Winter sucks, particularly in the faux-past and when pretending to be poor. Eighteenth-century working class types had to be creative about staying alive. With toes cut off, old stockings are a great addition to a waistcoat. Mark quarter measurements with pins and use a pressing ham to stretch the stocking to the arm hole. This […]
Read more "Distractions II"While the shako is in the paint shop, let’s return to the 18th century. My friend Anna took this picture at Mount Harmon plantation, where a good time was had by all. A composite camp of regulars and loyalists was served by two sutlers and a laundress in perfect weather. Nice to have friends who […]
Read more "Distractions"Sewing leather often requires that the needle be pulled or pushed with needle nose pliers. It’s a good idea to lock the thread so it doesn’t keep coming off. Here is a quick tutorial on thread locking. Lots of wax is helpful to keep the thread from fraying and breaking. Using a needle at each end […]
Read more "Lining The Shako"The shako top is on (looks like government contract work.) Here is how to make properly-spaced, straight stitches in thick leather. At right is a saddle maker’s stitch grooving tool. It removes a tiny line of flesh at a set distance from the edge by adjusting the L-shaped bit. Next to the groover is a […]
Read more "Stitching"