Hoopskirts

My latest project was a period scarf or comforter.  This very easy scarf is shaped to be narrower around the neck and wider where it crosses on the chest.  Both the shaping and shorter length make it a scarf to be worn inside the coat.   I had already made my husband a scarf, but thought he might also like one in a light weight that would be more shapeable. After I completed it, I realized this scarf would fulfill the requirements for the Historical Sew Fortnightly   Challenge  Generosity & Gratitude.  The challenge was  "about celebrating the generosity of spirit and willingness to help others that makes the historical sewing community great, and giving credit and thanks to those who have contributed to our collective knowledge without expecting payment in return."  Scanned on-line books are such an incredible resource to anyone involved in recreating historical items! These references take us from vague imaginings cobbled together from...

Leimomi Oakes, whose blog is The Dreamstress,  devised a brilliant challenge, The Historical Sew Fortnightly, to encourage people who enjoy sewing and creating historical costuming.  Every other week participants would be challenged to post a creation that met the parameters of the new challenge.  Because all of the participants would recreate the various eras of their choice, there would be cross-communication, which could encourage new creative thinking and new friendships.  In addition, the challenges would serve as a motivating force, a kick in the posterior, to get things made. I found the challenge well after it had started but decided to join.  Since there is no obligation to complete all of the challenges, I started with the one then due, Peasants and Pioneers.  This was the challenge description         #5  Peasants and Pioneers :  As wonderful as making pretty, pretty princess dresses is, the vast majority of people...