tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635428617550132332024-03-13T03:51:38.620-07:00By My Own Handmaking things, fixing things, doing thingsBMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-69875763551908867212013-06-03T12:13:00.001-07:002013-06-03T12:13:11.720-07:00Update to the Mystery in a Plastic BagOriginal post: <a href="http://bymyownhand.blogspot.com/2013/04/today-was-glorious-day-of-recycling-and.html">A mystery in a plastic bag</a><br />
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I have been in correspondence with a descendant of the lady who made these things. They have been sent on to him and he is going to share them with his cousins in a few weeks when he visits. Perhaps, then, he might learn how these things came to sit in a thrift store, instead of in a box of family treasures.<br />
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If I am fortunate, I might find out as well.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-44816020421773482612013-04-10T20:30:00.000-07:002013-04-24T17:10:22.829-07:00A mystery in a plastic bag<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today was a glorious day of recycling and thrift shopping. I rescued some vintage sewing machine ephemera, a fantastic 1930's cookbook chock full of handwritten notes and insertions, a couple of hats I plan to make into other hats, some antique compacts, a basket of real actual linen linens and ... a mystery.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTgyLsvMpv4/UXhgdLc8eXI/AAAAAAAAKTo/knGjFSlpsAA/s1600/Picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTgyLsvMpv4/UXhgdLc8eXI/AAAAAAAAKTo/knGjFSlpsAA/s320/Picture+1.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mystery package</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The mystery is this: a gallon sized ziploc bag containing what purports to be a family heirloom linen towel brought over from Germany to New York in 1849 by a woman named Fredericka Dammann (née Berger).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This treasure was on the "Buy before it gets thrown out" table at the consignment thrift place. It cost me 2 bucks. I was fishing for cheap unwanted vintage linens, because I love them and want to use them and my budget is small. I flipped over an unassuming plastic bag, read the abandoned family history within and was filled with sadness. I wondered how it ended up there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I felt compelled to buy it and find out more and maybe get it to a descendant, or document it for the local historical society. Or at least make sure it isn't lost to time. This <i>was </i>precious.<i> It should <b>still </b>be precious</i>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjRMvpnVl3Y/UXhg1pFl_qI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/9FRkPwzYuXU/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjRMvpnVl3Y/UXhg1pFl_qI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/9FRkPwzYuXU/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note pinned to smaller linen item</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Inside this ignominious package is the towel with its darkly yellowed note, and a pin that once held the two together, a very, very worn smaller piece, with its own pin and very yellowed note simply reading "<i>More German Linen</i>," and another, longer note, with more history that hints at some other items that are now lost.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhCRRxaniiw/UXhglWJD9MI/AAAAAAAAKUI/rKIKkxdQJwM/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhCRRxaniiw/UXhglWJD9MI/AAAAAAAAKUI/rKIKkxdQJwM/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damask stripe pattern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ythtGRmtKC0/UXhgs0ZKA0I/AAAAAAAAKUw/Nlg1gujWZpI/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ythtGRmtKC0/UXhgs0ZKA0I/AAAAAAAAKUw/Nlg1gujWZpI/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One end of towel</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The towel (22.5" x 44") is exquisite, elaborately handwoven damask in a warp faced stripe, 1" wide alternating with 1" bands of 4-thread warp faced/weft faced pinstripes and a selvedge treatment of a 2" wide band of 8-thread pinstripes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1b8p7ushYg/UXhgm8J2ktI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/BgrqbfzbPPI/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1b8p7ushYg/UXhgm8J2ktI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/BgrqbfzbPPI/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selvedge band</td></tr>
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The ends of the towel have a similar treatment to the selvedges, producing a checked effect, and are hand hemmed with tiny, perfect hand stitches holding down a 3/16" hem.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qDonpskIVA/UXhgoWbCdII/AAAAAAAAKUY/7oJjg5_ma4k/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qDonpskIVA/UXhgoWbCdII/AAAAAAAAKUY/7oJjg5_ma4k/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of hand stitching at hems</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvHbyZ522qI/UXhgw8YhAgI/AAAAAAAAKU4/yl81KC_0CWI/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvHbyZ522qI/UXhgw8YhAgI/AAAAAAAAKU4/yl81KC_0CWI/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hem pattern cross striping forming checks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ9MujoqWjw/UXhgjXE1AdI/AAAAAAAAKUA/OeLnqHqIdes/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ9MujoqWjw/UXhgjXE1AdI/AAAAAAAAKUA/OeLnqHqIdes/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">One end of the towel is very worn and has small holes, possibly from being hung on a hook.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHpdkTpUCI/UXhgq68mByI/AAAAAAAAKUo/R9RtNc423dg/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHpdkTpUCI/UXhgq68mByI/AAAAAAAAKUo/R9RtNc423dg/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">There are two handwoven plainweave linen tapes for hanging, one at each end.</span></td></tr>
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One has clearly been used more than the other as it is a bit more worn and shows evidence of repairs, and this corresponds to the wear holes on the end of the towel. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06Jogyw6R8Q/UXhgpXVfSMI/AAAAAAAAKUg/jCHbW-RaPIo/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="94" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06Jogyw6R8Q/UXhgpXVfSMI/AAAAAAAAKUg/jCHbW-RaPIo/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of unused hanging loop</td></tr>
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The other end is nearly new, with a tiny fold on the tape.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqzyPmM0PO8/UXhgg_Lz75I/AAAAAAAAKT4/5D_ZRcMZJ0Q/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqzyPmM0PO8/UXhgg_Lz75I/AAAAAAAAKT4/5D_ZRcMZJ0Q/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faded monogramming</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There is a tiny cross-stitched monogram in the bottom left corner that is so faded I almost missed it, but it can be seen if the towel is held up to the light. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_H7nu8ffBw/UXhgfYDorPI/AAAAAAAAKTw/_GwgmoPTVN4/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_H7nu8ffBw/UXhgfYDorPI/AAAAAAAAKTw/_GwgmoPTVN4/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlit, the faded and worn monogramming is visible</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It matches the monogram on the second piece.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPLrOWw-pSQ/UXhhHlIzc1I/AAAAAAAAKWY/eWefXqjCmcA/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPLrOWw-pSQ/UXhhHlIzc1I/AAAAAAAAKWY/eWefXqjCmcA/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller linen square held up to light, showing handspun threads and transparency</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The smaller piece of linen (20.5" by 17") has lost two of its hemmed edges and is finer plain weave linen, transparent enough to read text through, either from use and time or intention.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7wrtKV9-eo/UXhg0QLJGiI/AAAAAAAAKVI/Bs3c1RbXpVo/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7wrtKV9-eo/UXhg0QLJGiI/AAAAAAAAKVI/Bs3c1RbXpVo/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monogram as seen when I first removed the second piece from the bag</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Its monogram, in the upper left corner, is still clear. Finely cross-stitched in what is now light brown thread, in a delicate script, it reads "FB." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUNEcq1KvYM/UXhhAv0KAzI/AAAAAAAAKV4/BxBtWoThgnk/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUNEcq1KvYM/UXhhAv0KAzI/AAAAAAAAKV4/BxBtWoThgnk/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of monogram on napkin</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The back shows how carefully the stitching was done.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AIA9ASLSv4/UXhhBz5aTyI/AAAAAAAAKWA/nUg1xn1pbQU/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AIA9ASLSv4/UXhhBz5aTyI/AAAAAAAAKWA/nUg1xn1pbQU/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">worn and uneven selvedges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7H6E0GiIHI/UXhhDRXUkII/AAAAAAAAKWI/puYxXCymTWc/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7H6E0GiIHI/UXhhDRXUkII/AAAAAAAAKWI/puYxXCymTWc/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the selvedge that is still in good condition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78fnrgYp2JA/UXhhFFED6sI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/CGdWyxSjv2w/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78fnrgYp2JA/UXhhFFED6sI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/CGdWyxSjv2w/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worn selvedge, looks like there might be some slight mending</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The edges are a worn selvedge, two raw edges where hems or more cloth tore away, and the remaining 1/2" hem. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTk8xLOMhWQ/UXhg-lsVsTI/AAAAAAAAKVw/Z0t3oy9LYL0/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTk8xLOMhWQ/UXhg-lsVsTI/AAAAAAAAKVw/Z0t3oy9LYL0/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This portion of hem looks original, the tiny whipped hem stitches are so finely done as to be nearly invisible</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWc3d_cK0s4/UXhg8SFF6CI/AAAAAAAAKVo/U3Zd6zAelyQ/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWc3d_cK0s4/UXhg8SFF6CI/AAAAAAAAKVo/U3Zd6zAelyQ/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area has been mended with a coarser running stitch in a yellower linen thread.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8evCrfxPBmw/UXhg4KVGkbI/AAAAAAAAKVY/4HHdNGu55MQ/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8evCrfxPBmw/UXhg4KVGkbI/AAAAAAAAKVY/4HHdNGu55MQ/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transition of original hemstitching to mending</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The hem is as carefully hand stitched as before, except where it wore open and was mended less gracefully.It may have been a hankie, or a napkin. Possibly it was part of something larger.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I believe this was entirely Fredericka Berger's own work, most likely made under direction of her mother, a tutor or at a young ladies' finishing school for her own trousseau, depending on her social station. The linen thread is hand spun. The weaving, while fine, is clearly student quality, as the remaining selvedge on the second piece is a bit uneven. The hand stitching, however, is exquisite. Young eyes and small hands have an easier time with tiny hand stitches.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkwFteLFt0s/UXhgyT6fd4I/AAAAAAAAKVA/t9xTU1X8OA8/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkwFteLFt0s/UXhgyT6fd4I/AAAAAAAAKVA/t9xTU1X8OA8/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note pinned to towel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The note from the towel reads "<i>This is a German linen towel brought from Germany in 1849 by grandparents Wm and Fredericka (Berger) Dammann</i>" and is pinned on the top left corner where it is folded with the bottom left corner, piercing both layers.</span><br />
<br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xpGVdrAECs/UXhhJCzYBNI/AAAAAAAAKWg/tx0r3amO2v8/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xpGVdrAECs/UXhhJCzYBNI/AAAAAAAAKWg/tx0r3amO2v8/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pencilled note, showing the delicate state of the paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The third note is falling to pieces and will require conservation. It is in the same delicate handwriting as the other two notes, but in pencil. It reads: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x30ha-Nz3A/UXhhM03BVxI/AAAAAAAAKWo/0y-adLPRdK0/s1600/Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x30ha-Nz3A/UXhhM03BVxI/AAAAAAAAKWo/0y-adLPRdK0/s320/Top.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pencilled note, reassembled and scanned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"<i>Minette Koch, your grandmother born of Fredericka Berger and Wm Dammann came from Germany in 1849 to New York. Grandmother Minette Koch was born in New York in 1850 and married Wm. Koch in 1870."</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>"M.R. beaded on one of these pairs of socks stands for Minette Ros- [tear obscures last letter], maiden name of Wm. Dammann's mother who never came over from Germany.</i>"</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There are no socks in the bag.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So, this is my mystery. Or, really, someone's mystery. I just found it and brought it home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Added Information:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.genealoger.com/german/ger_emigration_records.htm">German Emigration to America</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.die-leinenweber.de/linen-cultural-history-en_10.html">History of linen weaving</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-90663020871989355862011-12-15T19:47:00.001-08:002013-05-18T14:29:16.080-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UQFCTzzLm0/TuqP0CJzShI/AAAAAAAAHYw/L-N9LFKN3xk/s1600/haveyouseenme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UQFCTzzLm0/TuqP0CJzShI/AAAAAAAAHYw/L-N9LFKN3xk/s400/haveyouseenme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;">An updated version</span> of this post is <a href="http://kithouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/emerging-from-hiatus-and-request.html">here on my house blog!</a> Please <a href="http://kithouse.blogspot.com/search/label/aladdin%20sherman">go look, there's lots of news!</a><br />
<br />
It's been 4 years of near-total inactivity on my house blog, but there wasn't much to report. We've been on hiatus, my husband has been deployed a few times, and we are finally getting to get back to work on the old girl.<br />
<br />
I've spent the intervening time researching things and making plans, and I have figured out a number of things about this house. Not one of those things, and none of my extensive research, has given me anything like an answer as to which architect or kit company she came from. Not a bit, despite having practically had a love affair with the online texts section of the Internet Archive, and spending way too much time with Google Books. So, in the spirit of warming up a cold project and slowly getting it into gear, I am going to ask you for some help. Here's my question for you:<br />
<br />
<b>Does anyone out there recognize this floorplan? </b>I have <i>yet</i> to find a house with a<strike> <span style="color: red;">28 x 48</span></strike> 26 x 48 footprint with a <strike><span style="color: red;">28x40</span></strike> 26x40 cellar/foundation. I made a few rough scale drawings of what the house looked like before three different additions were tacked (or frankensteined, in the case of the dining room bay) on, and before the porch was closed in and roofers removed the vent gable. I think I ought to have drawn the steps wider, but I have no idea what the original steps might have looked like.<br />
<br />
Here's the only photo I have been able to find prior to the changes to the porch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/1836/2855/1600/Scan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/1836/2855/1600/Scan1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
What we do know:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The county tax assessor has a single sheet of manila with a tiny photo stapled to it, which I have been told dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s. The build date on the house, according to this document, is 1925. However, as records are incomplete, I have been told that could simply be a sale date, or the date the property record was recorded in the county office. Nobody knows.</li>
<li>The younger daughter (Edith Heppe) of the family that built it visited the late former owner of the home about 15 years ago, and a statement about the house was written down from her childhood memories. We have this statement and I have transcribed it <a href="http://kithouse.blogspot.com/2006/09/housestory.html">here</a>. </li>
<li>Mrs. Heppe remembered it was built by her father, and her parents moved to Centralia in 1921, so it had to have been built before that time. </li>
<li>It's got Sears hardware throughout, and all the original millwork is directly out of the Sears millwork catalog. </li>
<li>It originally looked rather like an Aladdin, if you go by that little black and white photo. But it does not match any recognizable Aladdin plan, or even a footprint of any similar style of home, that I have yet found. Also, the interior millwork and hardware and NOT Aladdin.</li>
<li>I've found a similar footprint in Wards and Chicago House Wrecking company catalogs, but nothing like this plan or style in combination with the footprint.</li>
<li>It's got an odd arrangement of den/living room/dining room that is indicative of an earlier house, so really, the latest I would put it at is 1914.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
In other news, I finally know what to do with the back bedroom. More on that, and the kitchen remodel, later.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-5307879772053391612011-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:002011-08-15T15:03:18.131-07:00Teaser: Saffron, a shawl for leaving the Maiden House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRc5Xsd-eMQ/TkmMYIsLJQI/AAAAAAAAG9g/GmKvUfk1-7Q/s1600/teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRc5Xsd-eMQ/TkmMYIsLJQI/AAAAAAAAG9g/GmKvUfk1-7Q/s320/teaser.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
The pattern <a href="http://jauncourt.livejournal.com/tag/yosaffbridge">I've been working on for over a year</a>, a screen-accurate copy of the red shawl worn by Saffron in Our Mrs Reynolds, is <i>nearly ready!</i> Watch this blog for updates regarding the release.<br />
<br />
Thanks go out to my volunteer tech editor and the brave test knitters in the BigDamnKnitters group at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>.<br />
<br />
This pattern will be a free PDF download, available through Ravelry and my document shelf at Scribd. I will make announcements here, at livejournal, and on Ravelry.<br />
<br />
<br />BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-14757377047110517862011-06-09T20:06:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:09:29.654-07:00Pinwheel Striped Apples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft3B4DwLnRo/TfGDtjJzkvI/AAAAAAAAGh8/cHaflo3HU_M/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft3B4DwLnRo/TfGDtjJzkvI/AAAAAAAAGh8/cHaflo3HU_M/s400/IMG_1365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These are what we call "Pinwheel Apples" around here. They are, essentially, sliced apples reassembled using peanut butter as glue. These are great easy snacks for mom to make, or for kids to make with some adult help (like slicing).<br />
<br />
They look really festive if you choose two nearly identical apples of different colors, like these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1HlrIv9syE/TfGED-_gx2I/AAAAAAAAGiE/peQAzfah9E0/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1HlrIv9syE/TfGED-_gx2I/AAAAAAAAGiE/peQAzfah9E0/s320/IMG_1345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To make them yourself, you will need:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>2 apples as close in shape and size as possible</li>
<li>nut or soynut butter</li>
<li>a cutting board</li>
<li>a sharp knife</li>
<li>a melon baller</li>
<li>something to serve them in ( I like to use colorful Ikea kids' bowls)</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><br />
The first step is to wash the apples, then dry them and cut them in half along the core:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tUR9wOn6Uc/TfGEFpVVzKI/AAAAAAAAGiM/KJgsZ9lzgNQ/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tUR9wOn6Uc/TfGEFpVVzKI/AAAAAAAAGiM/KJgsZ9lzgNQ/s320/IMG_1347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Using the melon baller, cut out the cores. Using the knife, cut out the stems and any remaining flower bits at the bottom of the apples.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bXVZErFZMA/TfGEGcGEWeI/AAAAAAAAGiU/J3hGFglmUbw/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bXVZErFZMA/TfGEGcGEWeI/AAAAAAAAGiU/J3hGFglmUbw/s320/IMG_1350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You will have 4 nice clean apple halves and a pile of stuff to put in your compost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyXmLLaXlp8/TfGEHlLsRaI/AAAAAAAAGiY/aVo3fqwZquI/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyXmLLaXlp8/TfGEHlLsRaI/AAAAAAAAGiY/aVo3fqwZquI/s320/IMG_1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Get rid of the compostables, and slice the apple halves into fairly standardized slices (a little variation is okay). Get out your nut or soynut butter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAt2ymLEvs/TfGEIV6NGTI/AAAAAAAAGig/X9TI20livmw/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAt2ymLEvs/TfGEIV6NGTI/AAAAAAAAGig/X9TI20livmw/s320/IMG_1356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hold one hand cupped, and start reassembling an apple in your palm, using slices of alternating colors:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmD8gx1Jn-s/TfGEI9QaK7I/AAAAAAAAGik/NGxx61lYqrI/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmD8gx1Jn-s/TfGEI9QaK7I/AAAAAAAAGik/NGxx61lYqrI/s320/IMG_1357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add a spoonful of nut butter, and keep adding slices until you get a fairly complete apple. You should be able to maintain the alternating stripes of color all the way around, if you were careful about cutting your slices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8L7W8AFj50/TfGEJX8g92I/AAAAAAAAGio/4_JnyhCIuIs/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8L7W8AFj50/TfGEJX8g92I/AAAAAAAAGio/4_JnyhCIuIs/s320/IMG_1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Press the completed apple together with cupped palms to help it hold its shape and set in a bowl or saucer to serve. If it's hot out, refrigerate for an hour or two before serving to help them hold together. Garnish with berries or other fruit (orange slices are also awesome).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS0x5W0i4jc/TfGD83C0odI/AAAAAAAAGiA/aXzW-txe2m4/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS0x5W0i4jc/TfGD83C0odI/AAAAAAAAGiA/aXzW-txe2m4/s320/IMG_1371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This how-to is also available as a youtube video, with photos of more of the steps:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/H_MpperPS94/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H_MpperPS94?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H_MpperPS94?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
Enjoy!BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-9556753920967778732011-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:002011-01-11T15:26:06.424-08:00The Original Reason for My Hiatus......was that I was doing a site design. This one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzhBrPwH5I/AAAAAAAAF-Y/IQTDgUaHAl4/s1600/hp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzhBrPwH5I/AAAAAAAAF-Y/IQTDgUaHAl4/s320/hp.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://heavenspavement.com/">Heaven's Pavement</a> is a promotional web site for the book of the same title. I coded it from scratch, and spent quite a bit of time with the site's owner getting the art just right and making the layout perfect. We went live right around Veterans' Day.<br />
<br />
I didn't want to take time out from the design process to edit and post anything. Things began to gather. I got intimidated. I put it off a couple of weeks, with the <i>very</i> best of intentions.<br />
<br />
And then, it was the Thanksgiving holiday. As everyone with small children knows, school holidays are not holidays at all for parents. For us, it was a full week of nonstop parenting and turkey wrangling, the latter of which went very well indeed, for my very first turkeybird in over 16 years, and the very first I have cooked with my spouse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzhtTNbujI/AAAAAAAAF-c/NKaH8PR731w/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzhtTNbujI/AAAAAAAAF-c/NKaH8PR731w/s320/IMG_1015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I also made my usual pumpkin "pie" in a springform pan. This year, due to developing food sensitivities, it was eggless. It came out quite well, except that Eggless Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie needs about 48 hours, rather than 24, for the spice flavors to develop properly. It was great the day after Turkey Day and <i>even better</i> the third day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzienO9-XI/AAAAAAAAF-g/o5dr1Gw3U7o/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TSzienO9-XI/AAAAAAAAF-g/o5dr1Gw3U7o/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Recipe for Eggless Pumpkin Cheesecake "Pie"</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ahead of time: </i><br />
Prepare and bake your favorite baked pastry crust in a 9" springform pan. I make a recipe for an 8" double crust pie , then put the crust bottom in and cut strips the same width as the pan is deep. Set them in the pan, sealing the seam with a little water, and crimp lightly close to the top. Line with aluminum foil folded lengthwise into a strip as deep as the vertical wall to prevent slumping and prick the bottom or weight. Pre-bake according to your crust recipe. Cool before using.<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<br />
<ul><li>3.5 cups cooked pumpkin</li>
<li>1 can evaporated milk</li>
<li>3 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp of egg replacer (or 4 tbsp cornstarch)</li>
<li>1 tbsp soy lecithin</li>
<li>1 package cream cheese</li>
<li>1/3 cup powdered milk</li>
<li>1tsp "pie spice"</li>
<li>1/2 tsp allspice</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>pinches of ginger, nutmeg mace to taste</li>
<li>2 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
</ul><div><i>Instructions:</i></div><br />
<br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.</li>
<li>Mix all dry ingredients, then beat in all wet ingredients.</li>
<li>Pour into your pre-baked shell, and set it on a cookie sheet.</li>
<li>Place in oven, and bake for 25 minutes at 450 degrees F. </li>
<li>Turn oven down to 350 degrees F for an hour and a half. Pie is done when a toothpick can be inserted and pulled out fairly cleanly.</li>
<li>Cool on the counter in pan.</li>
<li>Cover and refrigerate 48 hours.</li>
</ol><div>Serve with whipped cream.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
After that, I was just out of the groove. I have a couple dozen posts queued up, and partially edited, but I had let everything slide. Excuses aside, I think I'm back now!BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-6436839199956873572010-08-03T18:00:00.000-07:002010-08-03T18:00:16.022-07:00Handouts are up at Scribd!Exactly what it says! Check the widget in the sidebar for the current list of available handouts.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-89735302348269061272010-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-03T18:05:22.055-07:00Frankenblogging Part 7: Medieval veils and other headwear<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Frankenblogging</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">feature is a republication of older content from my former personal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">webpage</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. This one is late! My apologies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today's installment is made of a couple of pages from the old site. The first section is the short opinion/advice piece that grew into a larger research project, on 12th Century French women's court headwear, and the second is a set of pieces I wrote about buckram and other materials in making historic hats, closing with a tiny little thing I said once about straw hats.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<b>A short observation on early veils</b><br />
<br />
The early veil (think Norman Conquest - there are two ladies on the Bayeux tapestry wearing something that looks like this) seems to have been a smaller version of the roman matron's veil.<br />
<br />
It's a large rectangle, worn by laying the centre of the long side over the head, crossing the ends over the front of the throat, and tossing them over the shoulders. No bands seem to have been worn with this style of veil, but keeping it in place would have definitely been helped by pinning it to braids wrapped around the head. It's very warm, as well, so if you live in a hot place, make it of thin cotton or linen, with a slightly open weave, to let air pass through. For winter, make it of wool or heavy soft silk.<br />
<br />
A good place to get inexpensive, high-quality, premade veils (my early veil is exactly this item) is at Dharma Trading Co. They carry them in silk and cotton (though they call them sarongs).<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Buckram and Elizabethan Hats</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is OLD, I wasn't as much of an expert as I thought I was, and this wasn't EVER my main focus of research. I can MAKE hats, and I was trained in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>modern </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">millinery techniques (i.e. 1800s and more recent). Please have a look at the websites of those who do specialize in this period, like Sarah Goodman and Drea Leed.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>I trained with a professional milliner (who is now retired) making reproduction hats, using traditional techniques and materials. I've done theatrical costume and I've also been researching and making documented period costume for over 10 years. Much of what is given below is based on my experience with the various materials. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">That last sentence is pretty accurate. It's practical advice on using modern materials, NOT AT ALL a piece on making authentic reproductions. Keep that in mind!</span><br />
<div><br />
Period Usage of <s>Buckram</s> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">No, not really about buckram at all. I didn't find any. See my cautionary note, above, PLEASE! This is another case of "Ive got a BOOK! Look! Expert! ME!" syndrome. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sigh.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>I have checked my copy of _Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd_ (Arnold), and it seems that buckram was used in giving body and shape to clothes (as Pellon interfacings are used now), but not to hats, during Elizabeth's time. Stiff felt was used for shaping hats, which would then be covered with the fashion fabrics. I suggest Arnold's _Patterns of Fashion_ for more information (with photos of construction details on an existing example) on at least one hat (my copy is now gone and I have been unable to replace<br />
it). Also, try the Elizabethan Costuming Page, as it focuses more on this period than I do, and may<br />
have more information on where to look. The main downside to felt is that millenery felts are fairly expensive.<br />
<br />
Modern Buckram<br />
<br />
Modern buckram is made in a similar way to period buckram. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">10-years-ago me seems to know SO MUCH about things I haven't really researched personally. Please ask someone who really knows what they are talking about! </span>"Buckram" basically is now defined as a coarse-woven cloth stiffened with starch, and the meaning of the word has not changed very much over the intervening time, save that in the 16th c it also referred to the unstiffened cloth. If you want to use it for hats, you should look for and purchase millinery buckram as it is superior for hatmaking. It should, in any case, be reinforced with a millenery wire frame securely whipped down onto the buckram, in order to produce a reasonably sturdy hat. Buckram's main advantage is that hats made with a wire-and-buckram base are less expensive to make, and are lighter, cooler and tend to breathe better than felt hats.<br />
<div><br />
<b>Other materials</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b> (In hatmaking)</b></span><b><br />
</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>This is actually pretty good advice for people wanting to learn how to build hats on the cheap. I've used posterboard, plastic jugs, coathangers, cardboard pizza boxes (unused), cereal boxes, etc. Alternative materials are a great way to learn.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
Now, if you are wanting to *practice* making hats (or if cost is an issue), lightweight posterboard is a reasonably cheap and practical alternative for working out shapes and fit before working with an unfamilar (or expensive) material or technique. Also, medium- or heavy-weight posterboard is quite sturdy for costume hats, and is often used for making headwear and props for theatrical productions on a smaller budget. A posterboard base can be covered with fabric and finished just as a buckram-and-wire base can, and I have a few 'practice' or 'stage' hats in my costume closet that are indistinguishable from the 'real' hats to the uninformed. I have found that using an equivalent weight of posterboard for a base structure is almost equally durable as an inexpensive sized felt.<br />
<br />
All three materials (sized felt, buckram, and posterboard) are sensitive to moisture and will lose shape if they get wet, are crushed or damaged in any way. I suggest that you start out with posterboard to begin with, and, once you are familiar with the shapes, fitting, etc, you can then move on to a felt base hat. The successful 'practice' hats, if nicely finished, will do nearly as well as felt-based ones would for camping events, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">loaners, dress-up hats for demos,</span> or other situations where one's best costume isn't really recommended anyway.<br />
<div><br />
<b>On Straw Hats</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wow, actual good advice without too much Authoritative Tone. Straw hats are nice, anyway. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
The basic woven grass/straw 'farmer hat' has been around for at least 2000 years. They are shown in many medieval illuminations of field workers. I have also seen Roman artwork depicting travellers and laborers wearing woven grass or straw hats of a very familiar shape.<br />
<br />
I suggest, if you are unsure of whether they were used in your period, that you check contemporary artwork for images of travellers, laborers and other persons who might need protection from the sun.</div></div></div></div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-8867567091058921752010-07-31T12:37:00.000-07:002010-07-31T12:38:35.671-07:00Resurrecting the Bliaut Project and other signs of activitySo, today I am putting out a call for questions regarding bliauts, handout requests (a few are available online, but I have to mail or fileshare the rest), etc. <br />
<br />
If anyone needs or wants copies of my handouts (these are the same ones from KWCS a few years back), pleasego download from Lulu.com (free, may ask you to register) or convince me to post them at Scribd (I have an account and have not yet posted anything). If you have the handouts and want to pick my brains for stuff not in them, please ask!<br />
<br />
Direct links to the lulu.com pages:<br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/media-download/introduction-to-12th-century-western-european-clothing/1646210">Introduction to 12th century Western European Clothing for Women and Men</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/media-download/serpentine-braids-or-straight-as-a-scabbard/1646430">Serpentine Braids or Straight as a Scabbard: Women's Court Hairdressing in 12th Century Europe</a><br />
<br />
I have a couple more that are not yet online, and one that is a handout version of the Adventures In Dagging project, done for a workshop. I will hunt those up and mail out copies on request.<br />
<br />
I am also considering reworking my old "bliaut handout" into a more updated version, with the cheats (shortcuts in girdle making, mostly) as a separate section. Any interest?<br />
<br />
I am duplicating this post over at my livejournal, so if you subscribe to it as well as read here, ask in one place or I might get confused ;)BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-75736848688409135982010-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:002010-07-26T07:00:05.921-07:00Frankenblogging Part 6: Medieval Wire Jewellry<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The Frankenblogging feature is a republication of older content from my former personal webpage, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. Annotations are in this typeface.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I wrote this a long while ago. Please excuse the 10-year-old, grainy, low quality digital photography. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>On Wire Jewellry in the Medieval Period</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgIvIndkhI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Hi-Ebl2kgHE/s1600/jwlsbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgIvIndkhI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Hi-Ebl2kgHE/s320/jwlsbox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Good books on the subject:<br />
<div>Welch, Martin <b>Discovering Anglo-Saxon England</b> isbn 0-271-00894-6<br />
<br />
<i>has some information on grave-finds, including color pictures of a double pin connected by a chain and spiraled-wire beads. </i></div><div><br />
</div><div>Ogden, Jack <b>Ancient Jewellry</b> (from the _Interpreting the Past_ series) by ISBN0-520-08030-0<br />
<br />
<i>Slim book, lots of information and illustrations. Ancient wire-making techniques, chains, etc. </i></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Egan, Geoff and Pritchard, Frances <b>Dress Accessories c1150 - c1450</b> Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 3 isbn 0 11 290444 0<br />
<br />
<i>In-depth catalogue and study of artefacts from the Museum of London excavations of the London waterfront. Lots of clear photographs, some colour plates, many detail drawings of jewelry, belts, pins and other accesories. Extremely useful to the medieval costumer for all the finishing touches. </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I've copied several pieces from this book, in particular two copper wire annular brooches, shown on p 254,<br />
fig 164, artefacts 1340 and 1341. Descriptions of these artefacts and two further similar pieces (one in gold, from York) are given on p 256. The chapter of Hair Accessories is of especial interest. I've made several<br />
of the decorative u-pins (p295, fig 196), and recreated possible original states of both of the nearly-complete circlets/headdress frames, which are made of silk-covered wire.<br />
<br />
There are also spiraled wire beads and of course chains from Anglo-Saxon england, rome, etc, as well as a sort of naalbinding technique used to make chains from viking times to the present (although modern examples<br />
are mostly from the Middle East and North Africa).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is another clear case of "I've got a BOOK! I'm an EXPERT NOW!!!" I'm sorry. But, that said, these things are both documentable and easy to make with cheap and widely available materials, which makes them kind of fun to have references for. Hence my geeky excitement.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Jewelry and personal items made after items in Dress Accessories</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgI-i7aAbI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ffXNDuL4xK8/s1600/wirejwls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgI-i7aAbI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ffXNDuL4xK8/s320/wirejwls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A grouping of homemade reproductions of medieval period items.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Author's note: I took these with a terrible, terrible old digital camera sometime in 1998 or 1999, and the picture quality is just AWFUL. My most heartfelt apologies for that fact. I plan a new post on some of these items with new photos, as I still have most of them.</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgIvIndkhI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Hi-Ebl2kgHE/s1600/jwlsbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgIvIndkhI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Hi-Ebl2kgHE/s320/jwlsbox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A grouping of homemade reproductions of medieval period items, this time with a wooden jewelry casket bound in incised leather.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Author's note: This "wooden jewelry casket" is actually a fairly nicely redressed 1950's or 1960's small mass-produced jewelry box. It's lined on the inside with tooled brass sheet and printed cloth. I think it's still neat enough to get its own future post. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJb5FPGRI/AAAAAAAAFdk/KXnbmkgO30g/s1600/tinyspir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJb5FPGRI/AAAAAAAAFdk/KXnbmkgO30g/s320/tinyspir.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJDr42kXI/AAAAAAAAFck/qDxSfJTgkZs/s1600/bigspir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJDr42kXI/AAAAAAAAFck/qDxSfJTgkZs/s320/bigspir.jpg" /></a>A full-size (1") and a double-size (2") reconstruction of a small double-spiral ornamented ring brooch in Dress Accessories (p 254, fig 164, artefacts 1340 and 1341). There are actually numerous examples of this type of brooch, in base and precious metals.<br />
<br />
My versions are all in copper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJKaqxbRI/AAAAAAAAFc8/5lUrCspYJ8M/s1600/conjctrl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJKaqxbRI/AAAAAAAAFc8/5lUrCspYJ8M/s320/conjctrl.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJNgMcXoI/AAAAAAAAFdE/2SLTi2wdAfI/s1600/flatspir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJNgMcXoI/AAAAAAAAFdE/2SLTi2wdAfI/s320/flatspir.jpg" /></a>A conjectural brooch made with a flattened coil wired to two concentric rings and decorated with flat spirals at the compass points. It is all copper.<br />
<br />
A reconstruction of a simple but effective little (1") flattened<br />
coil brooch described and illustrated in Dress Accessories. It has no foundation ring. Mine is copper with an iron pin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJeGMB_zI/AAAAAAAAFds/pl2xcpWTSwA/s1600/toiletst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJeGMB_zI/AAAAAAAAFds/pl2xcpWTSwA/s320/toiletst.jpg" /></a></div>A first attempt to create a period grooming set (earspoon, tweezers and toothpick) after examples shown in Dress Accessories.<br />
<br />
This attempt at reproducing one is made from hammered copper sheet, cut and shaped, with fine brass wire wrapped around to provide grips. it is perforated and strung on a small chain, which depends from a brooch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJYJke-II/AAAAAAAAFdc/YZStv8y4DY4/s1600/pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJYJke-II/AAAAAAAAFdc/YZStv8y4DY4/s320/pins.jpg" /></a></div>Hair or veil pins made after examples shown in Dress Accessories (p295, fig 196). They show the characteristic doubled-spiral decoration. The originals were made in copper, brass, silver and gold (if I recall correctly).<br />
<br />
These I made in two sizes, all in copper. I have since made more,<br />
in brass.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJIOfRHxI/AAAAAAAAFc0/nWalPiRVJhI/s1600/circlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJIOfRHxI/AAAAAAAAFc0/nWalPiRVJhI/s320/circlet.jpg" /></a></div>A draft of a conjectural recreation of the fragmentary iron wire headgear with silk-wrapped spiral brass wire decoration shown in Dress Accessories. These pictures are larger than the others to attempt to show the detail of the piece.<br />
<br />
Mine is made of heavy copper wire for the base, instead of iron, because it is easier for me to get my hands on. The spiral decoration is made of brass wire, wrapped with cotton embroidery floss, which was then formed into the double spiral motif. The base wire was wrapped with the same floss, and this was used to secure the ends of the wire into smoothly covered loops. Finally, the decoration was attached by wrapping on a further layer of floss. The ends were sewn down to secure them. It is held shut with a matching floss tie.<br />
<br />
I have not attempted to attach a veil to this piece because I'm saving the good translucent silk for the final product.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgKfxRh7WI/AAAAAAAAFd4/hmymV_4hv8A/s1600/crencir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgKfxRh7WI/AAAAAAAAFd4/hmymV_4hv8A/s320/crencir.jpg" /></a><br />
It is not known if the original is in fact a circlet or if it is<br />
some other kind of head ornament, such as a veil frame. The original was found to have fragments of a transparent silk veil attached to the spiral decoration, and one end of was formed into a hook or opened loop. The other end was broken off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJU8tisGI/AAAAAAAAFdU/jhN8Hk75lpM/s1600/knotcirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJU8tisGI/AAAAAAAAFdU/jhN8Hk75lpM/s320/knotcirt.jpg" /></a></div>This is a reconstruction of the silk-wrapped iron wire circlet with silk-wrapped square knot decoration in two colors shown in Dress Accessories. Mine is made of heavy copper wire for the base, instead of iron, because it is easier for me find.<br />
<br />
The base wire was wrapped with yellow-dyed unspun silk, and this was used to secure the ends of the wire into smoothly covered loops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJRetjWfI/AAAAAAAAFdM/v8Qe4gedKnU/s1600/knotcirs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJRetjWfI/AAAAAAAAFdM/v8Qe4gedKnU/s320/knotcirs.jpg" /></a></div>The ornamental wires are copper, wrapped with blue and red dyed unspun silk. These were carefully knotted around the base wire so as to form decorative square knots at regular intervals (about 1 inch apart). Once these were attached, red silk was used to smoothly<br />
cover the ends of the decorative wires near the loops. Finally, the circlet is held closed by a silky cord tied through the ends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJFxZOIbI/AAAAAAAAFcs/2LcUFTmqQco/s1600/bothcir2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJFxZOIbI/AAAAAAAAFcs/2LcUFTmqQco/s320/bothcir2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The two circlets, together, and another image of the two together, on edge to show details.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJBv3HffI/AAAAAAAAFcc/6Q-KaTu80Tc/s1600/bothcirc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgJBv3HffI/AAAAAAAAFcc/6Q-KaTu80Tc/s200/bothcirc.jpg" width="186" /></a><br />
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</div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-74755842838151763592010-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:10:00.462-07:00Frankenblogging Part 5: 13th century Spanish male court dress<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The Frankenblogging feature is a republication of older content from my former personal webpage, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">More old content, but this time, it is my notes and illustrations on trying to make heads or tails of some men's clothing in a Spanish museum catalog. The drawings are my drawings made to accompany my notes. I think this was originally written to share my notes with someone working on a reproduction and no access to this one, and at the time, best source.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><b>A suit of Spanish Royal Clothes</b><br />
<br />
These are my observations on a suit of clothes belonging to Fernando de la Cerda and dating to the 13th century.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Note:</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">They are held in the <a href="http://www.museodeburgos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=16&Itemid=149">textile collections</a> of the </span><a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_de_Telas_Medievales_de_Burgos"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Burgos Museum</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">. The first link has a photo of the Saya sketched below.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div>Pellote (man's overgown): </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgTfzqDYQI/AAAAAAAAFeE/qkaNwWgs3Uk/s1600/pellote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgTfzqDYQI/AAAAAAAAFeE/qkaNwWgs3Uk/s320/pellote.jpg" /></a>A detail of the fabric and a photo of the item in question before conservation (very sad! only shreds, really) are shown in the catalog, and it does not look as though the fabric is much stiffer than your average brocaded silk, though it may have been lined with something stiffer, perhaps linen, to give it body. There is extensive information with the photos, but I do not read Spanish very well and I can't tell yet if there was any lining, or evidence of a lining, found during the conservation process. I would make a test version out of a stiffish taffeta rather than cotton.<br />
<br />
Was there some kind of stiffening to help the pellote hang correctly? The pellotes shown in surviving illuminations hang as if they have support, so I'm supposing there must have been something. This example may have had a two-layer linen facing at the hip, and a linen lining in the body to prevent stretching, but not being able to decipher the description of the pellote, I have no idea if they mention anything. The main thing<br />
I know about grave finds is that any linen (or other vegetable fiber) that might have been there as underclothes or supporting linings tends to vanish. Silks and wools survive, but linen dissolves everywhere except Egypt, glaciers and bogs. </div><div><br />
Saya (man's undertunic):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgTjg3GKlI/AAAAAAAAFeM/-thOw_Mzzjw/s1600/saya2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgTjg3GKlI/AAAAAAAAFeM/-thOw_Mzzjw/s320/saya2.jpg" /></a></div><div>The sleeve cut is unusual<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> (to me, don't you love my generalizations?)</span>. It isn't shaped in any way other than being slightly tapered from shoulder to wrist. The seam is along the back of the arm, presumably so that the seam could be either decorative (as shown in the illuminations) or so that the heraldic brocade of the fabric on this particular item was not obviously broken at the seam when worn. It appears that the sleeve was sewn up first, then slit under the arm and sewn over the shoulder portion of the tunic body.<br />
<br />
The rest of the tunic is constructed according to the usual method, except for a gap left on the left side that is laced shut, presumably for a good fit.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Manto (cloak or mantle):</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgZ5qa3KEI/AAAAAAAAFeg/q4FGIHvOf1k/s1600/manto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgZ5qa3KEI/AAAAAAAAFeg/q4FGIHvOf1k/s320/manto2.jpg" /></a>A cloak (manto) made of the same elaborate heraldic brocaded silk, also belonging to Fernando de la Cerda. A discussion of the placement of the ties is (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">need to link to previous day's post</span>).</div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-5656774498267669682010-07-12T08:06:00.000-07:002010-07-12T08:06:00.614-07:00Frankenblogging part 4: Medieval Half-Circle Cloaks<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The Frankenblogging feature is a republication of older content from my former personal webpage, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">More Old Content! Please feel free to post comments, questions, and crticism :)</span></b><br />
<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>On the wearing of half-circle mantles</b><br />
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At least one surviving (non-ecclesiastical) example has two ties, one on either side, which are rather farther down than you would expect. This fits with my experience of wearing one, and actually helps to 'fit' the<br />
garment to the body so that it stays.<br />
<br />
My heavy, fulled wool, winter mantle is a pure half-circle, calf-length, and is worn opening at the front, clasped with a heavy double pin (bridged by a chain of approximately 6 inches). It does not tend to slide down the back, but that is because the double brooch is pinned at shoulder level, /after/ arranging the cloak so that the extra cloth wrinkles up at the back of my neck (nice and cozy in cold weather). This is usually<br />
about 16-18 inches down from the crease when the cloak is folded in half.<br />
<br />
My summer mantle, being a little shorter and of finer wool, can be pinned to my gown with lighter brooches and doesn't wrinkle up much at the back of my neck because the lighter fabric drapes more easily across my shoulders. It is light enough that it can be comfortably pulled over my head (in the veil/mantle manner) if I need to do so. </div><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Note: This observation really has not changed at all in the intervening 10 years since I first made it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><b>On decorating mantles</b><br />
<br />
Virtually all of the surviving cloaks from period (And yes, I mean the whole 1000+ year stretch) that we have are decorated in <i>some</i> way. Some, like the 'Schnurmantel' and the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily are elaborately embroidered with designs that stand out from the base fabric, some are only 'trimmed' with embroidery (the Mammen cloak). The cloak from the Burgos collection is decorated in that it is made of an elaborately patterned textile of Moorish origin.<br />
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Due to artistic evidence of undecorated cloaks, I'd venture that lower classes wore them, and that these would be unlikely to have survived as they would be ideal candidates for recycling into other things (and also<br />
because the richer garments were given into the care of the Church after a period of secular use, which helped to preserve them).<br />
<br />
Half-circle cloaks were pretty much the norm from about 1100 on, although scattered survivals of the earlier rectangular cloak (mostly among poorer or isolated peoples) continued on for some time. The more extravagant 3/4 and full-circle cloaks seem to have evolved as weaving technology became more efficient, just like the rest of the world's fashion did. If you want easy, rectangular cloaks are very easy and practical, in that<br />
they convert quite easily to blankets.</div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-22568128854766094922010-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-06T00:43:15.978-07:00Frankenblogging Part 3: Miscellaneous notes on hand sewing and medieval sewing<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The Frankenblogging feature is a republication of older content from my former personal webpage, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">More old stuff! Complete with only slightly repaired poor formatting and a less well-thought-out writing style. My newer notes are in this typeface. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<b>Medieval sewing stitches</b><br />
From _Textiles and Clothing_:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgcFnvIIgI/AAAAAAAAFes/g-uOvs5UktU/s1600/running.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgcFnvIIgI/AAAAAAAAFes/g-uOvs5UktU/s320/running.gif" /></a></div><div>Running stitch (not recommended for bias seams or any seams that will take stress or wear as the fabric may shift and the thread may break or pull..)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Not really. Make them very small and regular and they are just fine. This was actually the most popularly used seam and hem stitch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgcyxeb_II/AAAAAAAAFe0/1-8ba0tANlI/s1600/back.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgcyxeb_II/AAAAAAAAFe0/1-8ba0tANlI/s320/back.gif" /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgdVz5mVOI/AAAAAAAAFe8/Gco-0uSstiU/s1600/butted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgdVz5mVOI/AAAAAAAAFe8/Gco-0uSstiU/s320/butted.gif" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span>Backstitch (the most solid stitch and most suitable for modern fabrics, takes stress and wear well)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Used for heavy stress areas and embroidery.</span><br />
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Overstitched edges (good for selvedges or fulled edges)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is also called butted edges.</span><br />
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</div><div><br />
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<b>Felling seams:</b><br />
French seams are not described at all in _Textiles and Clothing_, but a flat seam finish is: The seam is opened flat and the seaming allowance is sewn flat with a running stitch (which is safe to use as it is not going to be stressed at all). For modern, unfulled fabrics, I would roll the raw edge under as I sewed the seaming allowance flat with the running stitch. Other methods, not found in Textiles and Clothing can be found<br />
below.<br />
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<b>Hemming stitches: </b><br />
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There are three basic techniques shown in _Textiles and Clothing_:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Hem stitch is shown used on both a single and double folded hem. </li>
<li>Top-stitching done in running stitch is shown on a single-folded hem hemmed with hem stitch. This would give a stronger hem, and reduce stretching on bias edges. </li>
<li>Running stitch is shown used on single-folded hems.</li>
</ol>Rolled hems are shown on fine fabrics such as silks and I suspect they may have been done on fine linen edges, although no examples have survived to prove or disprove this theory... Personally, I would use this edge on fine linen.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sarcastic note about my own tone here: "I bought a BOOK! I'm an EXPERT!" Sigh. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span><b>Facings and edge finishes: </b></div><div><br />
Necklines and open armhole edges were often faced with narrow silk bindings or facings on the straight grain. You could use inexpensive Habotai silk for these facings. They are sewn on with a fine running stitch. Lacing edges are finished with the same type of facing, with the lacing holes worked in buttonhole or whipstitch through the outer fabric, lining (if any) and facing strip. I'd use a doubled strip for my lacings, as I know how much stress I always put on them :) Buttonhole edges were finished with a narrow cardwoven band, about 4 cards wide, sewn on as it was woven ( the weft thread was the sewing thread). If you are going to the trouble<br />
of handsewing anything that will have buttonhole edges, you should really do the cardwoven reinforcement. I'm working on a project right now that will have these edges on it. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Some Handsewing Stitches</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is my own advice and therefore is less directive and "experty." However, that means that I felt that my little illustrations spoke for themselves. I think I need more explanation for these to be really practical. Or just more illustrations. </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And no, I can't really draw a needle. I'm better now, but not by much.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCge45ykGlI/AAAAAAAAFfI/DpQlNzEICik/s1600/measure.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCge45ykGlI/AAAAAAAAFfI/DpQlNzEICik/s320/measure.gif" /></a></div>This diagram shows how to measure and knot the doubled thread.<br />
Measure wrist to shoulder, cut your thread.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgfqdQnZrI/AAAAAAAAFfY/QgwQIJswRmE/s1600/tying.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgfqdQnZrI/AAAAAAAAFfY/QgwQIJswRmE/s320/tying.gif" /></a></div>Thread your needle, then knot the two ends as shown.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgfUtb2dGI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/Rfcv8C7gY60/s1600/knot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgfUtb2dGI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/Rfcv8C7gY60/s320/knot.gif" /></a>Anchoring the knot in your cloth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiNmUWrFI/AAAAAAAAFfk/pyaL4GEP_8s/s1600/running.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiNmUWrFI/AAAAAAAAFfk/pyaL4GEP_8s/s320/running.gif" /></a></div>Running stitch<br />
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A good basting stitch, and a good hem stitch for lightweight fabrics.<br />
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Not very sturdy for seams. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Unless small and close! </span>Take small, neat stitches forward on both the front and back of your work. Can also be used for gathering up fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiQZLQP9I/AAAAAAAAFfs/zs-M7tdfp9M/s1600/back.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiQZLQP9I/AAAAAAAAFfs/zs-M7tdfp9M/s320/back.gif" /></a></div>Backstitch.<br />
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A sturdy seam stitch. Take long stitches forward on the back of the work (2x your desired stitch length), then stitch one stitch backward on the front of your work.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkT6feAFI/AAAAAAAAFgA/D-KbgiIYV5w/s1600/chain.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkT6feAFI/AAAAAAAAFgA/D-KbgiIYV5w/s320/chain.gif" /></a>Chainstitch<br />
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Decorative and useful as a seam stitch. On the front of the work, punch the needle through near to the point where it emerged, making a loop. On the back of the work, bring the needle forward one stitch length and back up through the fabric to catch the loop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkbhs61KI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/0IvmgAM8kUw/s1600/finished.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkbhs61KI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/0IvmgAM8kUw/s320/finished.gif" /></a></div>Whipstitch<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgmXyNXmfI/AAAAAAAAFgc/z6PH3mAdOy0/s1600/steps.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgmXyNXmfI/AAAAAAAAFgc/z6PH3mAdOy0/s320/steps.gif" /></a>A hemming stitch, also useful for finishing seams and sewing down trims. Worked like running stitch, except that it it 'zigs' on the front and 'zags' on the back of the work. The second diagram shows how to trim one side down to ease rolling the seam allowance under for finishing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgoYgoFP8I/AAAAAAAAFhA/6kO_WDnF8H4/s1600/whip.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgoYgoFP8I/AAAAAAAAFhA/6kO_WDnF8H4/s320/whip.gif" /></a></div>whipped hem<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkXoQJK7I/AAAAAAAAFgI/I4jKzFKBKrY/s1600/cross.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgkXoQJK7I/AAAAAAAAFgI/I4jKzFKBKrY/s320/cross.gif" /></a></div>Crossed whipstitch<br />
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Whipstitch worked double for durability. The second row is worked across the first, forming x's.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiSHoo7hI/AAAAAAAAFf0/15zjKbkuHP0/s1600/butted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgiSHoo7hI/AAAAAAAAFf0/15zjKbkuHP0/s320/butted.gif" /></a></div>Oversewn or whipped edges<br />
<br />
Use to join selvedges for a flat smooth finish. Take small, neat whipstitches all along the doubled edges. When finished, open flat and press.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgnDKe8yDI/AAAAAAAAFg0/n_f1uVefDoc/s1600/gather.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgnDKe8yDI/AAAAAAAAFg0/n_f1uVefDoc/s320/gather.gif" /></a></div>Finishing a gathered edge<br />
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A gathered edge can be neatly bound by carefully whipping a binding onto it, being careful to catch the binding on both sides as you work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgmdY9VNkI/AAAAAAAAFgk/7sKbNQ9rGiw/s1600/ladder.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgmdY9VNkI/AAAAAAAAFgk/7sKbNQ9rGiw/s320/ladder.gif" /></a></div>Ladder stitch<br />
<br />
Makes a strong, decorative join on two hemmed pieces of fabric. Stitches are worked in a figure-eight pattern (second diagram), going in one peice and coming out of the gap, then going in the other.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgm8fEI8zI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gvClO5ysXRI/s1600/laddside.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCgm8fEI8zI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gvClO5ysXRI/s320/laddside.gif" /></a></div>side view </div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-48853058755552105392010-06-29T18:37:00.000-07:002010-06-29T18:37:58.379-07:00Savory pies for a cool summer evening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCqch3R85dI/AAAAAAAAFhg/nncaCyWqQoI/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TCqch3R85dI/AAAAAAAAFhg/nncaCyWqQoI/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, today I made pies. These are basically made by the method used for making calzone, out of my favorite basic yeast dough (use your favorite dough or pizza dough recipe), and filled with sausage and mushrooms, chicken alfredo, or cheese and ham (that last one is for the kids). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make your dough, divide it into handful-size balls (I get a dozen or more out of a single recipe), set on an oiled cookie sheet or tray, cover with plastic and rise in the fridge for 3-8 hours, then roll out into roundish, flat shapes. Think tortilla-thickness, they will rise a bit after filling and sealing. do one at a time, roll out, fill, seal. Fill with about half of what you think you need to fill each pie. Seal the edge with water and pinch closed, then move onto a cookie sheet and snip a small hole to keep it from blowing up. When the sheet is filled, bake at 375 F for 20 or so minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All fillings are cooked and ready to eat before filling the pies, since they only need to bake for 20 or 30 minutes to cook the bread. Use whatever strikes your fancy. I think curried chicken or savory lentil pies would be great for next time. You can even use slices of fruit and sugar and spices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One pie filled me up, two was enough for my hungry husband who skipped lunch, and one and half was enough for our older, fast-growing, ever-hungry boy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took the last two doughballs and cut them in half and filled them with berries mixed with sugar and cornstarch, the dusted the half-sized pies with more sugar and baked them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're all full now, so I think I did a good job.</div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-61219331988914005302010-06-28T07:11:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:55:01.491-07:00Frankenblogging Part 2: On facings in Medieval costume<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: The Frankenblogging feature is a republication of older content from my former personal webpage, with some annotations. It occurs every Monday morning. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> I wrote this a decade or so ago, originally for a post to a discussion list, later re-written for my old website.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> This is installment 2 of the bits and bobs coming over here from over there. </span><br />
<br />
<b><i>On facings</i></b><br />
<br />
First, for clarity and beacuse the two are often confused:<br />
<div><ul><li><b>Interfacing:</b> A supplemetary layer of fabric, normally placed between the fashion fabric and the lining, or between the fashion fabric and the facing. It is intended to help stiffen or strengthen the fashion garment. In fully lined garments (such as jackets), all stress points may be interfaced, sometimes severaly layers deep, to help the garment keep its designed shape. </li>
<li><b>Facing: </b>A shaped piece of fabric intended to finish a garment edge, often cut as an abbreviated version of the garment piece it matches. This is seamed along the garment edge, turned and either finished and left loose inside, or sometimes sewn down either inside or outside, depending on the design of the garment. </li>
</ul><br />
In modern clothing the facing is often only attached at the garment edge (collar, cuff, placket, hem, etc) and is left to hang loose inside the garment. These loose facings are often interfaced to keep them from crumpling, flopping, or slipping out of the garment edge. Which they always do anyway. Personally, I hate these and I sew them down invisibly inside my garments.<br />
<br />
In some eras of period costume, facings are used as a decorative motif, and are often embroidered. They serve a dual purpose, in that they are both a finishing technique (practical) and a form of ornament (decorative). Where facings are used as a decoration, additional fabric bands may also be applied to continue the ornamental theme across the garment. I do 12thc, and therfore I make use of this decorative technique, and I find that I almost never have to interface my applied facings, *unless* it is a fine or unstable fabric.<br />
<br />
<b><i>On fastening keyhole necklines</i></b><br />
<br />
I have often been asked how one should fasten a keyhole neckline. The simple, documentably period answer? A brooch.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Author's note: Small brooches are also really useful on regular clothing as well as medieval period clothing. They are also a really nice fashion detail. Every time I've worn a period-costume jewellry item with my everyday clothes, I've been complimented on it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
Medium-sized annular (unbroken ring) brooches with a hook catch on the back to anchor the pin seem to work well, as well as simpler ring- or disc-brooches. It takes a bit of practice to use a pen-annular (broken<br />
ring) brooch to close the corners of a keyhole neckline, but it can be done.<br />
<br />
You only need to close up a keyhole neckline if it's cold enough to, or if decency calls for it. If the corners of the neckline like to fly open and you don't want adventurous people looking down the inside of your tunic, pin them together. If you don't want to have to pin them, apply a trim or decorative facing that is fairly stiff.<br />
<br />
This type of neck-finish was fashionable in various areas for hundreds of years. Generally speaking, the period way will turn out to be the most practical way, IME. If you are curious about exactly what is right for your persona, look at illuminations and period art for help. </div>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-53319746662718190362010-06-27T19:02:00.000-07:002011-01-11T20:27:15.882-08:00Frankenblogging Part 1: Some thoughts on the gown in The Accolade<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Author's note: Welcome to Frankenblogging! This is a feature in which I comment on my own older web-published advice and reference, as a way to make myself feel better about subjecting folks to new posts of it while I am porting it over here.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I wrote this piece a decade or more ago, originally for a post to a discussion list, later re-written for my old website. While it </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">is </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">an older opinion, most of what it has in it is still both valid and consistent with my current opinions on the subject of medieval costume in Victorian artworks.</span><br />
<h2>Some thoughts on the gown in The Accolade</h2>I get asked about this every once in awhile, since it's such an attractive painting, and the gown shown is so lovely to the modern eye. Unfortunately, it's also a Victorian fantasy of what a generalized 'medieval' gown would look like. While it would make a nice 19th century theatre costume, fancy dress outfit, or even a modern wedding gown, it isn't really a medieval gown at all. I'm going to go over its various features and analyze them for the reader, based on my background in studying and recreating medieval, rennaisance and Victorian dress.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edmund_blair_leighton_accolade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edmund Blair Leighton [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Edmund blair leighton accolade" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Edmund_blair_leighton_accolade.jpg/256px-Edmund_blair_leighton_accolade.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><b>What I see in this gown:</b></i><br />
It looks to me as though the artist spent a bit of time looking at a couple of costume texts of the day in an effort to get the right feel. However, some of the details are a bit off for the probable intended period, while, at the same time, being right on target for later periods.<br />
<h4></h4><i><b>12th century elements:</b></i><br />
It seems, at first glance, to be a sort of 'Victorianized' bliaut, which probably doesn't help much, if you are at all familiar with the contorversy about how these garments might have been made. Things that make me think it's a bliaut (or just generally intended to be a noble lady in 12th C. dress, which would fit nicely with the knighting motif, and the dress of the rest of the figures):<br />
<ul><li>The 'V' neck on the overdress</li>
<li>The tight and wrinkly undersleeves</li>
<li>The neck of the undergown closed with a brooch</li>
<li>The bicep trimmings</li>
<li>The wide sleeves of the overdress,</li>
<li>The location of the belt.</li>
</ul><b><i>'Victorianized' theatrical costume book elements:</i></b><br />
<ul><li>The puffy sleeve cap on the overdress sleeves (regency/Victorian)</li>
<li>The plaque belt (which *is* medeival/rennaisance, but doesn't <br />
appear until about 100-200 years later than the intended period <br />
in its earliest form)</li>
<li>The fact that the belt has no upper loop around the torso</li>
<li>The overgown and undergown being of the same colors (although <br />
this is probably both a painterly and a theatrical convention)</li>
<li>That the torso's silhouette is that of a gently corseted woman <br />
of about 1880-1900 (which would make sense if he had a model pose <br />
in a theatre costume to get the light and shadow right - she would <br />
have worn her stays underneath it). <br />
</li>
</ul>If you compare this to the Chartres statues, you'll see what I mean about the details:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> (Note: links are dead, I have to replace them - search for "Chartres West Portal" for good images)</span> There are manuscript illustrations as well, but I have no links for those. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I <i>like</i> The Accolade. Really. It's a charming, romantic work, and was the stuff of my knights and princesses fantasies as a child. Plus, the dress is like every little girl's fantasy Medieval queen dress up outfit. It makes <a href="http://www.rossetti.vispa.com/med2.html">a fantastic wedding gown</a>, and a number of custom wedding gown makers have a version in their catalogs. That said, it's a Really Really Bad Historical Reference, don't use it as one.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Also, I've been asked DOZENS of times about how to make this "bliaut" for historical reenactment wear. At the time I wrote this, I had been asked about seven times, and I was already getting kind of burnt out. I think I made up a form letter, actually, then thought better of it and put this on my site and just redirected folks to it.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Some other thoughts on Victorian ideas about Norman dress</i></b><br />
Don't blame the painter too much for the dress being wrong, although the subject matter is romantic fantasy. The whole 19th century concept of how Norman court dress was made and worn was very wrongheaded. Much of this had to do with the idea that it had to be constructed in some manner similar to that of formal dress of the time (restrictive, separate bodice, either over or under the gown). Additionally, art and costume historians of the 1800's had little or no archaeological evidence to work from, and this, combined with the lack of clear photographs (most worked from others' redrawings of period artworks) contributed to their ideas about how things must have been made. Unfortunately for the beginning costumer interested in Norman court dress, most costuming books easily available today still use these ideas.<br />
<br />
I think the current transmission of these ideas mostly comes through Braun & Schneider and Norris, but originally came from Voillet-Le-Duc (who WASN'T a tailor, and boy did it show - I'm not of the opinion that he was much of an artist, either) when he sketched the statues badly 200 years ago. Montfaucon's (earlier) sketches were much better but are less well known. Interestingly, Strutt wasn't as influenced by Voillet-Le-Duc's ideas, possibly because they were near-contemporaries. Strutt, however is more useful for later eras and leaves much out in his redrawings of clothing of the 12th century, though he does seem to have done them from direct observation of illuminated manuscripts.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This bit is more of an analysis of the whole 19th century take on Medieval dress in general. Still pretty opinionated. </span>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-64831262130934553892010-06-26T14:59:00.001-07:002010-06-26T14:59:24.150-07:00Pardon Our DustI've been doing some consolidation, some redesigning (just now I threw on a nice skin from the handy blogger template thingy just to make it look different), and some other waffling about. I have decided to roll my old art blog into this one, since I doo ALL my infrequent updating over at deviantArt for the time being, and also my perpetually-on-hiatus house restoration blog. I'm going to leave the posts on those blogs that are linked from elsewhere in place, with notes that they have been relocated, and delete the other posts.<br />
<br />
There are a few other things I am planning to roll in as well, like all my public posts at my livejournal, which go back to 2003 (this may take some time), and older stuff from my personal websites, in order to make it all searchable, taggable and accessible in one easily backed up place. Eventually, when things get better, this may get embedded into my future new personal site.<br />
<br />
I have quite a lot of Real Life commitments to deal with at the same time, so this may take a few days.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-91819560461595400432010-06-21T11:55:00.001-07:002010-06-21T11:56:38.082-07:00My creative process has peculiar priorities.I've been working on making a Cunning Hat in my spare time. I found <a href="http://keiylasblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/cunning-jayne-cobb-hat-revisted.html">this very Costumer-OCD analysis of the Hat</a>. And lots of other resources, including <a href="http://www.knittingninja.com/patterns/jayne-cobb-hat/">this knitting pattern</a> and <a href-="http://dryope.typepad.com/grove/2006/02/jayne_cobb_hat_.html" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=763542861755013233&postID=9181956046159540043">this more-like-a-recipe one</a> both of which I probably should have also used as additional references.<br />
<br />
I decided to use several balls of Knitpicks Palette I had in the yarn hoard and multi-strand it. So far so good. I elected to MAKE a set of size 10.5 circulars because I hate waiting, I know how to make circs, and I despise the cables on all but a couple kinds of circs. My favorite cables are on my homemade needles, anyway. And, see? They're even pretty!<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vFHjRa18RyXR8GyfYIKzzA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TB-psue7YZI/AAAAAAAAFZU/IFOe5phsJns/s288/IMG_0602.JPG" /></a><br />
The awful reality of this is that I can't, <i>cannot</i>, just <b>CAN NOT</b>, seem to do <i>anything</i> the easy way. I apparently must HACK EVERYTHING, <i>especially</i> if it has an existing, perfectly good counterpart or decent, easy instructions.<br />
<br />
After all that, I worked up one version of the hat, all except the pompon, found it too bright, tea-dyed it, found it lacking, and frogged it. No photos.<br />
<br />
I had to small-batch overdye my yarn because it Wasn't Quite Right. *rolls eyes at self*<br />
<br />
Got all he yarn dyed to my satisfaction, prepped it into groups of three strands, balled up each color set prestranded (Orange-ish, yellow-ish, rusty red-ish), and finally knitted it up, AGAIN. I even made the ridiculous pompon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6zGUoM_6RWJZ55_RJFQ8Dw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/TB-pi01N_KI/AAAAAAAAFZM/qeykbwRy_Ls/s400/IMG_0600.JPG" /></a><br />
It looks pretty good. But, wait for it:<br />
<br />
I didn't fit the thing to Chris's head when I was knitting, and discovered that it's too small. By about, perhaps five stitches in every direction. DER. No photos. He looked even more ridiculous in it than he was supposed to.<br />
<br />
I get to start over.<br />
<br />
Good thing it knits up fast. Sigh. And good thing it's easy to frog.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-4493925019353327762010-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:002010-08-30T13:18:38.604-07:00Ikea MALA easel, hacked for two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOoAMLjI/AAAAAAAAErI/ke1xdAhraLI/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOoAMLjI/AAAAAAAAErI/ke1xdAhraLI/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have two boys, and <i>inevitably,</i> when one wants to draw or paint, both want to do it. We recently moved and reorganized/resized our art/school/creative play area, so we needed to replace our old easel, a <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=1282">Melissa and Doug adjustable height easel</a>, with one that folds flatter when it's not in use.<br />
<br />
We picked the MALA easel (not on the US website right now) at Ikea because it's really flat when folded, and that's what we needed. It's the same height as the old one, so my boys won't notice much of a difference in use. <br />
<br />
The only issue I had with the new easel is one I've always had, and had previously solved with an additional sheet of paper and another clip, but it meant that if one boy is still using the roll and the other is done, boy one will have to <i>wait</i> for more paper. Not practical, and really a setup for sibling rivalry!<br />
<br />
Well, Ikea also has <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10149350">a small, portable paper roll holder, also in the MALA line</a>, and it happens to fit perfectly on the rails of the easel's roll holder/tool bin. So, I've combined the two, and with the assistance of clips, converted the easel to work for two artists at one time. This is the back side of the easel, where the white board is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOA4UhaI/AAAAAAAAErE/RdGjtsUWwBA/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOA4UhaI/AAAAAAAAErE/RdGjtsUWwBA/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And this is the front, where the chalkboard/paper path is (say hello to underpants-superman, my assistant):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmNe_gP6I/AAAAAAAAErA/tDSmw60JarI/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmNe_gP6I/AAAAAAAAErA/tDSmw60JarI/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I've altered the paper path for optimum tension, as well as to make it easier to fold when not in use, and to make it a bit easier to trim off fresh masterpieces without having to re-thread the paper through the retaining slit. It goes through the slit, up and folds a bit over the top, where it is held with the clip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmPTWWdZI/AAAAAAAAErQ/3-hFVz52-RU/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmPTWWdZI/AAAAAAAAErQ/3-hFVz52-RU/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" /></a></div>The clips are repurposed garment hangers with integral spring clips. I like these, because they are sturdy, easily replaced, and the clips are widely spaced. This means that you only need one for a big sheet of paper, instead of two.<br />
<br />
Here's a repeat of my initial image, so you can see the paper rolls and the paper paths from the side without having to scroll up and down:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOoAMLjI/AAAAAAAAErI/ke1xdAhraLI/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmOoAMLjI/AAAAAAAAErI/ke1xdAhraLI/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The tabletop paper holder has one of its removable crayon trays removed (I just set that aside) and sits on the rails of the easel's paper holder, the paper goes up over the white board and is clipped with a second repurposed hanger. It's not attached permanently to the easel, because I want to be able to remove it easily so I can fold the easel flat for storage.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>ETA: If you want to secure the paper roll holder to the easel, use two to four long velcro cable ties, and just wrap them around the foot of the roll holder and the tray bar. The structure of the easel and the roll holder help to keep it in place, but if you need extra peace of mind, this works quite well .</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3M3REznb3I/AAAAAAAAEsQ/j17sVoZGm5A/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3M3REznb3I/AAAAAAAAEsQ/j17sVoZGm5A/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" /></a></div><br />
All I have to do to fold it flat is to un-clip the secondary paper at the top, pick up the small paper holder, roll up the paper, and put the other crayon tray back in. Then I can put it up, and fold the easel flat, slide it next to the desk, and both are put away. Even adding in the crayons, that's less than 2 minutes for cleanup, which is fantastic with 2 busy kids in the house!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmPyuvQEI/AAAAAAAAErU/5kBpEz4ok6o/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/S3MmPyuvQEI/AAAAAAAAErU/5kBpEz4ok6o/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Underpants Superman gives the idea The Purple Crayon of Approval. So do I!BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-38714419148078655922009-09-14T22:59:00.000-07:002009-09-14T23:50:38.653-07:00Small Home ImprovementsWell, really, a tiny kitchen makeover, or a makeover of the beloved and indispensable play kitchen that lives in our dining room. My boys love this thing, and are horribly rough on it and love banging the doors open and closed, pretending to wash pots and dishes, and otherwise reenacting the organized chaos of Ratatouille with their own variations.<br /><br />I did most of the shopping for parts for this version of the play kitchen at Ikea, mostly in the as-is dept.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oK-bSHZI/AAAAAAAADvA/4qSFSyPb9vk/s288/DSC01545.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oK-bSHZI/AAAAAAAADvA/4qSFSyPb9vk/s288/DSC01545.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is a view of our new sink and countertop, which was made from rejected shiny blue kitchen drawer fronts, at 50 cents a pop. The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20133042">sink</a> is by far the most expensive single part. Its "faucet" is made of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20051201">the most basic pull handle</a>, anchored at one end, plus two of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40051200">the very basic knobs</a>. The rest of the wood (the shelf up top, and the stovetop, fridge door and oven door) were more unfinished drawer and cabinet bits from the as-is dept. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oMIXP4uI/AAAAAAAADvM/K1_DFvn5wkI/s288/DSC01547.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 286px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oMIXP4uI/AAAAAAAADvM/K1_DFvn5wkI/s288/DSC01547.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Another pull handle makes a handy towel bar, and we used them on the oven and fridge as well. Here you can see the drawer knobs being put to their intended use, albeit an abbreviated version. The drawers are made from stout cardboard boxes mounted inside a frame made from the old cardboard play fridge. This time the cardboard looks good, and is really sturdily reinforced with heavy paperboard shipping corners from a large appliance, so it should last a while. Also, those drawers are really functional. One even holds our current crop of <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Play-Food-cards-for-imaginative-kitchen-play/">play food cards</a>. The fridge has simple shelves of wood strip that hold up removable baskets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oM8sco1I/AAAAAAAADvQ/2FkRsZQEo0Q/s288/DSC01546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oM8sco1I/AAAAAAAADvQ/2FkRsZQEo0Q/s288/DSC01546.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This is the little stove and oven. The oven is held up with a loop of heavy twill tape and closes with magnets and little steel plates. Any gapping caused by wee fingers means it won't close at all. The burners on the stove are made of the metal plates and rings from the ends of nut cans (or coffee cans if you shop at Trader Joe's), and those stove knobs ought to look familiar. More Ikea. A huge bonus to the peanut-can rings/plates? They are precisely the right size for the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00130167">Duktig pots and pans</a>, and they have a lip that makes the pans stay in place when little hands are stirring "soup."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oLiV44JI/AAAAAAAADvI/C7GA-EYEVhA/s288/DSC01543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Sq8oLiV44JI/AAAAAAAADvI/C7GA-EYEVhA/s288/DSC01543.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For comparison, above is the new kitchen in all its wooden glory, and below is the old "reuse, recycle, rebuild it often as the kids destroy it" version. <br /><br />Now in the new version, you may notice some zipties. The hutch is actually made from another short piece of the same (non-ikea) modular, peg-together shelving that I have had for 15 years. I ziptied them securely together. It's still <span style="font-style:italic;">much</span> better than the previous hutch of glued together cardboard boxes.<br /><br />As for the temporary methods of securing the various parts, we'll be moving again, so it's better to keep it easily broken down. Much of the rest of the construction is anchored with hot glue, though there are plenty of screws where there will be stress. The sink, for example, is held in with a bead of hot glue, and hot glue is what keeps the countertop and stovetop from shifting during play. Still temporary, then, but the parts can handle more wear and tear. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Smoyu2nhbQI/AAAAAAAADmI/qXhEfaEyqDc/s288/DSC01507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/Smoyu2nhbQI/AAAAAAAADmI/qXhEfaEyqDc/s288/DSC01507.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Don't get me wrong, its various incarnations rocked for a time, and it was fun to redo periodically, but was always kind of an ugly kludge and was perpetually on its last legs. Of course, a big factor in making the change, from the <span style="font-style:italic;">cardboard play kitchen on a wood frame</span> to a <span style="font-style:italic;">repurposed wood and cardboard on a wood frame version</span> was the fact that I am finding myself short of time for a constantly repeating weekend project. It was time to strip it back to the frame and start fresh, and make it more permanent, yet still easily broken down for moving.<br /><br /><br />Also, I have just realized that, again, I've done something in red and blue and neutrals. This is my living room. Notice a pattern?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SmoyvHcQQLI/AAAAAAAADv8/sMV5DSnUiMo/s288/DSC01503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SmoyvHcQQLI/AAAAAAAADv8/sMV5DSnUiMo/s288/DSC01503.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I guess I like red and blue. I blame my early exposure to modernist style via inundation with (now) vintage Creative Playthings toys.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-13252556588465021202009-08-29T17:33:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:14:12.826-07:00Summer Popsicle Bites!Don't these look wonderful?<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SpnHkurRjLI/AAAAAAAADrY/uuHt0c2-w2c/s400/DSC01542.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SpnHkurRjLI/AAAAAAAADrY/uuHt0c2-w2c/s400/DSC01542.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 308px;" /></a><br />
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We love smoothies in summer. I like to use a mix of fresh and frozen fruit and juices, so we get a nice slushie type smoothie. No matter how much we make, though, after I fill the cups, there's always a little bit left, and it's not fair to give one person extra. <br />
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So, I put it in a fun-shape ice tray (mine are from Ikea, but you can get them just about anywhere) and freeze it overnight. Sometimes I do this with juices, too, but those melt so fast the kids don't really like them as much. Of course, you can use a regular ice tray, but the fun shapes get a response that's an order of magnitude greater than a regular icecube shaped fruit pop.<br />
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Today's fruit pops are hearts made from a mix of peaches, plums and tropical fruit with apple and orange juice and a star made with apple juice. Here they are dished up for tonight's dessert, perfect to keep two overheated little boys happy on a nearly record-hot day:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SpnHkM2toWI/AAAAAAAADrU/xkvPbgWpDAw/s400/DSC01539.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SpnHkM2toWI/AAAAAAAADrU/xkvPbgWpDAw/s400/DSC01539.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-77243659565379471942009-07-12T16:02:00.001-07:002009-07-12T16:33:08.349-07:00Review: DadCanDoI'm not a dad, I'm a mom, but I LOVE <a href="http://www.dadcando.com">dadcando.com</a>, I love the projects, the sense of wonder, and the joy in nerdiness and creativity that is the basic spirit of it. I've been a fan since I first found it, back when he had a few paper airplanes, a wand how-to, and some fun paperfolding crafts up there. It's been a couple of years now and it just keeps getting better and more fun. <br /><br />My kids are getting a little older now, too, so the projects are really more fun for them than before, as well. The content has grown so much that it's hard to know where to start. it seems a little late to post a review considering I've been kind of a fan for a while now, but there's a reason for this entry.<br /><br />Recently, <span style="font-style:italic;">at least since the last time I downloaded a project</span>, the website changed over to a membership-required site (there used to be a support suggestion at every download, and now downloads are members only). I have to say to EVERYONE with kids (or a yen for Harry Potter crafts!) that this site is worth every penny of that membership fee. His design skills are great, his how-to's are well put together and easy to understand, and moreover, the projects are versatile, customizable, and fun to do with your kids. You are essentially paying for a well put together activity book that keeps updating with more stuff.<br /><br />... And <span style="font-style:italic;">then</span> there's the stuff for the parents (there's general stuff, parenting advice, and a HUGE amount of stuff for single parents, which is wonderful since so much that's out there assumes two parents). I'm not a single parent, but I sure spend a lot of time pretending to be one - that's the lot of a military spouse - and advice on coping with single parenthood is useful to me, too. Oh, and I'm not a dad, but I have two boys, and sometimes it's hard to remember how to tap into the wonder of childhood and exploring the world so you can share that with your kids.<br /><br />I love this website. <a href="http://www.dadcando.com/default_ABOUT.asp?menuID=RegisterHomepage&catagory=About">I can only suggest that you subscribe</a>. I have.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-62300773644620703812009-07-08T19:35:00.001-07:002009-07-08T19:47:19.390-07:00It's Beautiful!Because I love my little boy this much:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVYnkTx0kI/AAAAAAAADh0/qhBtRrN5r-U/s1600-h/DSC01410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVYnkTx0kI/AAAAAAAADh0/qhBtRrN5r-U/s320/DSC01410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356284768611848770" /></a><br /><br />I made him this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVY96SunRI/AAAAAAAADh8/sW-DKEngLXg/s1600-h/DSC01391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVY96SunRI/AAAAAAAADh8/sW-DKEngLXg/s320/DSC01391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356285152470146322" /></a><br /><br /><br />He loves it. "It's Beautiful!"<br /><br />Because I can't keep secrets, I made <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Rainbow-Canopy-for-Your-Childs-Room/">this</a> for everyone who might want to make their own version of it.<br /><br />And just so you don't think I'd leave my big boy out of it, I took macro photos of his fish and framed them for him. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVZ7hrNcrI/AAAAAAAADiE/vp0lCRch2io/s1600-h/DSC01350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SlVZ7hrNcrI/AAAAAAAADiE/vp0lCRch2io/s320/DSC01350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356286211013833394" /></a>BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-31837822400924123492009-05-30T17:58:00.000-07:002009-05-30T18:13:22.517-07:00Flowers<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SiHWVB1GuEI/AAAAAAAADNs/gYAHGL4TPMY/s1600-h/DSC01389.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SiHWVB1GuEI/AAAAAAAADNs/gYAHGL4TPMY/s320/DSC01389.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br />So, <a href="http://bymyownhand.blogspot.com/2008/06/infrequent-update.html">I have this garden</a>. I planted some lovely silvery perennials in it a couple of years ago, and they have gotten big. Every time I clip them back I get these spectacular silvery canes with tiny daisy like yellow flowers on them. I've been using them in floral arrangements because they are so minimal and striking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SiHWcKgsMDI/AAAAAAAADOM/RWzl0g1f7G0/s400/DSC01382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/SiHWcKgsMDI/AAAAAAAADOM/RWzl0g1f7G0/s400/DSC01382.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's an ornamental Artemesia, and I have arranged it here with a few long stalks of English Lavender. I left enough canes in my garden to make arrangements for weeks, and next time it'll probably be paired with prunings from my out-of-control Rosemary plants.<br /><br />Once I get my garden re-mulched and thoroughly weeded, I'll post this years progress pictures. For now, I think it't enough to say that I can bring cut flowers in and display them.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763542861755013233.post-54840687823501114002009-05-19T13:20:00.001-07:002011-06-09T20:14:44.526-07:00Play Dough!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/ShMSv_ajX4I/AAAAAAAADLA/meKYxqcQL2c/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_qCv1yght2Xs/ShMSv_ajX4I/AAAAAAAADLA/meKYxqcQL2c/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 307px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I made this lovely play dough from <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,179,148190-251199,00.html">this recipe</a> over at <a href="http://www.cooks.com/">Cooks.com</a>. There are easily a hundred different play clay recipes there, but this one was similar to an old one that I had tried before and really liked, but no longer had a copy of (isn't that always the way?).<br />
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It's a cooked corn starch salt dough, with a little oil for consistency and to help prevent sticking. This version has you color AFTER cooking. <br />
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I made a few small changes, of course, because I'm one of those cooks, and I can never leave anything alone. Here's how I did it, based on this classic recipe.<br />
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First, measure out the cornstarch and salt. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not</span> pack the cornstarch down or you'll need more water! Then put the dry ingredients in your pot and mix <span style="font-weight: bold;">well</span>. Next measure your water and oil. Drizzle your water in and stir with a narrow spoon or silicone mixing spatula. Keep going until all the water is incorporated. it'll get kind of hard to stir, which is normal for cornstarch. It'll also be kind of gritty. That's the salt. That's normal too.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">NOTE:</span> I omitted the shortening and wintergreen oil and just used salad oil. One tablespoon goes in the pot, the rest is kneaded in later. Add the oil and mix it in a little, then turn on the heat. A medium-low burner is best, and it has to be stirred constantly until it's all cooked. It will get harder to do, and you have to keep scraping the bottom and sides of the pan (remember that spatula? You really need one for this part)or you risk scorching to uneven cooking of your dough. It'll get lumpy, mushy and translucent. Eventually <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> all of it will be cooked, and then turn off the heat and just keep stirring it around the pan until any opaque or runny spots start to blend with the rest. <br />
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At this point, cover it tightly - a plate is fine if your chosen pot has no lid - and let it sit until it's cool, about an hour. Don't refrigerate it.<br />
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Take it out of the pan and knead it in a medium sized salad bowl to work out any lumps that have occurred, slowly adding the remaining oil. You can drizzle in a little more oil or a little water as needed if it's dry or crumbly, but remember that coloring will add moisture too and don't go overboard! Keep kneading it until it's nice and smooth, then divide it up into as many hunks as you want colors and put each into a ziplock bag.<br />
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You can either color it now, or let it sit overnight and color it in the morning. I used washable tempera paints to color mine. To do that, put a couple squirts of paint into each bag, seal, and knead until mixed. Add more paint until you like the color, but remember that the more intense the color, the more likely the dough is to stain, even with a washable pigment color. My bags took three double squirts for red, three for blue and two for yellow and they are relatively non-staining.<br />
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Store in plastic bags in a cool place.BMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07436561162467956450noreply@blogger.com0