Thursday, March 31, 2011

18th Century Shoes!!!

Most of you in the costume community know that Lauren R, of American Duchess, is producing 18th Century shoes! I, personally, have been following her progress since she first started toying with the idea of designing period footwear. Well, I’m excited to post the link to her new site where you will soon be able to buy said shoes. I firmly believe we need to support each other in our costuming endeavors. Best of luck, Lauren, in your shoe ventures :) I can’t wait to order my pair!

Image copyright of American Duchess

Official Blog Post
Official Website

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Grief, Projects, and Robins…

Today was, honestly, one of those hard days where the grief came over me like a huge wave. It was good, but still very hard. Grief is strange like that. One minute you’re smiling and feeling fine, and the next, you feel like the wound is brand new again. I loved my grandfather, and it’s becoming more and more real that I won’t see him again on this earth. I do believe with all of my heart that he is in glory with Jesus and I will see him again someday. I hang on to that right now and to my memories of him.

On the brighter side of things, I had a very productive sewing day.  I am currently working on two projects. The first is a suit for a good friend and member of our group, Sir Michael. It will be a mid 18th century frock coat, waistcoat, and breeches.

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The fabric. It’s actually black, but looks grey on the camera.

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Nothing more exiting than pad stitching ;)

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Pocket Flap

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The second project is a robe l’anglaise for my friend, whom you all know as Mrs. Cartwright.

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I love the fabric she chose.

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The front is still in half mock-up stage, so it’s not exactly pretty right now.

And lastly, I was ironing seam allowances on Sir Michael’s suit when I looked out the window and saw this little guy. He actually stayed long enough for me to grab the camera and snap a few shots of him.

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He was so cute :) The photos aren’t the best, but you get the idea.

Well, that is all for today. Sorry for the discombobulated post today, but this is life right now :) God Bless!

Love Lauren

Sunday, March 27, 2011

I’m Back Online

Hello Friends,

    I’m finally back online after my internet hiatus. I really needed some decompress time after my grandfather’s passing and funeral. I spent a week with my family, down in Arizona, cleaning out the house he had once shared with my grandmother. It was a difficult week, but it was needed and it was nice to see everyone again.

    I am hoping to get some project pictures posted this week. I’m currently working on a suit for a friend and a robe l’anglaise for another friend. So, eye candy should be up soon, I hope.

     In the meantime I’ll leave you with a pic from a party we attended last night. Mr.s Cartwright and I donned our Bals des Victimes attire for the affair. Enjoy!

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Dedicated to My Grandfather

Hello All,

   I created a page for my Grandfather for family and friends to view. Feel free to browse.


Love, Lauren

Friday, March 11, 2011

Grandpa…

I just got the call. The call that no one wants to receive. My Grandfather just passed away around 12:30 this morning. I am pretty upset, as imagined, but I take comfort in knowing that he loved the Lord. He risked his life for our freedom in WWII and nearly died at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a tough man and had loving heart. I will miss him. I love you Grandpa….

Grandpa in Uniform

Here is is in early 1944, I believe, right before heading off to the War.

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Grandpa and his wife, Mary

This pic was taken on their last trip to Oregon in 2008.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Blogging Break

Hello Friends and Readers,

    I will be away from the blogging world for a week or two. I am going to Arizona this weekend to visit my family. We, my side of the family, are going through a difficult time as my grandfather’s health is steadily declining. He seemed to be better last week, but over the weekend he took a turn for the worst. We’re not sure that he will make it till I get there, on Saturday. So, as you can imagine, blogging is not exactly my priority right now. I will be back around the 20th of March with some new projects to share. God Bless!

Love, Lauren