Reenacting

1860s Memorial Day Picnic at Spring Grove Cemetery (2022)

Dear Sis,

Most of the photos featured in todays post are from other living historians who participated in this event and shared their photos on The Amaranth Society page on Facebook. 

After just two years, this event feels like a longstanding tradition:) 

All these lovely shots of the kids were taken by Mekaela Carter.

Photo by Dana Gagnon:

Charlotte and William had a lovely time playing with Carla.

William enjoying some pumpkin pie and Charlotte enjoying a timeless classic common from 1860s-today… macaroni and cheese!

Photo by Mekaela Carter:

William climbing Cyrus knees under the watchful eye of Dana Gagnon.

Happy Memorial Day!

Love,

b

1860s Memorial Day Picnic at Spring Grove Cemetery (2021)

Our 1860s Family Impression

Dear Sis,

Today we spent the morning at Heritage Village. We were extras in a silent film production for their Halloween event. Apparently, it can be tricky to find a family with a period wardrobe ready to go on a two weeks notice:)

Thank You Sis!!! Without all your lovely work on my summer shear, it wouldn’t have been possible!

This picture is compliments of Sandi from our Civil War ladies group.

Love,

b

1860s Day Dress for Mama Jenn

Dear Sis,

If you can’t find enough re-enactors with kids, then you make your friends re-enactors… right?! If they are crazy like you, they even say yes:)

We found this lovely yellow windowpane, 80/20 cotton/linen woven fabric, at Hobby Lobby and the fitted bodice with coat sleeves from this Past Patterns pattern. I lengthened the bodice and added a few more pleats in the back. The bodice turned out great!

All the darts and pleats are top stitched, the neckline, armscyes, cuffs, and waist are piped, and the closure is completed with hook and eye tape.

Next, I added a gaged (cartridge pleated) skirt with a 3 1/2 inch deep rem and 3 (1/2 inch) pin tucks. 

When the dress was complete, I made am apron to protect the dress from kiddo hands. They are forever using mom as a napkin. We found this lovely reproduction print at Valley Quilts.

All that is left is the addition of a collar and a slated bonnet!

Love,

b