We'll be kicking off this Sunday's Hive with an ear towards 18th century talk. What did they sound like? It's hard to know, especially since they didn't leave us tape recordings - but they did leave us the written word, which provides us with the specific words and expressions they used and how they used them.
Join us at 1pm at the Major John Buttrick House this Sunday, February 12th for a look at three literary genres that should help us to better understand what 18th century speak sounded like. The Hive Players will perform scenes from Royall Taylor's 1787 comedy "The Contrast", which lampoons Americans adopting British fashions. The Mees family will share some passages from their favorite period novels. And Tom Macy, Pat Bridgman and Alexis Zallas will read from a collection of period diaries, giving us a glimpse into several New England lives.
Each session will be performed three times, so everyone will get a chance to attend each one. Don't miss what should be an very entertaining and educational Hive!
Join us from 12-1 to meet up with friends before the Hive starts and catch up on the latest Buzz.
As always, coffee and tea are served and treats to share are most welcome.
The Major John Buttrick House is on Liberty Street across from the North Bridge Visitor Center.
For more information visit our website at www.thehiveonline.org
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
“Here we behold a hat, there a bonnet...”
Women, are you tired of wearing a straw hat everywhere you go? Let's look at an alternative: the bonnet. While not as commonly worn as straw hats, we find bonnets just as widely worn, by women of every class and in plain and fancy styles. A bonnet is warmer than a hat, especially in rain or snow, and there's nothing like it for keeping your cloak hood in place. Depending on the shape, it may be better than a hat at keeping the sun out of your eyes. On the other hand, a bonnet can be unpleasant on a hot day, it restricts your view more than a hat does, and depending on the style, it restricts your hearing as well—maybe that's why we find that although bonnets were quite common in the 18th century, they didn't have the ubiquity of straw hats.A new article on bonnets, “Here we behold a hat, there a bonnet...”, was recently posted to the Hive website. You can read the full text there.
Friday, February 3, 2012
February's Hive Clinics -- Making a Linen Neck Stock
One of the clinics being offered at the February 12th Hive will be "Making a Linen Neck Stock". Seen around the necks of gentlemen in 18th century portraits, they were pleated or gathered pieces of linen secured at the back of the neck with a buckle. The one we will be making is similar to the stock pictured below, which was based on the neck stock in Costume Close-up by Linda Baumgarten.
If your impression is that of a gentleman, this accessory should be part of your wardrobe. Think of this as an 18th century necktie. Look at almost any period portrait, and you will notice that a well-dressed gentleman always covered his neck. Look at a couple examples....
You don't need really exceptional sewing skills to make a stock, just some patience and some time. We'll be supplying a kit with all the materials (except the buckle) for a reimbursement fee of $8, that will include the fine linen, thread and interfacing. So get a "roundtoit" and join us to make a neck stock and add an important accessory to your gentleman's kit. For more information visit our website www.thehiveonline.org and to sign up email stephzsmith@gmail.com
If your impression is that of a gentleman, this accessory should be part of your wardrobe. Think of this as an 18th century necktie. Look at almost any period portrait, and you will notice that a well-dressed gentleman always covered his neck. Look at a couple examples....
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| Copley - Ezekiel Goldthwait 1771 |
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| Copley - Thomas Flucker 1771 |
 |
| A neck stock from the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston |
You don't need really exceptional sewing skills to make a stock, just some patience and some time. We'll be supplying a kit with all the materials (except the buckle) for a reimbursement fee of $8, that will include the fine linen, thread and interfacing. So get a "roundtoit" and join us to make a neck stock and add an important accessory to your gentleman's kit. For more information visit our website www.thehiveonline.org and to sign up email stephzsmith@gmail.com
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Young Lads - Clothes Count!
This past week we took at trip down to New Haven to view the Zoffany exhibit at the Yale Museum of British Art. It closes on February 12th, so if you have a chance to make it down there, don't miss it! And if you do miss it, consider buying the book.
While soaking in all the wonderful clothing details that Johan Zoffany so kindly shared with us, I noticed a few things about how young lads are portrayed.
Most of them are sporting the 18th century version of a mullet -- short bangs and long hair, as seen in the painting below.
And that little boys are given special dispensation in regards to fashion rules, while at play.
I also noticed that whenever people were standing in front of paintings of children they always looked at them and sighed. "awwwhh", often punctuated with "how cute". We love our kids and we love pictures of kids. Why do you think kids are such camera magnets at reenactments? Which brings me to the point of today's post -- we need to put the same amount of effort into our kid's kits as we do in ours! Don't misunderstand, that doesn't mean we have to spend the same amount of time or money, but we do need to do it right.
During the weekend of Feb 17/18, master tailor Henry Cooke will be conducting a workshop on "Constructing a Young Lad's Kit". He'll be teaching how to make an accurate kit, that is relatively easy to construct and has room for growth. Even if you don't have a young lad of your own, it's the perfect opportunity to create a few outfits to have on hand for your regiments stores. So don't miss this opportunity to make that photo op count, with really great kit for the younger set. To find out more about this workshop visit www.thehiveonline.org
While soaking in all the wonderful clothing details that Johan Zoffany so kindly shared with us, I noticed a few things about how young lads are portrayed.
Most of them are sporting the 18th century version of a mullet -- short bangs and long hair, as seen in the painting below.
 |
| Zoffany Lavie Children c 1770 |
I also noticed that whenever people were standing in front of paintings of children they always looked at them and sighed. "awwwhh", often punctuated with "how cute". We love our kids and we love pictures of kids. Why do you think kids are such camera magnets at reenactments? Which brings me to the point of today's post -- we need to put the same amount of effort into our kid's kits as we do in ours! Don't misunderstand, that doesn't mean we have to spend the same amount of time or money, but we do need to do it right.
During the weekend of Feb 17/18, master tailor Henry Cooke will be conducting a workshop on "Constructing a Young Lad's Kit". He'll be teaching how to make an accurate kit, that is relatively easy to construct and has room for growth. Even if you don't have a young lad of your own, it's the perfect opportunity to create a few outfits to have on hand for your regiments stores. So don't miss this opportunity to make that photo op count, with really great kit for the younger set. To find out more about this workshop visit www.thehiveonline.org
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Sunday's Hive Schedule -- Changes!
This Sunday kicks off the 2012 Hive season! Our home this year will be at the Major John Buttrick House, which is the yellow center entrance colonial on Liberty St in Concord, across from the North Bridge Visitor Center, where there is plenty of parking.
We are thrilled to be kicking off things with, count 'em, two guest scholars. Becky Fifield, who will be sharing her exhaustive research on runaways and Carol Kocian, who is the "go-to" person for 18th century stockings. And because we'd like everyone to be able to hear both lectures, we've tweaked the schedule a bit, so here it is...... See you on Sunday.....
12-1pm - Coffee/Snacks at Major John Buttrick House
1pm-1:45 "Had on When She Ran Away"
Expanding the usefulness of garment data in runaway advertisements. Recently published in Textile History, the author will be sharing her research and the methodology used in collecting and analyzing runaway data, with a special focus on fabrics, their frequency and use in particular garments.
2pm-2:45 Stockings Close-up: Yours and Mine
We'll begin with a slide lecture on 18th century stockings. Style changes throughout the century will be shown, as well as details of the frame-knitting process. Afterwards will be a chance to take a look at the original stockings in Carol Kocian's collection. Bring your own stockings, your knitting, or knit fabric you are thinking of using for stockings, to compare and discuss
3pm-3:45 Encore -- Stockings Close-up - For those who want to attend one our our clinics at 2
****2pm-3pm CLINICS*****
Breeches Fitting Clinic
Period breeches fit snugly around the leg and feel just below the knee. Bring in your off-the-rack breeches and learn how to make them have a more period correct (and flattering) appearance. No sewing experience necessary.
Kit Tune-up/Getting Started
New to reenacting or does you kit need a tune-up? Join our team for an overview of Battle Road clothing standards. Separate clinics for men and women/children.
Making an Apron*
An easy beginner project and a great refresher for experienced sewers. An apron is an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe; let’s make a new one!
Making a Market Wallet*
Sewing 101 for men. Learn basic hand sewing stitches as you make a practical and useful item for your kit.
Using Props as Interpretive Tools for Living History
Sometimes when talking to the public it’s hard to know where to start. We’ll look at the things you know about, like your clothing, your musket, and other props as a way of breaking the ice and feeling confident in your interpreting.
* Indicates pre-registration necessary and materials fees.
We are thrilled to be kicking off things with, count 'em, two guest scholars. Becky Fifield, who will be sharing her exhaustive research on runaways and Carol Kocian, who is the "go-to" person for 18th century stockings. And because we'd like everyone to be able to hear both lectures, we've tweaked the schedule a bit, so here it is...... See you on Sunday.....
12-1pm - Coffee/Snacks at Major John Buttrick House
1pm-1:45 "Had on When She Ran Away"
Expanding the usefulness of garment data in runaway advertisements. Recently published in Textile History, the author will be sharing her research and the methodology used in collecting and analyzing runaway data, with a special focus on fabrics, their frequency and use in particular garments.
2pm-2:45 Stockings Close-up: Yours and Mine
We'll begin with a slide lecture on 18th century stockings. Style changes throughout the century will be shown, as well as details of the frame-knitting process. Afterwards will be a chance to take a look at the original stockings in Carol Kocian's collection. Bring your own stockings, your knitting, or knit fabric you are thinking of using for stockings, to compare and discuss
3pm-3:45 Encore -- Stockings Close-up - For those who want to attend one our our clinics at 2
****2pm-3pm CLINICS*****
Breeches Fitting Clinic
Period breeches fit snugly around the leg and feel just below the knee. Bring in your off-the-rack breeches and learn how to make them have a more period correct (and flattering) appearance. No sewing experience necessary.
Kit Tune-up/Getting Started
New to reenacting or does you kit need a tune-up? Join our team for an overview of Battle Road clothing standards. Separate clinics for men and women/children.
Making an Apron*
An easy beginner project and a great refresher for experienced sewers. An apron is an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe; let’s make a new one!
Making a Market Wallet*
Sewing 101 for men. Learn basic hand sewing stitches as you make a practical and useful item for your kit.
Using Props as Interpretive Tools for Living History
Sometimes when talking to the public it’s hard to know where to start. We’ll look at the things you know about, like your clothing, your musket, and other props as a way of breaking the ice and feeling confident in your interpreting.
* Indicates pre-registration necessary and materials fees.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
January Workshops - Don't Miss!!!
There are still a few openings for some of the January Workshops -- Don't miss your chance to attend some great classes!
A great beginner project in which to learn and practice your hand sewing but also a great way for more advanced sewers to create a thing of beauty! These two Saturday sessions will teach you the basics of constructing and sewing a man's shirt. The classroom time will focus on learning the trickier details while you work on the easier things at home between classes. The second session will help you with the finishing touches like cuffs and sleeve buttons.
Fee: $100 (fee does not include materials)
Instructors: Matthew & Vicky Brenckle
To register contact: v_rebal@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:30am–4pm & Saturday February 11, 2012 9:30am–4pm Ever notice how a well-fit waistcoat beautifully complements an 18th century suit? Often overlooked because a coat covers it, the waistcoat is actually a man's foundation garment. This two-day workshop will look at original waistcoats and explore the methods tailors used to create a good fit. By the end of day one, you will have drafted a pattern to create a superbly fit waistcoat, cut out your fabric and will leave with a homework assignment. The second session will be spent perfecting construction techniques and focusing on the finer elements.
Fee: $100 (materials not included)
Instructor: Henry Cooke
To register contact: hcooke4@verizon.net
Fee: $15
Maximum Attendees: 15
Instructor: Carol Kocian
To register contact: carolkocian@yahoo.com
Fee: $20
Maximum Attendees: 12
Instructor: Carol Kocian
To register contact: carolkocian@yahoo.com
Saturday January 14, 2012 9:30am–4pm & Saturday February 11, 2012 9:30am–4pm
A great beginner project in which to learn and practice your hand sewing but also a great way for more advanced sewers to create a thing of beauty! These two Saturday sessions will teach you the basics of constructing and sewing a man's shirt. The classroom time will focus on learning the trickier details while you work on the easier things at home between classes. The second session will help you with the finishing touches like cuffs and sleeve buttons.
Fee: $100 (fee does not include materials)
Instructors: Matthew & Vicky Brenckle
To register contact: v_rebal@yahoo.com
Fee: $100 (materials not included)
Instructor: Henry Cooke
To register contact: hcooke4@verizon.net
Saturday January 14, 2011 9:30am–noon
This is not a session to teach knitting. If you want to knit stockings, plan to have someone to knit for you, or you are evaluating hand-knit stockings to purchase, you will be prepared after this session. Using detailed images from museum collections and originals from Carol's collection, we will discuss the elements of hand-knit 18th century stockings. Construction details, gauge, and density will be discussed, as well as the pitfalls of modern knitters assuming any hand knit is historically okay. Fee: $15
Maximum Attendees: 15
Instructor: Carol Kocian
To register contact: carolkocian@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 14, 2011 1pm-4pm
Most costume enthusiasts have heard of clocked stockings, but did you know the patterns and techniques changed through the decades? Using detailed images from museum collections and originals from Carol's collection, we'll look at clocking styles from early to late 18th century and a bit into the 19th. Besides learning about these styles of embellishment, methods of replicating a them or "faking it" will be discussed. We will make a sampler of a few of these techniques. Fee: $20
Maximum Attendees: 12
Instructor: Carol Kocian
To register contact: carolkocian@yahoo.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January Hive: New Saturday Workshops Added -- HOSIERY!
Happy New Year!
I know that many of you have made New Year's Resolutions to make improvements to your 18th century impressions. Some will try hand sewing a complete garment for the first time, others will try their hand at making a new accessory, but whatever we choose, there is one area that we all need work in: HOSIERY!
Stockings? Really? Yeah! For the men especially-- think about it -- one third of what you see is their hosiery! And guess what -- we don't have accurate period stockings -- or even *really* good ones for that matter. However, that doesn't stop us from learning about this orphan item in our wardrobe.
To the rescue -- Carol Kocian, independent scholar and stocking maven is traveling north to share with us her vast knowledge period hosiery! She'll be joining us for our first Sunday Hive to give us a introduction to period stockings, but that's only going to scratch the surface of this neglected subject so she has kindly agreed to do two workshops on Saturday January 14th, for those of you who want to learn about stockings in greater depth and learn how to make stockings that create a better period appearance.
I know that many of you have made New Year's Resolutions to make improvements to your 18th century impressions. Some will try hand sewing a complete garment for the first time, others will try their hand at making a new accessory, but whatever we choose, there is one area that we all need work in: HOSIERY!
Stockings? Really? Yeah! For the men especially-- think about it -- one third of what you see is their hosiery! And guess what -- we don't have accurate period stockings -- or even *really* good ones for that matter. However, that doesn't stop us from learning about this orphan item in our wardrobe.
To the rescue -- Carol Kocian, independent scholar and stocking maven is traveling north to share with us her vast knowledge period hosiery! She'll be joining us for our first Sunday Hive to give us a introduction to period stockings, but that's only going to scratch the surface of this neglected subject so she has kindly agreed to do two workshops on Saturday January 14th, for those of you who want to learn about stockings in greater depth and learn how to make stockings that create a better period appearance.
Saturday January 14, 2011 9:30am–noon
This is not a session to teach knitting. If you want to knit stockings, plan to have someone to knit for you, or you are evaluating hand-knit stockings to purchase, you will be prepared after this session. Using detailed images from museum collections and originals from Carol's collection, we will discuss the elements of hand-knit 18th century stockings. Construction details, gauge, and density will be discussed, as well as the pitfalls of modern knitters assuming any hand knit is historically okay.
Fee: $15
Maximum Attendees: 15
Instructor: Carol Kocian
Saturday January 14, 2011 1pm–4pm
Most costume enthusiasts have heard of clocked stockings, but did you know the patterns and techniques changed through the decades? Using detailed images from museum collections and originals from Carol's collection, we'll look at clocking styles from early to late 18th century and a bit into the 19th. Besides learning about these styles of embellishment, methods of replicating a them or "faking it" will be discussed. We will make a sampler of a few of these techniques.
Fee: $20
Maximum Attendees: 12
Instructor: Carol Kocian
So ladies and gentlemen don't hesitate, sign up today and learn more about stockings from our guest scholar and start out 2012 by learning some new!
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