'Twill Be Done

 This is the state of my office right now as I do inventory and pack for The Kalamazoo Living History Show.

I'm still under lifting and twisting restrictions so I have been careful to slide tubs that are on top of each other either onto a chair or to let them just crash onto the floor. (Sure can't do that when you are packing for a model horse show!)

Of course, once they are on the floor, I cannot lift them back up. Craig will do that for me, but I won't ask him until I am done inventorying and repacking. 

I'm actually making good progress and hope to finish up later today or tomorrow.

I've gotten a little unplanned sewing done, too - three aprons made from the white cotton I have for chemises. 

They are on a drawstring which makes it so they fit most people.

For the first one I used a one inch twill tape for that drawstring. Twill tape is sturdy and it is period correct.

For the other two aprons, I used half inch twill tape.

Either width is fine so it just comes down to personal preference. 

Some women prefer a wider width, others do not. By using both widths, I offer a better selection to my customers.

I also use twill tape for the drawstring around the neckline (tied and tucked inside) and then at the wrists for chemises. 

For a chemise, I prefer one-eighth inch twill tape.

As I was working, I realized that I was almost out of the inch wide tape. Naturally, I had to go shopping.

I went to my favorite 18th century sewing shop, Burnley & Trowbridge. And of course I found some other things I needed while I was shopping.

  

I had tracking for my order within two hours of placing it! Burnley & Trowbridge's customer service is second to none.

I'm actually a little ahead of schedule for Kalamazoo right now and I am toying with making a pattern I've had for a few months and have been wanting to try.

Ever heard of the Frances Rump?

It's a type of bum roll/modification that gave women the fuller backside look that was fashionable in the last quarter of the 18th century.

 

And look! It's pleated! I love how pleats look and oh, how I love to make them. Surely I will have time to make the Frances Rump before the show. Fingers crossed.

Off to go check my fabric stash and draft a pattern. Hopefully, 'twill be done soon. (Hah!)