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As I mentioned in my last entry, the year ended on a very sad note for me.

I adore the holidays, and while I’m determined to look forward to them every year and continue my festive ways, there will still be some heartbreaking moments that will hit me.

Fortunately, there were some great memories from this past December for me to look back on as well.

The Sew 18th Century blog had a fun giveaway, and I won!  It’s taken me a little while to post about it, but I wanted to work on a proper post to mark the occasion.

The prize was a Delft cup and saucer — a small and adorable set — and my favorite color is blue!

It arrived very quickly, which surprised me, but it wasn’t just that — the care that was taken to pack the set was what knocked me off my feet.

First, the box had a cute holiday stationery paper taped on the top, with both our addresses written in fun handwriting.  Obviously I can’t post a photo of that since most of it would be blurred out, but it immediately put a smile on my face.

Inside, the cup and saucer were each carefully packed in bubble wrap, and then wrapped in pretty silver paper tied with beautiful green and red ribbons.

How everything was wrapped up -- note the lovely card, and pretty ribbons!

I knew from reading the giveaway blog entry and comments, that the cup would be small, but I didn’t realize how small and cute the set would be!  I thought I might actually use the set, because my husband and I both use our glassware and china on a daily basis.  After holding the set in my hands however, I’ve decided not to risk it.  I also adore the crackling patterns in the glaze.

Look how tiny the cup is compared to my husband's hand!

The markings on the botton of the cup and saucer.

Also included was a lovely holiday card featuring the perfect subject matter!

Needless to say, I was moved by the whole package, and now when I look at my antique cabinet and see the little teacup and saucer, I have a very good memory to remind me that it was still a good Christmas in 2011.

The Delftware cup and saucer in their new home. We call our antique cabinet "Rose." Sorry for the poor photo quality -- the lighting was terrible, and I took the photo with my phone. In the foreground is part of my snow village.

The Delftware looks pretty in the cabinet, and I can see it every time I walk by that room.

I appreciate the kindness and fun of this wonderful prize. I always have a blast meeting people on the Internet, and participating in surveys and giveaways.  This was a wonderful distraction and brought me great joy.  Please visit the Sew 18th Century blog!

I’m still very new to embroidery, but I sometimes like to make things for people as gifts. This past Thursday was my husband’s birthday, and since I didn’t have any pressing deadlines I thought I would try to make him something.

It can be very hard to keep something secret from my husband, Christopher.  We’re constantly together!  He loves to see what I’m working on, and he can usually tell when I have been sewing.  So he knew I was up to something, but he didn’t know what it looked like.  The funniest part was that I’d actually chatted with him enough where he should have known what I was up to, but I managed to time the conversation when he’d had a few drinks and he probably didn’t remember it.  Whew!

I decided to keep this project simple, so I opted for a hand sewn handkerchief.  It’s made from the cotton fabric I’ve been using for mock-ups and linings, and I used DMC cotton embroidery floss.  I had some pretty navy thread, and then I decided to get something with a copper tone for the initial.

I had been practicing various embroidery stitches, and when I was sewing the herringbone stitch in the navy thread I had, I fell in love with it and knew I had to use it on a project soon.

I didn’t quite get the corners just right, but hey — that’s what practice is for.  This was also the first time I had done satin stitch for a letter.  I felt a little rushed with it, but it works and Christopher was very pleased with it.

I hope to make him some nicer gifts for Christmas (sorry dear!  I won’t be discussing any details with you about those! Bwahahaha!), but it will definitely be hard to keep it secret.  Especially if I get started early enough and they turn out like I hope they do.

The embroidered handkerchief I made for my husband's birthday. I don't quite have the corners right yet for this stitch, but it was a fun project and he loved it.

Some of the fabrics I received -- these will help me make a few costumes, so I can have fun with the group!

This past Saturday, some of the members of my private 18th century costumers group decided to get together.

Not everyone was able to attend, sadly.  In fact, we were a little nervous we wouldn’t have very many at all, but we decided to go ahead and meet up to discuss some plans.

Four ladies, two gents, and two cute kids attended the tea meeting.

It was a lovely time

We had a nice cozy gathering, and the hostess set the tea table up outside to take advantage of the lovely weather.  She wore one of her Regency gowns, even though this wasn’t a costumed event, and my husband and another member wore their kilts.  The tea and food was yummy, and the conversation was great.

Planning

A lot of us are busy, and some of us don’t even have a finished costume yet, so it’s difficult to start planning actual events to attend.

We decided we should try getting together more regularly for chatting and tea, or even “classes” to learn how to make accessories, learn period games and dances, and to help each other with fitting and sewing.

Just because we’re not doing actual costumed events yet doesn’t mean we can’t have fun gearing up for it!

Ignoring accuracy for now

I really need to stop fretting about accuracy or even focusing too much on planned gowns.  Yes, there are gowns I would love to do. Yes, there are gowns that could be better researched and more carefully put together.  Is it really all that helpful if I’m not even finished (much less barely started) because I can’t find that perfect fabric, or worrying if something was done then or not?  I know I want to avoid disappointment later — it’s helpful to try to make sure what I do sew is at least wearable for a while, and doesn’t have such a huge mistake that it’s almost uncomfortable to wear, but I can’t let worrying about too many things keep me from even getting started.

This is a private group, we’re not reenacting for the public, and darnit… I want to have fun!  So I’ve decided to just push on as best I can, adding to my wardrobe, and then later I can go back and get more detailed or accurate, as well as make those gowns I’ve been dreaming of for so long.

Plus, I have to admit:  sometimes I am inspired to do something fun because a fabric speaks to me or an idea comes to me that sounds fun!  It may not be historically accurate, but it could be a decent way to learn for later.

Very helpful gifts

Our hostess had some fabric she needed to clear out of her sewing room, and we went through to see if there was anything we could use.

Some of the fabrics spoke to me, and I overcame my shyness and took them home.  Fabric for petticoats, a bodice or three… I had no idea when I might have the chance to go shopping for fabric any time soon, so this definitely helps put me back on a decent sewing schedule!  One of the fabrics even helped me make some final decisions about one of my planned gowns that I wanted to make first.

It’s so nice having extra help deciding, isn’t it?

Refreshing

I must say, I really needed this.  Not only is everyone so nice and helpful (and I look forward to more members being able to attend regularly as well), it just helped my own attitude.  So much has been going on, that even if I don’t think I’m feeling down, I’m not exactly feeling as optimistic or positive as I should be.

I left the gathering feeling energized, excited, and refreshed.  I’m looking forward to having fun and celebrating every little goal, even if I’m not quite finished with some costumes for an actual event.  I’m also looking forward to more laughs and conversations with some really great people!

I definitely need to do that more often.

Check out this beautiful wrapping paper my mother-in-law bought with me in mind. Isn't it lovely?

My wonderful mother-in-law, Mary, helped me mark a few more items off of my 18th century costuming list this Christmas!

I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed with everything I need to make for my first costume, as well as my husband’s (and I intend to make others).  Most of the items I’m making myself, but there are those accessories that I need to purchase.  Every little bit helps get that list whittled down even more.

These accessories come from Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc.  I have never ordered from there before, but have wanted to for a while.  I sent a few links to items I needed, and Mary was so very kind to get them for me.  I’m very pleased with the items I received.

I now have a bergère hat, three fans, and clocked stockings.  I will need to finish the hat, but I’ll wait until the actual outfit is finished (or at least have the fabrics purchased). The stockings seem like they’ll be very comfortable, and I can’t wait to finally be able to order the Fugawee Martha shoes I want.

These items will go great with my outfits, and I look forward to getting the chance to wear everything together in 2011 sometime (hopefully).

Thanks so much, Mary! What a lucky gal I am

The bergère hat, fans, and clocked stockings I received as gifts this Christmas.

This past Sunday, Halloween, was my birthday.  It was a great day, despite a few folks feeling under the weather.  I received many thoughtful gifts and wonderful donations of cash to help keep me sewing!  I thought one gift, in particular, would make a great blog entry.

My husband knows me very well.  Sometimes, I think he knows me better than I do!  He definitely listens to me.  He must make mental notes about every little muttering on things I’d like to do or learn, because this birthday he bought me the perfect gift.

He was searching online for just the right gift.  He found a card seller he knew I would love, Cartolina.  Actually, he got me two cards, because he couldn’t decide which one I’d like more.  He also gave me a third card since we sometimes like to buy cards to have handy for giving away.  One had little birds on it, and the other is an 18th century lady holding a “Happy Happy Birthday” banner.  The extra card has gossiping Victorian ladies on it.  He also bought me The Exile by Diana Gabaldon (a graphic novel based off her Outlander series).

He was torn about what else to get me.  He wanted something really special.  Something I hadn’t mentioned so it would be a surprise, but covered a subject I was currently involved with or wanting to do soon.  He came across 18th Century Embroidery Techniques by Gail Marsh.  He crossed his fingers and bought it.  Little did he know!

I was so shocked when I unwrapped the gift, I’m sure my jaw hit the floor.  I remembered seeing it mentioned somewhere online before, but I had not even thought to add it to any of my lists of books to purchase or look into.  Although I have a lot of garments to make, and will probably have to leave special things like embroidery for later, it’s definitely something I want to try when I have a chance.  I know I’ve mentioned a few times in passing that I would love to attempt a few spots of embroidery to learn enough to do larger embroidery, or commented how lovely certain embroidery decorations are on garments when I have shown him photos.

I must admit, the thought that went into the gift, the care it showed in choosing it, and how much he obviously pays attention to what I’m babbling about or mentioning… I actually cried a bit.  It meant so much to me, and I look forward to someday giving embroidery a try when I have the time.  I know I now have an amazing book for inspiration and help when the time comes.

Thank you so much, Christopher.  I’m so very lucky to have you in my life!  Thank you for listening to my sewing babbling, and being so supportive.