Monday, October 03, 2011

For tread the Circle thrice about~
.........to keep unwelcome spirits out.



To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.




Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be......

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Pretty first Quarter 19th c Child's Everyday Smock

Isn't this precious? Absolutely! Antique everyday children's wear is so very rare to find. It is my pleasure to share this very special piece with you all~ especially my living history Moms~ this one is easy to make!


Not a dress, but a 'smock'~ this one with long sleeves~ these were made to fit and be worn over the child's clothing, to keep it clean. As you can tell, this one did its job proudly!


Early textiles were so hard for us Americans to come by, anything we made from them was precious, and like alot of early childrens wear, this one has its share of darns. Many of these utilitarian pieces were used to rags, and then made their way to be linings for other things, necessary items, quilts & patchwork, until literally, there was nothing left



The workmanship on this, tho the construction is very simple, is exquisite. The stitches are nearly microscopic. In this close view of the hem stitching, you can also see the fabric, a beautiful pink woven stripe, up close~ be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge them!


There are but 5 pieces you need to cut for this smock. A large rectangle for the body, 2 rectangles for the sleeves, and another 2 small strips for the sleeve cuffs. Thats it. Made from a single width of cotton(25"), you can note the salvage edges to each side that make up the back opening. The rectangle is simply cut straight down from the shoulders, where the sleeves are set in~ NOTE that both the underarm of the body and the sleeve, are left open. This is for easing over the child's clothing so no bunching up under the arms~ think of it like an invisible gusset



Here is a closer view. There is a triangle of differing striped cotton reinforcing the point at the armpit there.




Here is better view.





The back is simple and open, with 2 tie closures. Length from shoulder to hem is 30".



The sleeves have a small gather at the top shoulders



back tape ties are tacked onto the salvage edge of the fabric. Cuffs are simple and close with a single button & button hole. This smock could easily be made up in a period correct reproduction cotton, over a simple plain color dress, and would look simply stunning. Less certainly is more, when talking early 19th c childrens clothing.


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Are You Ready????






Drumroll.............................d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d.d..d.d.d.d.d..............dddddd........







dddddddddddddddddddddddd...................................




And the Winner of the 2011 Fundraiser Drawing, a custom made Queen Anne dollye~ is.......













Congratulations Gail!


Thank You EVERYONE so very much for entering this year, and for your most kind & gracious support. This year has been stressful financially for so many folks, that it humbles me and makes me even more honored, that you all chose my dollyes to share your lives with. I appreciate it, and the Museum appreciates it, greatly!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Introducing NEW!
"Diamond Patch Pins"


I am so excited to share what I have been designing with you all! Now you can wear Diamond K Folk Art designs on your person :) I have designed a new line of pins that will support the Museum acquisition fund directly~ so give a little, get an awesome pin, and greatly help to support the Lady's Repository Museum! Each one is hand sculpted, and one of a kind, and will come on their own collectible presentation cards~ they're really so awesomely cute, if you see them in person you just fall in love with them! I have some now currently listed in my ETSY store, so go take a peek~ they're just 10.00 each~ and would make wonderful gifts too.


Boo!






Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Witchy~Poo Sifsters out for a night of Trickery & Fun.....







Will you answer your door this Hallow's Eve, when you hear the rat-a-tat-tapping? Who doeth know what one will find to t'other side of it? Little angelic creatures drefsed to scare away the evil spirits they say.....but who is to know if t'is the actual spirit itself to come calling on you, or worse yet, an actual witche?

Would you know one if you laid your eyes on their stark white flesh?





Would their eyes stare into your soul and steal out its light, like a candle snuffing a flame?





Do you dare to wonder......what keeps behind the merry~making mask???





A spirit born to be dark, but over centuries, a mellow kindness and innocence it has become.....





A shy, delicate creature which prefers to not tarry from its dwelling, but on one evening, when it doeth like to partake in the accumulation of sweet treats, and popcorn balls....





And t'is a goode thing too, to only be burdened with having to take ones little Sifster with them, but one evening a year....





A little sisfter that doeth like the mortal folk very much, and all their glamour and festivity & Merry~Making!





One can n'er be seen in public without the head covered....a poke bonnet is very private , yes....but not so good for bobbing for apples.....




Pointe' a La Punch, a perfect resolve to keep the elders, and young ones happy~ Varden cannot be beat when it comes to bobbing for apples......she loves apples





Crisp, Green, Granny Smithe apples, that match her pretty green swirl glass eyes




Pretty punkin bows on pretty little feet




Frocks stitched from all antique bits, from the Tattersol's basket, in the latest fashionable style of coarse....





Queenie is pleased to make your acquaintance...might you have a sweety for her, or perhaps, one of those wonderful, goey, round popcorn balls?




Queenie & her little sisfter Varden have been spoken for ~ THANKYOU SO VERY MUCH

Saturday, September 17, 2011

eBay Specials~

As alot of you know I have been s-l-o-w-l-y narrowing the focus of the Museum's collection, and have some pretties currently on eBay, along with some dollys~ there are several antique original Hand Colored French Fashion engravings from Magsin des Demoiselles for 1874~ simply gorgeous bustle era fashions, and each includes a child. If you love this era, these are wonderful period documented fashions, as each has address below of where cetain articles of clothing can be bought. Go check it out~ just click on the link to my eBay specials in the sidebar!


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tonight is the LAST night of my make me an offer sale~ so if you have had your eye on anything, tell me quick! If you dont see your favorite on eBay or the ETSY store, they have flown away to new homes~ thankyou so much! Otherwise~ hope you will stop by tomorrow evening on the TDIPT Mercantile, and join us for a party!