I Need a Lady's Maid!

Yesterday, Lisa, Leslie, Rick, and I stepped back into the 18th century bringing around a hundred and twenty 4th graders along with us.

It was the first time I'd worn this new chemise, fichu, and petticoat to an event, and I was pleased not only with the final look, but also with the way they fit and how comfortable they were.

Of course, Craig took the obligatory "back to school" photo of me before I left.

I haven't worn my panniers for a while - they make it awkward to put your arms down against your sides and you end up holding them out or clasping your hands in front of you. Panniers also make it difficult to squeeze into a chair with arms or to use a walker. (Or to put on a seatbelt. But I succeeded.)

There is a reason that ladies during the time period often had a maid to help her. It took me about twenty minutes to get dressed! The order of what you put on is important, too. I learned long ago to put my footwear on first as I would not be able to bend over and do that later on.

Here is the order I dressed:

1) Stockings:  These go above the knee and are tight like compression socks. (They stay up and don't slide down as a result.) Mine are silk and they are smooth and really comfortable.

2) Shoes or Boots: I chose to wear boots this time.

3) Chemise: The basic undergarment, also called a shift. I made sure the sleeve buttons were in place and then tied the neckline, drawing it up to give me a bit more modesty.

(For historical accuracy, I would have put on my stays next but I only have one pair and wanted to show them to the kids. Stays were the precursor of the corset, and once they are on, bending over is difficult.)

4) Panniers: These are tied around the waist and then "fluffed" out from their folded storage state. This is to ensure that they are sitting on your hips evenly and that they are in place to support the weight of your skirts.

5) Petticoat(s): You can step into them or bring them over your head. Since I was wearing panniers, over the head was the best option; stepping into the petticoat would mean I'd need to adjust them back into place again. Wearing two petticoats was not unusual in the 18th century, partly for warmth and partly for fashion. If the latter, the top petticoat would be pulled up from one side and tucked into the waistband so that the  the second petticoat underneath could also be seen.

6) Fichu: The large scarf (36 x 36 in this case) that is folded into a triangle, draped over the shoulders, and then tucked under the stays or knotted and smoothed down over the chemise.

7) Caraco Jacket: This jacket has three vents, the back and two sides, to accommodate panniers. Hooks and eyes (which are historically accurate) run down the front edges. They have been and can be tricky due to boning in the garment that makes it rigid along those hooks and eyes. They take some time to fasten, but once they are done, they usually stay shut unless you move in an odd way.

(Originally made as a practice piece, I fell in love with my practice Caraco and never made what I now call the "real" Caraco. Although I do still have the fabric for it.)

8) Jewelry & Accoutrements: Trade silver earrings made by Rick, another check of the chemise's sleeve buttons, the Oiuatenon Cross or my seamstress medal necklace.

9) 18th Century Hat: Usually I wear mine, but I decided to use Mountain Mama's hat. It is maroon and coordinated well with the colors I was wearing.

At this point, my back was screaming and I was desperate to sit down.  I was also starting to run late and while I'd allowed myself some wiggle room, that wiggle room was about gone.

So, Craig took the photos as quickly as he could (thank you!) and I hustled out to my car. (Thank goodness I'd already packed what I was taking to show the students!)

I made it to Lisa's school on time, only to get a text from Leslie and Rick. They'd run into a delay. (Hint: it says "Choo choo!")

Stay 'tooned!