Jolis Chevaux

Yesterday I wrote that I had started a parallel business to Horsiemama's Haversacks and Mercantile - sewing 18th century period clothing for re-enactors.  And, since there was a heavy French influence in Indiana during that time period, I wanted my business name to be in French.

Naturally I started with Horsiemama, but when I plugged that into an English to French translator, there was no French equivalent.

I separated Horsiemama into two words and tried again. I didn't like how that translated. 

Anyone who has read my blog for a while knows that I love alliterations (i.e. Horsiemama's Haversacks) so I did a couple of those to see what came up.

The translation for Happy Horses was too long (although it rhymed, something that might be nice in a business name.)

Pretty Ponies, another alliteration, was close, but the teacher in me didn't like how "pony" was spelled. (This spelling of poney is also an urban slang word that I'd rather not use.)

Jolis Chevaux! And while pretty horses have nothing to do with sewing, many of the tradespeople, sutlers, and merchants at 18th century events have names that reflect more on the proprietor than they do on what is actually being sold.

(Case in point, my sister Leslie's business is Chien Noir, or "Black Dog", and she sells block print fabrics.)

I just got in an order of sewing labels with my new business name to put into the items that I sew and I am stitching up inventory in preparation for my first event in March.

When I retired in 2018, I never dreamed I'd be opening one business, let alone two!