October, 1863

I got pictures of Andy in his 1860s re-enactment outfit yesterday. We have had beautiful fall weather and he posed with a leaf for me!

 

It is a good fit. If anything, I would have liked the tunic to be larger. It is a nice shape and I love the colors. After the pictures, Andy went off to the playground and got sandy and dirty. He didn't even notice that he was wearing anything different than usual. I need to figure out some shoes.

 I also made a little "sacque" jacket from blue plaid wool. I just want to add some trim and then I will show it. Now if I could just get that Regency Ball Gown done!!

Re-enacting Wardrobe: part 2: Tot's Tunic and Trousers

I'm back!! Gosh, we have had a string of sort-of-bad-luck lately. Lots of accidents and illnesses and a broken-down car (hubby's, not my new-to-me car). However, I like to look at the bright side, so I'm happy that everyone is OK and the car is fixed. Not much sewing gets done when one is at the doctor, orthodontist, car place, etc. every day. However, my exciting new hobby, historical re-enacting, has 2 events coming up. The Regency Ball on October 5- ahhh!! And my first Civil War event on October 11. Luckily, I am borrowing something for the Civil War event. I already made my corset, but tomorrow I need to work on my Regency Gown.
This week, I chipped away at a Civil War Tunic and Drawers for Andy. I just have to add buttons and buttonholes to the tunic, but here it is:
I tried to make this a practical combo of historical authenticity and quick enough to finish on time. I started with 2 patterns by Elisabeth Stewart Clark: the Girl's Dresses and Boy's Tunics & Trousers. I actually used the girl's Infant Bodiced Dress for the top of the tunic. It was the shape I am the most familiar with and I only had a scant 2/3 yard of the plaid fabric. It is a homespun from JoAnn's and they only had a scrap left.

I added piping from the solid green to the sleeve seams, neckline, and waistband.

I was going to make the authentic trousers to go with the tunic, but they had 2 waistbands, plackets, and buttons. I really wanted to finish this tonight and no one will see the waistband under the tunic, so I took a short-cut. I used the Scientific Seamstress Easy-fit Pants pattern to make drawers with tucks at the legs. They are really simple with an elastic waist and the hem is stitched by machine into the first tuck. I think they look great together and I love the colors for Fall.
If I have time, I'd like to make him one more tunic/frock. Did you know little boys wore dresses till about 3 years old? Andy is right in between frock and tunic age, so I'd like to do one of each. I also have a beautiful blue/gray plaid "faux wool" that would be perfect for a sacque/coat to keep him warm.
I promise I won't be gone so long...hope you are still reading!!

Perfect Pumpkin Bread

It has been true autumn weather in New England this week. Real jeans and sweatshirts days. Andy and Davy both enjoy cooking and we have made several tasty things this week. Little Andy loves to crack eggs, so he had a great time making pumpkin bread with me!

This is my Mom's recipe. It is the one I had growing up and is quite delicious. This makes a big batch: 2 large, 3 medium or 15 mini loaves. We made the mini loaves this time and gave them to teachers and friends. This bread is perfect for Thanksgiving. I usually make it ahead and freeze it to make cooking on Turkey day easier. My favorite way to eat it is spread with cream cheese for breakfast with a cup of hot tea! You can find the mini ceramic loaf pans at Michael's and AC Moore. They are nice for a friendship sized serving!

Pumpkin Bread:
4 eggs
3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15 oz) canned pumpkin
2/3 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves

In large bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar and oil, beating after each addition. Add pumpkin and water and mix well. Add dry ingredients and spices. Grease (with shortening) and flour baking pans. Pour batter into pans 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for about 1 hour for large loaves or 35 minutes for minis (or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean).