What is Pocket Trash? I first heard this term used by the lovely Miss Emily Waterman and her Doctor, in regards to items carried on your person, while re-enacting, or dressed in…
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V157: Opinions Please – Mid-Victorian Shoe Survey
Hi Ladies! It’s market research time once again, and your invaluable opinions are needed to help us decide on a mid-Victorian style of shoe, for next year’s historical footwear lineup. Please answer…
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V156: A Start to The Billinghurst Stays, 17??
Rather awhile ago I shared with you some photos of a very interesting, atypical pair of 18th century stays held in our local costume and textile collection. There was much discussion as to…
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V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012
Lovely courtesans, cute gig I’m back from Valhalla Renaissance Faire, at South Lake Tahoe. Yesterday was lovely, not too hot, and not snowing, lol. Here are some photos from our day… Mom…
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V154: Off to The Faire!
I’m away at Valhalla Renaissance Faire, in South Lake Tahoe, CA, to day, so I’ve left you with Ole Bess herself, until I can get back to post pictures from the day.…
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V153: Small Biz Betties: Let’s Get Started!
Welcome to “Small Biz Betties,” a bi-monthly column focusing on setting up and running a small business. If you are of the mind to work for yourself doing what you love, then…
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V152: Costume Analytics: Pehr Hilleström, Kitchen Maid
This week on Costume Analytics, we’ll be looking at a wonderful painting by Pehr Hillestrom, entitled “En piga höser såppa utur en kiettel – i en skål,” or something along the lines…
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V151: Vintage Mexican Dress Day
It’s been 151 days of livin’ la vida vintage, so far this year. Well…at least celebrating in some way, big or small, something old and cool every single day, via this blog,…
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V150: A “Tudor Tailor” Kirtle in Progress
So it became apparent that a glorious new Elizabethan noble ensemble just wasn’t going to happen this year, so it’s back to my good ole trusty red jacket I’ve worn for the…
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V149: Taking Stock of Stockings
Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know I’ve been asking around about stockings. What material, what color you like, etc. Some more questions are to come, but first, let’s…
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V148: Vote For the Winner of the Poly-Pompadour Contest!
So it’s Sunday on a holiday weekend – I hope you’re all either out doing awesome costume stuff, or in sewing awesome costume stuff. If you’ve got a minute, cast your vote…
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V147: Gowns a la Pompadour – 1740s – 1750s
Madame de Pompadour by Boucher, 1759 The 1740s and 1750s in France was the time of large, beautiful Robe a la Francaise gowns, made from stunning textiles, and decorated in all manner…
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V146: Red 18th Century Petticoat with Vandyked Hem
Okay, nothing brilliant today, just wanted to share a finished mini-project with you. Last weekend I made a petticoat to go with The Revolution Dress. I found the same red silk still…
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V145: Costume Analytics: Madame de Pompadour, c. 1750
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a “Costume Analytics,” but now is a good time to bring it back! This time we’ll be looking at the famous Madame de Pompadour’s…
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V144: Pompadour Shoes Giveaway Winner – Gwenyver
Wow! You guys entered the Pompadour French Court Heels giveaway 335 times! …but there could only be one winner. Selected by Random Number Generator, at Random.org, the winner is… Gwenyver! Gwenyver, I…
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V143: Madame de Pompadour in “Dr. Who”
As some of you know, Madame de Pompadour made an appearance in 2006’s “Doctor Who,” Season 2, Episode 4, “The Girl in the Fireplace.” Is it just me, or were the gowns…
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V142: Enter the Pompadour “Historical Hottie” Contest on Polyvore
Are you a Polyvore addict? How about a contest? Show off your rococo style using the new American Duchess “Pompadour” shoes, your choice of black, white, or both. Winners will be chosen…
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V141: 1865 Gown Remodel DONE!
Once upon a time I made a mid-Victorian gown that didn’t really fit. So I started to remodel it, and got some of the way along, but then stopped. (How many of…
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V140: New Vintage Camera: No.2 Folding Cartridge Hawk-Eye Model B
While in Astoria, Oregon, Carolyn and I visited many an antique shop. I was delighted to find a whole case full of vintage cameras, many of them folding cartridge styles like this…
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V139: Costume Painting, Week 6 – Lance the Hunter, 1870s
Last night was the last session of costume painting at the Nevada Museum of Art. We had a great model, Lance, a hard-core re-enactor. He talked all about the little authentic bits…