Finding treasures at the thrift shop

The Civil War keeps calling me. Raleigh is full of history. I have done several trips to historic Oakwood Cemetery. In 2013 Mom and I tramped all over the Arkansas Civil War sites. In the Spring of 2014 I enjoyed a trip called "Civil War Comes to Kinston, NC". In the Fall of 2014 I enjoyed a trip with NCSU where we saw Fredericksburg, Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Manassas/Bull Run over four long, busy days. 

My Friend Barbara and I went to Fort Macon near Atlantic Beach. I found a wonderful Past Patterns 702, 1858-1862. It was $14. Gads patterns have gone up! Just reading the pattern made me want to learn more! I don't think reenacting will be an inexpensive hobby but it should be fun!

Then I found three striped 51" X 5 1/2 feet panels for $5 per panel. I thought what a lovely "ball gown that would make!" Then I found 2 different bedskirts for $4 that I had read could be used to make petticoats!  I found some kingsize sheets for $5 that I am going to use for my chemise and pantaloons.  I thought that would be cheaper than material.  The cheapest soft material I could find was $1.99 per yard. 

 Last week I used my coupon to purchase Pattern fabric at $1.99 per yard. and I found these extra goodies on the left at the thrift shop. Today I found two shower curtains.  The brown one was $3 and the ribbon embroidery on white was $6. I think a spring cape can be made from the ribbon embroidery one. So that is my starting stash!

As I began to do research on the internet, one of the first things I have learned is get your undergarments first!!! You can't make something fit without the correct underwear. I have decided that I am not up to even attempting to make a corset. It looks too complicated.  So I had my Mom measure me while she was visiting me. I had been checking on etsy and discovered the nicest lady.  Heather Hibbs' website with lots of useful information is Treadle Treasures. Heather is taking my measurements and creating me a custom corset. There were several decisions to be made. I read about corsets on her site. I am going to get a working corset with extra boning ($78 plus shipping).

I want to keep track of the cost as I work my way through this adventure.  Heather has "an instructional booklet in a pdf download format. I explains all the layers, why they are there, advice on the dress, and if you can "cheat until your budget allows for more".  There was a coupon code PDFSALE which took $3 off the $6 price.

I discovered Elizabeth Stewart Clark's site. The Sewing Lady has so much great information. I am going to use her chemise and pantloon patterns to create some of my undergarments! I decided I would have to order her compendium for $30 because I have learned so much!

So I have not done anything but research and spend money on this project. This is the 150 anniversary of the Civil War in North Carolina. We have a sweet historical museum in town. I have a past relative who was a Civil War spy from Kentucky. Her name was Lizzie Hardin.  So I think I will find a place to wear this creation. With this blog I hope to be able to find the information I want to keep in one place right here!