Remembering my son’s vision on July 3, 2009, our first summer living in Virginia, that he and his sister needed historically accurate clothing, as did I, so we could have more fun in the historic area, pretending we were an 18th century family.
At the time they were in 7th and 9th grade.
With daylight burning, I knew I had a short time to learn and conquer before they graduated homeschool, in the real world that would flex as easily as homeschooling does.
It’s been two years of research, study, sewing for my kids, and taking classes.
In the last six weeks I hand sewed for myself a chintz jacket, a chintz gown, and a few petticoats.
And with that, I was prepared to attend Under the Redcoat with my kids, our first full venture as an 18th century family in the historic area.
PROPER ATTIRE ATTACTED VIDEO TEAM TO INTERVIEW ME
We had a lot of fun with unique opportunities, including the moment a man suddenly put a microphone in front of my mouth, and another put a giant video camera in front of my face for an interview about the American Revolution.
Imagine telling my 18th century story while my kids and I were wearing our 18th century clothing, amidst all the British soldiers marching around Colonial Williamsburg, just an hour into my first day properly attired!
How’s that for timing?
Now that they’ve completed 9th and 11th grade…we have a bit of time to simply have fun for future excursions in the historic area, while keeping up with the styles and necessities (mainly sewing new clothing that either is outgrown or worn out).
But first, an analysis of my styles that were purposely planned for Under the Redcoat.
DRESSED DOWN FOR WARTIME
My costuming goals for Under the Redcoat, as a resident of the town of 1781 Williamsburg, were achieved.
Since it was war time during the occupation of the Redcoats, I dressed down my gown.
Motivated by Martha Washington, whose husband led the Continental Army, she put away her silks to wear homespun during the war.
Her time sewing was focused on sewing for the troops.
Yet I took from her model to tuck away a bit of sewing inside my basket, to pull out during lulls of the day, in support of the troops…aka sewing another shirt for my son.
SATURDAY – CHINTZ GOWN PAIRED WITH DEEP RED PETTICOAT
This photo was taken at the Hennage after the Banastre Tarleton talk.
A sweet blog reader joined us for a photo, but it wasn’t until later I realized we had no pictures of us on this day.
Thinking my sweet blog reader might not want to be on the blog, I adjusted the picture.
However her attire, which she sewe herself, was stunning to behold and most worthy of grand attention!
I hope to aspire to her skill set.
Read my sewing journal on my chintz gown here.
SUNDAY – CHINTZ JACKET WITH LAVENDER LACING PAIRED WITH DEEP MAGENTA PETTICOAT
After some guests asked to take our picture, I handed them my camera and asked if they’d mind taking a photo of us.
Surprised, I explained we were neither employees nor reenactors, but simply guests.
Happily, they concurred, so this is our only photo of this day.
Read my sewing journal about my chintz jacket here.
TRIMMED STRAW HAT WITH BLUE ROCOCO TRIM WITH GREEN RUCHED RIBBON
For Under the Redcoat, my previous version was more simply suited.
I should trim a simply hat for my wartime interpretations, but for now, this is all I currently have.
For both days I wore the same hat that I created with rococo trim gleaned with lessons from the Costume Design Center in Colonial Williamsburg.
Loving the hat, I thought it had a great combination of coordinating with my outfits (for my modern sensibilities) while arguably not matching (which is so 18th century).
QUEEN CHARLOTTE PEARL DROP EARRINGS
Then, hoping to appease the British soldiers from arresting us, I wore my Queen Charlotte pearl drop earrings, purchased in the historic area.
I love pearls, and I love this style, and love how its affiliated to her.
However, the soldiers never noticed.
Several times they pursued arresting us. 😉
FUTURE GOALS
A couple of huge goals I have is to shorten the too long sleeves of my shift.
I knew of this problem on my first day out in March, with a jacket I had sewn, but the fabric was more of a fancy muslin/toile than reproduction fabric.
However, lesson learned, fix the shift sleeves.
Except…I get so caught up in sewing the next fashion item that I forget how long they are until I’m dressing in the hotel for the historic area, and then, oops.
Also, I need underskirt supports around the hips, that I’ve fiddled with to no gain.
At least for the Under the Redcoat reenactment, it felt most proper to go without that structure.
DRESSING THE CHINTZ GOWN UP – STAY TUNED
However, for other occasions, I’d like to dress the gown up…which means embellishments are planned later this summer. Stay tuned!
