing have taught me that this is BEST--- even if you are ironing it for a while previous to cutting it} QQQQQQQ--- how about breeches front picture? can you do that when your beloved gives back the camera? please?--AND the knees area-- the banding/ closure area... now i shall pray about what i shall do to repay you { and capn sterling} for all your favors and assistance to me and th family----- for now it is just prayers.... what divine favors shall i request for you? and i SHALL post ALL finished items.. perhaps the return of favor shall involve making you a shirt ---after 25 are made, what is another 1 or 2? all i will need will be the measurements!! hmmmmm... me brain is tossing this all around..... pax et oro { do you wnat a translation? } lady constance

MICKEY!!! yah!! these are the precise details i was looking for!!!! AHA! now a few questions--- as to the weight of the linen shirts-- 3.5 ounce? or 5? or 7?--- and i founf the pirate brethren website and read to my hearts content-- i noticed there a shirt from mary diamond----- collar AIN"T period pieced { and i could care less!!!} the details were THERE!!! more later pax et oro lady con

Mickey--- forgot to answer all your questions to me 1. the husband and i are married-- 22 years has thus availed us 9 kids--- LOL-- quite an availing!! 2 . i am working on MANY things all at once... breeches, shirts, skirts, stays. justacorp AND bell sleeved jackets chemises..... i have muslin sized patterns for 3 thus far.... but i WILL NOT NOT NOT proceed until i have the details regarding the hems and waist bands and grommet placement.... the palces where the detail makes or breaks the piece!! and i am hoping the pictures you provide [ and any other volunteer] wil assist me in this quest for truth!! pax et oro lady constance

Mickey-- took me a while to figure out how to navigate the photo bucket.... loved !!!!the close up shot of the buttons and button holes... was that on the justacorps?--- were those hand sown button holes? can you take close up shots of the MENS shirt --> neck{ front and back] gussets area and underarms and cuffs of the mens shirt? and also the breeches front and back waist bands? and the knees portion? i really appreciate all of this-- and all the time you are spending doing this.... and stays--- your fiancees stays.... front and back { meaning the part that shows front and the backing of the frontside.... and the tie on skirts... and mantua that you have made..front and back....close up... all of the books that i ordered frmo alibris are supposed to be delivered by may 20th....feels like forever... we are having a ren festival here in st louis for the next 3 weekends{starts the weekend of the 17th i beleive}... so i will be there just to look and enjoy the sights.... see if they have perhaps anything from goap.....maybe i will get lucky... PAX et ORO lady constance

Greetings! as i wait for janet arnolds patterns of fashion 1660-1860 to be delivered to my house, i was a wondering if anyone would like to post pictures of their pirate garb-- kind of close up shots of their sleeves and gussets and the back and front of breeches and the knees --- either on your person or just laying flat ----- heck i will take pictures of any CLOTHING article---- { sorry- i see enough concupscience at work} i am a very visual learner....if i can see it, i can do it! PAX et ORO lady constance

and if me not be able to assist in curing them, they can be properly seasoned and served......... promise to remove the poisionous parts [ me knowing what they are and all.....]

well under everyones good guidance and recommendations, we are going to go historically correct..... seems the only way to silence our hearts trepidation and give ease to our minds.... dothe right thing--- or as the husband says "that be right piraty of ye and me !" thank all of you for going thru this conflagration with us........ mighty nice o yes to be so patient with the likes of our kind! now i got to spend me dabloons getting em done and all.... and happy to be doin it.......... thanks again... :) lady constance

I thank all of you for your generous and detailed responses-- at this point i am going to force my dear husband to learn to post pictures here ---and let you all tell us if they are period correct --- at this point i am using all the Gaop patterns from the web resources.... thus far i have made 2 ladys aprons, one man shirt and 2 womens knife pleated skirts on ties and one ladies chemise-- which i KNOW is wrong as there are not gores added-- so i can simply make it into an extra shirt or rip it apart and just give it to some one -- it is too large{ unless you all tell me that it is period correct to be that big--} now , if i may ask another question..... WHAT COLOR WERE STAYS? i have not been able to find and answer to that question for the life of me... i cannot imagine it in black or red or navy---- but i see lots of pale greens and golden rods/mustards being used for their colors--- { chole has made one that color} PAX, lady constance

Mickey, well.... thank you greatly for all your words and references and i SHALL do the research in cap'n twill and plunder topics.... and i think i will just use what i know about pivoting on the points to extend and change lines and gathering methods and tucks and such of todays ways without sacrificing an authentic look-- the look will hopefully be indistinguishable from period patterns.... i will let you all be the judge of that at pirates in paradise.... as if anyone down there is gonna be on armpit ,jewel , bust and waist and lining patrol !!! and i gather from your answer that the historical patterns do have major differences to our sewing ways.... tis ok! do they give explanation for these ways? --- i am sure that it is in my budget to buy at least one.....do you hae reccomendation as to which one would be the best bet? any one that you have tried and were so delighted with its outcome that yah are just so glad yah purchased it? and may i ask another question? you spoke earlier about the mantua giving you grief--- what would you think about taking a dress pattern that is similar in shape and simply splitting it down the middle and adjusting the front/side/ downward panels as a way to replace period mantuas? PAX, lady constance

Dear Mickey/pii rate-- { love the word trickery there!!} the pattern was a GAop from the internet.. one we see with squares sown to give armpit allowance.... i made the mans shirt for my husband , and GEEEZ... there is more than ONE way to fold a diagnonal flap of fabric!! { cause i did it and sewed it to itself thinking that .... well-- one screw up and and DONT use a tight stitch on the bernina cause there ain't NO getting it out with a seam ripper!!! HA HA HA HA!--- and you can forget about flat felled seams for historical accuracy!! i AIN"t making tent!! { although the shirt LOOKS like one!! HA HA HA!!} and trying to gather the collar --- i prefer to tuck evenly every measured place tha tneeds to be gathered instead of the ruffled look where things could be so uneven after wards..... then the man of my dreams says " are they supposed to be this big and floppy?" -- yes they are m'dear { as i think about the one hour i have just put into the thing!!!!!}-- my husband has perfect physique- he could model and make tons---- not an ounce of flab or floundering flesh to be accomadated.... and the man wears business shirts even though he be an electrician by trade... he prefers a very neat appearance, and to be honest, the loose fit of the pirate stuff makes him look like he has dumped in his drawers and that he ripped a shirt of a man 3x his size ---so imagine adonis in a hobos clothes!! i married man who MAKES the suit look good...and not the other way around!! and to be honest, i am so used to following patterns and adjusting and making things fit from expereinceetc.... that i find my self actually handicapped by habits!! it is NOT the pattern makers fault-- i assume they were going for histircal accuracy after looking at a piece from history..... i suppose that what i really want is to know IF it is allowable and will be tolderated that i have made the clothes look fabulous by todays standards yet in period fabric???? you see the pirate coat is really tux pattern[ of 3-4 variations} with elongated and added gore type pleats--- the breeches are mens docker type pants with shortened length and banded/placket closures--- the pirate shirts are mens dress shirts with gores under the arm for fullness and the billowing effect..... i have the ability with fabric to just create what i see--custom fitting and draping to get the look i want... what i want to know is do the historical patterns include funky directions and weird ways of lining/pockets/ et al.. that i am unaccustomed to, and that donot save me time and fabric ??????? and is that allowed? to take the best from the past and use todays technology to accomplish the look and feel? i also understand actually walking and living in the past peoples life adn clothesstyle that makes us grateful for todays advanced ways that do simplify life to live at the pace we do....BUT DO WE HAVE TO live with the funky scratching, itching uncomfortable ways??? PAX, lady constance

greetings fellow pirates-FAIR WARNING-- RANT ENSUES!!!-- dont be taking it personal anyone!! tonight i followed the Gaop directions for a mans shirt... and needless to say, i cannot understand WHY they ever sewed that way!! i guess their scissors were not sharp or unable/unwilling /didnot think about cutting curves or lack of adequate measuring or lack of thinking outside the box{ the this is the way we do it , dont ask questions theology} - WHAT???- sheer frustration never occurred ?encouraging them to try different methods!!! there was a reason, and maybe if i think long enough, i could deduce it......... ANYWAY!!!--- i seek understanding to WHY they did things in the ways that they did!!-- i mean for Gods sake, did they think they had to use advanced euclidian geometry when sewing?????????!!!!!--this aint wood working or marble laying-- fabric GIVES!! praise be to GOD for some one discovering nipping a curve! to make it lay flat and nips and tucks and pleats and seam allowances and bust darts!!!! i am not sure who the patron saint of sewing is, BUT i shall find him/her and take all the intercession proffered for my projects !!! does anyone know if the historical patterns are adjusted to todays sewing abilities? as in, are they like typical patterns? or does each pattern and gown and coat made have insane box mitered fabric wasting/saving corners building a cathedral methods? ie.. take a square stone and hew it into circles and angles and flying buttress abilities involved???? i cannot imagine making 2 of everything for 11 peple all period correct sewing ways!!! { i will do it, but PLEEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSEEE , not the back assward way of the 17th/18th century!!}{ as i run screaming from the bernina machine as if it were possessed!!!} the count says that people here HIGHLY and GLOWINGLY reccommend the historical patterns..... as far as i can see, they are worth every dabloon they cost IF they use modern methods of sewing--- can some one enlighten me? i want to know EVERYTHING YOU THINK ADN EXPERIENCED WITH THESE PATTERNS!! and thank you for putting up with my spewing of the mind and heart.. truly therapy!! a thousand pardons for me glowing lunacy aspewing from me !! not sure if i burned purgatory time or earned it tonight!! pax lady constance

Dear Black Hearted Pearl, i HAVE done this to many a jacket, dress, etc....... YOU CAN DO IT!! what sewing skills have you? { detmination and puzzle thinking abilities are the only skills needed- along with a sewing machine! check the seams very well... ALWAYS buy a LARGER size { although coats present more effort to take in.. the extra size gives you more same fabric to use for making thegarment as you wish it to be--- ALWAYS buy a LONGER article of clothing as it gives you more fabric for extra pieces and accessories.... my latest piece was to buy a womans jacket size 2 and chop sleeves shorter and use the extra fabric for pocket flaps and larger cuffs for the sleeves for our 5 year old who just had to have a pirates jacket--- although it was velvet, it looks like wool from about 3 feet....my son was delighted and my husband said it could not be done... all the more reason to prove that it can be!! and to do it! { he knows what motivates me-- just tell me i can't do it!} WANNA PICTURE? i shall make my husband figure out how to do that! { my revenge}....... be more specific as to what you are working with...and i will try to give you more specific recommendations.... my advice would be to buy a LONG WOOL coat..... then there is plenty to chop off and work with.... by long i mean at least HIP length !! so you can add your details... even a wool pea coat can be chopped ... needless to say, i can go on and on.. but i give words frivolously without know what you are working with.... or trying to... pax lady constance

Cap'n Sterling, i think we are so honored to be aboard this fine enterprise, that we think we must at least do our best to keep to period clothing.... can't say it is causing trouble between me and the count.. although i bet he was wishing he would have listened better when i speak about fabrics and weights and warps and wefts..... he did go alooking for old linen garments in the good wills around here and came back all wild eyed and mystified adding that it was good thing that i know my fabric by sight and touch, cause he simply was NOT willing to touch everything and had no clue what linen looks like at all! { kind of justifies all my time shopping for the past 20 years -- --or so i would like to think........ } although he is willing to sacrifice one of my old bedspreads that is a cotton jackard.... now he doubts that it is not made of linen for technical authenticity....{ ok i won THAT bet, if in thought alone!!} i tease him that he "counts de monet" i spend for fabric as it goes... --- ( and i say this with total love in my voice as he is out making double time monet today and tomorrow!} PAX, lady constance

Cap'n sterling... i do then have a question.... considering that you can see the thread count and weave and it is very coarse, unbleached muslin and one can see the warp and weft of the threads, it so closely resembles linen--a very coarse linen, you donot reccomend its use?--- i have washed and dried this so that it resembles linen..... and i wonder what my wager was to my count de monet? was i drinking and forgot the wager?? CRAP! what do i owe the man??? and perhaps i can get out of this wager-- i shall just turn on my feminine wiles and make him forget whatever bet i agreed to{ ahhh the power of this body he craves!!}, as i am making chemises and NOT the frocks and waist coats..........those i have stashed linen from buying huge tent dresses,skirts and shirts from the thrift store..... perhaps if you help me win the wager, cap'n sterling, i should serve you the finest grog and vittels while in paradise??? hows about you see a pic and then decide??? { of the clothing, not the vittels} pax, lady constance

familiae superare sanguis== family transends blood or familiae excellere sanguis and mea culpa mea culpa mea maxima culpa... = my fault/sin, my fault/sin , my greivous fault/sin sorry that it has taken me soooooooooo long.... my husbadn reminded me to post what has been hanging out of the latin text book... he said screw the tenses! lady constance

Bilge monkey..... here is what me looking found.... piracy= latrocinium pirate= praedo piratical=piraticus,paedatorius godlike=divinus godliness= pietas, ergo deos=like god godly=pius godless=inpius to be like= ergo next { as an adjective} =proximus so you have a couple of ways of phrasing it..... latrocinium /piraticus/paedotorius ergo proximus peitas or latrocinium ergo proximus divinus or you can spin it around and say peitas proximus latrocinium i did NOT check out the correct cadence of verb before or after stufola... i was more intent on getting you close to waht you wanted rather than perfect latin grammar... have a feeling yah want others to check out the meaning{ use their cranium contents}..... HAVE FUN! lady constance

i have latin grammar texts and dictionaries.....{ my homeschoolers HATED doing latin!!!} give me a few days.... lady constance

............"But there be many a penny saved if you know how to haggle with the Butcher and the Baker. Tis a sin what the Butcher charges for a side of mutton not to mention the price for a loaf of bread! I dare say that pig trotters are just as good and when mixed in a stew, who would be the knowing of it? Day old bread along with cheap port and a few moldy potatoes…no one knows the difference?! ".......... ye be me kin of mind.. teh cap'n either got real intelligent and asks no more-- or the lassies and lads stopped snurking when he sops up my creations using strange components/left overs i got a bargain price for 1/4 th a buffalo -- we ate it for close to 9 months!!! i lost weight.. cause i DONT like it, it smells like grass, tastes like grass--- and 1/4th of a buffalo is HUGE!!!!!!! to get rid of it faster i invited company and did not tell them it was tatonka.....

me be a wunderin... what ye all do to finance yore pirate activities? me wants to know the innards an' landscape of yore noggins..... i be a registered nurse by trade... 24 years... me dopes folks up aft'r we done sliced and carv'd their carcass.... me seen loads... and me mateys??? lady constance