Project Planning for the New Year

As someone who spent a decade as a high school teacher, long term planning is apart of my DNA.  And even if I hadn’t spent years in the profession, my personality definitely lends itself to organization and lots of templates….except in my sewing studio.  That looks a hot mess most of the time!  Creativity doesn’t always lend itself to order, however, I have found that planning out projects has been vital to not only accomplishing my goals, but feeling focused.  Whether I need to complete a gown by a certain date, remember to try a new technique on an item, or take advantage of a fabric sale because I know I will have a need for it, being organized is so helpful!

I find that many naturally feel this way around the New Year.  And while I still feel that my “new year” always begins around September (once a teacher, always a teacher), I find my creative juices practically explode come January.  So in case this sounds like you, I have decided to share with you all the templates I use when planning not only a projects, but also for the year as a whole.  I added a few instructions as well!

I usually try to plan a few gowns (at least one from a new time period), repair any worn undergarments, and then make sure that I have left enough space to take on any custom orders or stock items that are needed.

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Historical Winter Recipes

I love to bake…I even enjoy cooking dinners most nights of the week!  😉

However, when it comes to reenacting, I have had very limited experience, as I tend to focus and highlight sewing and fashion.  Over the summer, however, I was able to connect with the Foodways Historian at my local museum and just watch her in action.  While there is most definitely a method and way to cook over fire, it is also surprisingly simple.  Precaution must be taken when cooking near an open flame and when touching and handling the tools, but anyone who has a little knowledge of baking and cooking will see the similarities of modern and historical food preparation.

Today I have collected a few recipes perfect for cold, chilly days and the holiday season.   While these are unlike recipes we see today, I;m sure those of your who like a challenge and figuring out puzzles, will enjoy these 19th century recipes!

Scotch Short Cake Recipe: Leslie, Eliza. Miss Leslie’s Lady’s New Receipt book 3rd ed.

Philadelphia: A Hart. Late Carey &Hart. 1850

 

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My Favorite Things

Today I want to share with you a few of my favorite things that help make my sewing and reenacting just a little bit easier.  For the most part, these items are simple in nature, inexpensive and relatively easy to find.  But don’t let their simplistic nature fool you, all these are immeasurable in their usefulness!  I have also done my best to link each item mentioned.  I hope you enjoy!

PART ONE – My Favorite Sewing Things

  1.  Moldable Ruler
  2. Mary Ellen’s Best Press
  3. Fiskars Thread Snip Scissors
  4. Fiskars Sharpener
  5. Thimble
  6. Dritz Small Iron
  7. Wrist Pincushion

PART TWO – My Favorite Reenacting Things

1. . Basket

2. Notebook

3.  Stockings

4. Fleece Leggings

5. Quilted Petticoat

6. Shawl – I used this pattern.

7. Handwarmers

 

As I mentioned above, none of these items are all that fancy.  But I have found them to be true workhorses and my go to items.  As you begin to build your own sewing and reenacting tool kits, take note of what works and doesn’t work.  And while we always want to be as accurate as possible, sometimes a little modern cheat can make a difference between freezing or enjoying your event!

😉