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Teacups in the Garden

18th Century Virginia Musings

A Young Gent’s Guide to Proper Tying of 18th Century Cravats
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A Young Gent’s Guide to Proper Tying of 18th Century Cravats

September 21, 2010

How long does it take to put on a costume? F-o-r-e-v-e-r when your son has a cravat!

Cravat knot tying demonstration

I must compliment him though…he’s shortened his time to tying the cravat to a mere 5 minutes!

historical vignette in Colonial Williamsburg
My son demonstrates tying a cravat in Colonial Williamsburg
historical vignette in Colonial Williamsburg
My son demonstrates tying a cravat in Colonial Williamsburg

It helps to have great advice, a great cravat, a little ingenuity (trying to figure out how to tie it), and a handy dandy spy tool with built in mirror to finesse the cravat in the middle of the street.

Chatting about cravats with Thomas Jefferson

Earlier in the day, Thomas Jefferson was amazed to see that my son’s cravat looked much like his.

comparing cravats with Thomas Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg
Comparing cravats with Thomas Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg

Where did he learn that?

When my son told him who the reliable authority was, it made complete sense to Mr. Jefferson, who gave him more knotting tips.

Mr. Jefferson even mentioned the same elusive cravat book that Mr. In the Know had originally told us about.

That must be a great book because I can’t find it anywhere. I forgot the title of it now.

Despite all our efforts we can’t duplicate the knot that everyone tells us how to tie.

Thus, my son’s knot is uniquely his and Mr. In the Know has very kindly, on numerous occasions, encouraged him in how good it looks. I like it too.

The first cravat seemed to dull the costume but now I think it is the best part…the one costume piece I did not sew!

Great advice, a great cravat, and a little ingenuity go a long way.

COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG

Wild Iris September 24, 2010 at 9:05 AM – We have a living history day at a park near by at Ft. Roxx, at one time a Russian outpost. Great photos! You’ve been awarded the One Lovely Blog award. Enjoy!
http://homeschool-reviews-and-resources.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-lovely-blog-award.html

Rebecca September 26, 2010 at 6:34 PM – I always enjoy your CW posts because your descriptions are so vivid and well-written that it almost makes me feel like I’m there (and we alll know what a nice feeling that is!). Jane Austen would have called them “light, bright, and sparkling.” 🙂 I love the story of TJ/BB and the cravat – and what great pictures to capture the moment!
And the newest costume update photo is most lovely indeed. 🙂
And congrats on the blog award, too! Huzzah!!!

For more photos, check my Flicker set.

Pot Pourri

  • Debut of my son’s new market wallet in Colonial Williamsburgmy kids debut draped gown and silk cravat in Colonial Williamsburg
    Date
    September 24, 2010
  • Receiving a costume high-five: Colonial WilliamsburgMy colonial kids with the guitarist in Colonial Williamsburg
    Date
    June 12, 2011
  • Handsewn breeches #2 best fit: 18th century sewing journalmy kids debut draped gown and silk cravat in Colonial Williamsburg
    Date
    September 22, 2010

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Inspired to sew by historic clothing: Colonial Williamsburg
Handsewn breeches #2 best fit: 18th century sewing journal

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A former homeschool mom who sees the world through the lens of 18th century Virginia…and discovers Lafayette everywhere she turns.

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