The postillion was struck by lightning

( Translation )

This morning, I started out with coffee, Spanish magnetic poetry, and NPR. By the time I realized that this is probably not a combination that most people would start their days with, I had puzzled together a poem which is so like a poem by Pablo Neruda that I'm ashamed. Señor Neruda, I'm sorry you are dead and I'm acting like an Elizabethan playwright. It will not happen again. My apologies also for my magnetic poetry kit not having enough "mi" or "me" tiles.



Also, Saturday, I started my gloves for Plimoth Plantation. (I'm not sure if they're still taking volunteer knitters, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. There are some additional posts with regard to knitting after the one I linked to.) I'm still working on the thumb gusset of the first glove. It's amazing how little knitting gloves has changed since the 17th century. (Assuming, of course, that the pattern uses period techniques.) The only deviation is the big ol' gauntlet, but that's more of a style thing than a construction thing. It's a great project, and I can't wait to finish these so I can make some of my own.



The yarn that I dyed for my projected sortie-cap-that's-not-a-sortie-cap turned out a lovely olive-y green. A quick survey of headgear on 1850s/60s ladies showed that pretty much any color was a go. I'm planning on pairing this with red or burgundy ribbons. I think the olive will save it from looking like Christmas.

And now I need to go iron the fabric for my 1870s corset, because I have been procrastinating on it for too long. My friend and I are obviously not going to Milwaukee this winter, as she had the opportunity to travel over her winter break, but some day. And there's always potential MACS events to look forward to.

Since I needed a new chemise for the bustle outfit, I made one today. I was planning on using my 1860s chemise, but I hate it*, so I ripped it apart to make this one. It took me about four hours, from drafting the pattern to hemming. I used the 1889 chemise pattern from The Ladies Treasury, a online collection of patterns/articles from 19th century fashion magazines.

And I know I promised pictures of myself in my underwear sometime on this journal, but today is not that day. It's just laid out on my bed.

Stats

• Fabric: about 2.5 yards of 36" wide cotton muslin
• Thread: White Guterman polyester
• Notions: White polyester/cotton eyelet lace, app. 1.5 yards

( An Ode to Singer Sewing Machines OR Zig Zag Stitches I Have Known )

I am pleased with it. It took very little time, and it has a little bit of lace on it. It makes me feel girly. There's nothing especially to be proud about with the construction, but I know I can toss it in the washing machine and not worry. It balances out.

Of course, now I have the urge to make myself a pair of drawers with tons of embroidery and lace and tucks. But I'm out of white muslin, so it's going to have to wait.

_{*The 1860s chemise was the Simplicity pattern, the sleeves were too full to fit under anything. I can't figure out what the pattern designer was thinking with that.}

I'll post a more detailed entry following the construction process later; I need to figure out which of the approximately billion pics to use.

( Three pictures )

There are some more of the process in the gallery, though I still have to upload about ten. Most of them have notes, but not enough to explain how I put it together. If anyone has the burning need to see the huge original photos, let me know. I'll e-mail them to you or try to upload them.