Knapsack Workshop - February 8th

Just an update -- Henry's knapsack workshop will be Saturday, February 8th, not March 8th as previously posted

British and American Knapsack Workshop - Saturday, February 8, Concord, MA

This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to build either a British painted canvas knapsack based on the original British militia knapsack found 20 years ago at the Isaac Royal House in Medford, or an American single pocket, double strap linen knapsack based on the original David Uhl knapsack in the collection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY, and another similar one in a private collection, both of which were used by militiamen. Knapsack kits will include pre-cut materials, buckles, thread and instructions needed to construct the knapsack of your choice. Class limited to 12 participants. Cost of kits includes $50 workshop fee.Cost of "Isaac Royal House" pattern British Knapsack Kit - $150    Cost of "David Uhl" pattern American Knapsack Kit - $ 90

To sign up, contact Henry at hcooke4@verizon.net

Upcoming Workshops - February & March 2014

Hive Workshops for February and March 2014

In Preparation for the Reenacting Season and to Kick off the February Accessories Hive, Henry Cooke will be offering a workshop on knapsacks on February 8th from 9:30- 3:30 at Minute Man National Historical Park. So whether you portray a militia, Continental Army or serve the King, we have a knapsack for you!

British and American Knapsack Workshop - Saturday, February 8, Concord, MA

On April 19, 1775, both British Regulars and the Provincial militia were both carrying knapsacks. This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to build either a British painted canvas knapsack based on the original British militia knapsack found 20 years ago at the Isaac Royal House in Medford, or an American single pocket, double strap linen knapsack based on the original David Uhl knapsack in the collection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY, and another similar one in a private collection, both of which were used by militiamen.Knapsack kits will include pre-cut materials, buckles, thread and instructions needed to construct the knapsack of your choice. Class limited to 12 participants. Cost of kits includes $50 workshop fee.Cost of "Isaac Royal House" pattern British Knapsack Kit - $150    Cost of "David Uhl" pattern American Knapsack Kit - $ 90

To sign up, contact Henry at hcooke4@verizon.net

English Gown -- February 8 and March 8 - Concord, MA & Natick, MA

You will be constructing a hand sewn stomacher front / en fourreau back gown based on a period example and constructed in a period manner. This gown is correct style for women reenacting a period of 1760-1780. By the end of the weekend, your gown should be substantially completed. 

Fee: $160 (includes bodice and sleeve lining and printed gown instruction book)

Instructors: Hallie Larkin & Steph Smith

To register, contact: hiveworkshops@gmail.com

Location: Minute Man National Historical Park

English Gown -- March 29 & 30 - Trenton, NJ

We will be offering another English Gown workshop March 29 & 30 at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, NJ sponsored by the Brigade of the American Revolution. For more information and to register contact Donna Cole  dlcole10940@yahoo.com

One Gown: Many Impressions

Larkin & Smith - English Gown Pattern
http://atthesignofthegoldenscissors.com

One of the questions we have been getting about our English Gown Pattern is, "The original is a silk gown, I portray a Rev War camp follower, will this pattern work for me?  The answer is "absolutely" and here's why...

Eighteenth century dress makers were very creative when it came making beautiful gowns. They had fabulous fabrics to work with, ones specifically woven for making gowns, as well as lovely trims and laces designed for adorning these wearable confections.  One the other hand, when it came to the actual "form" of the English Gown, the basic parts and construction were pretty much the same, whether you are making a fancy silk gown or a simple linsey-woolsy one.  Think about a gown as a line drawing - it can be simple and unadorned or you can add color, designs, and decorations.

(These three gowns were made with the same pattern but with different trimmings and fabrics)

If you are portraying a Revolutionary War camp follower, you are reenacting the years from 1775-1783, and will need a gown that works well for that time period.  The stomacher front/en fourreau back gown, not only fits well into that date range, it will also have you covered your for pre-War events like the Boston Tea Party and Battle Road.

Gown with optional cuffs

We have included a few variations in the pattern to help you adapt the gown for your impression.  The original gown is a silk tobine self trimmed with ruching and sleeve flounces.  However, if you are making a gown for a camp follower, you should opt for a simpler and more appropriate sleeve treatment and skip the trimming.  Included in the pattern is a longer sleeve for wearing without sleeve flounces and an optional cuff pattern piece, which you can use for your worsted or linen camp follower gown. However, the most important part, is to select a fabric that is appropriate for your impression and documentable to the period. Do your research, it will pay off in accuracy and confidence in your impression.

Next: The Documentation Card

Introducing Larkin & Smith Historical Patterns: English Gown

http://atthesignofthegoldenscissors.com/products/18th-century-english-gown

Ever wish you could attend a gown workshop but couldn’t travel to where it was being held or fit it into your schedule?  Have you put off making an en fourreau/stomacher front English gown because you have no idea how to translate the gridded diagrams from the books in your library into something that resembles a real garment?  Our new pattern will solve your dilemma!

Introducing the first gown pattern from "Larkin & Smith" – and it’s an English Gown.  The gown workshop offered by Hallie Larkin and Steph Smith has been transformed into a pattern along with a 34 page instruction manual with color plates and illustrations.  It is truly a workshop in an envelope.

The instructions will take you through the step by step process of making a reproduction gown using period techniques. We think you will find, as we have, conducting this workshop through the years, that even the novice seamstress, with little to no experience, can create a well fitting and authentically constructed gown.

The pattern is taken from an original in a private collection and is typical of many English gowns made from the 1760s to the end of the 1770s.

The pattern can be purchased through At the Sign of the Golden Scissors website. www.atthesignofthegoldenscissors.com and is available in sizes 34 – 43 (these are bust measurements in stays).  Coming shortly are sizes 45 - 51.

We hope you enjoy using the pattern as much as we enjoyed making it for you!

It's available now at http://atthesignofthegoldenscissors.com/products/18th-century-english-gown

As a thank your for ordering, we'll include 12 longs pins for use in closing your finished gown. Each pattern also includes a documentation card.

Next: About developing the pattern

From Frog to Prince: Getting Ready for The Ball on Feb 22nd

From the Lewis Walpole Library

Yoo-hoo gentlemen, it's your turn!  So your 18th century wardrobe is more frog than handsome prince.  You have two left feet and don't know a dance master from a mix-master. We get it.  But that's no excuse to skip the ball.  Think about all those hot summer weekends when your significant other slaved over a hot camp fire while you ran around in the woods playing soldier with your buddies. Doesn't she deserve a night out for some genteel entertainment!

Okay, let's talk clothes.  You only have one 18th century kit, and it's your uniform.  It would appear that the ball organizers will allow "well-kept regimentals".  And should they be anything else?  Whether you are in General Washington's, the Kings, or LeRoi's service, your uniform should be well kept.  So you've let things slip a bit.  Now might be a good time to reattach that errant button, repair seams, and give your coat a good brushing and airing out.  If those breeches or overalls don't fit quite right, get some help fixing them -- you will look one hundred times better.  Baggy breeches are the 18th century equivalent of old man pants.

If you do wear your regimentals, for heaven's sake, leave the accouterments home (except if you are an officer and would like to wear your sword). You'll not be needing that haversack (there will be snacks at the ball), cartridge box and/or bayonet (it's a dance not a battle). And don't forget to clean up those shoes -- brush the dirt off and fix them up with some blackball or polish.

If you are wearing civilian kit, wear your best one.  Coats, by the way, are required. If you want to dress yourself up a bit, consider the following:

Make up a pair of fine linen sleeve and bosom ruffles to attach to your shirt and wear a new neck cloth or stock.

John Hancock by JS Copley

Elkanah Watson by JS Copley

Consider a wig. You can purchase an appropriately styled wig for less than you think. You'll be amazed how well most men look in a good period repro wig.  And don't forget to spray it with some hairspray or better yet, spray-on hair color to get rid of the shine.  Shiny wigs just remind everyone that they are really made of plastic.

One final thing, don't forget to SHAVE!

Lieutenant Gabriel Bray RN shaving, 1775

So buy your ticket for the George Washington's Ball!

 For more information visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/main.htm

Fairy Godmother's Suggestions

Cotillion Dance 1771 - Lewis Walpole Library

My Dear Cinderella, 
I received your request for a ball gown, high hair and a coach for the evening of February 22nd.  Unfortunately, I am currently on the run from that polar vortex Jack Frost threw in our direction. Cold weather is not good for magic wands. 

My good friend, Glinda and I are enjoying the warm waters in Atlantis while we recharge our magical powers.  I hate to leave you in the lurch, so I'll offer a few suggestions.......


Accessorize!
As Claree Belcher so aptly remarked in Steel Magnolias, "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

Why not try a few things to jazz up what you have.  A sheer white apron, maybe in a window pane or sprigged pattern.  You know Cinderella, not all aprons are made for working.

Dorothy Quincy by JS Copley

How about adding a small sleeve ruffle of fine linen to your shift sleeve and while you are at it, maybe add cuffs to your gown.

Don't worry about your hair,  add some height and a crisp new cap in the latest style.

Mrs Izard by JS Copley 1775

Finally,  how about a black silk ribbon around your neck set off by a lovely sheer handkerchief.  You''ll look marvelous!

Enjoy the ball and stay out as late as you like.... there is no spell to break.

With love, 

Your Fairy Godmother

For more information about the ball visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/main.htm

Next: Turn your Frog into a Prince

What you DON'T need to go to the Ball

If your fairy godmother is on hiatus, that's okay, there are a few things that you don't need for the Washington's Ball. 

You don't need.......

A PRINCE -- let alone a handsome one, nor do you need an escort unless, of course, you want one (an escort that is). Handsome princes are hard to come by.

A SILK SACQUE -- Certainly that would be nice and is, no doubt, on your to-do list, next to losing 10 pounds and learning a foreign language.  But the ball is only a month away and as with the rest of the things on your list of New Year's Resolutions, might take some time.  Don't sweat it!  If you have a gown plain or fancy, you can attend.  In future posts, we'll look at ways to spiff up what you have.

A COACH - Unless you insist on grand entrances, your car will do.  There's lots of free parking at Stetson Hall, so that's one less thing to worry about.

TO BE A GOOD DANCER -- All the dances will be called and the basic steps will be demonstrated.  Dance Mistress Stewart insists that if you can walk you can do these dances.  If you can't perform a proper minuet, don't worry - none one else can either.

 http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/

Next: Hints from your Fairy Godmother

It's a Ball!

 It has come to our attention that:

A ball is being held to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of 

His Excellency, General Washington 

on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2014 

in the town of Randolph, Massachusetts

The 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, in partnership with the 10th Massachusetts Regiment, will be hosting the Washington's Birthday Ball

For full details, please see visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/

Please note that proper 18th century dress is required -- civilian or military. Specifics are addressed on the website. 

Date: Saturday evening, February 22, 2014

Location: Stetson Hall, Randolph, Massachusetts

Cost: $20/ticket

Next: Dressing for a Ball - A Guide for those without a Fairy Godmother