So here are the latest events in my Civil War Reenacting life. My latest purchases have been extravagant: an 1820-30 flute with Ivory head like the one pictured above. This I plan to use for playing at Civil War Living History events - after I graduate and start practicing again. The flute has an amazing tone, and will look cute with the red silk 1860s dress I'm planning to sew - complete with train. I'm also hoping to have my CDV made with the flute and the dress. The fabric was a present from V for our 3 year anniversary this month. Sweet! I also got a great antique cdv album with tons of great pics. While at home over Christmas break I worked at the PA Fabric Outlet and this meant purchasing some great wools that they had just gotten in - it was 50% off so how could I resist? I plan to make another plaid wool dress with red striped petticoat for a work impression. And, I splurged and purchased an original haircomb from a local antique store that matches the wool - sort of grayish green.

V and I went to G-burg recently with our friend Paul to meet up with the Hardtack Society (www.hardtacksociety.org) for their annual mtg. in January. We stayed at Speedy and Kara's house and hung out in the sewing room where all of the magic is created (www.cornerclothiers.com). I love people who sew! =) On the way to G-burg we made a pit stop at an antique store where I purchased 10 costume books at about $3-4 each...it was such a deal! I also found a really great 1860s haircomb - yes, another, so I think my days of haircomb making are swiftly drawing to a close. We reached Gettysburg to find our friend James had already arrived and met everyone - he's joining the group, too...so it's pretty awesome. We had a great time that night...I researched from Kara's books while sipping tea and watching Kara do a fitting on one of the other girls. Heh. It was sort of geeky awesomeness. We watched movies and Jerry drank - heh, that's his favorite hobby. Vince purchased me a pair of sooo cute antique gold bracelets to wear to the Harrisburg Ball with my Orientalist inspired ballgown that hopefully will be created sometime soon. I shopped at Needles and Thread for...underwear fabric for Vince...talk about not fun. I don't want to make underwear, I like dealing with pretty things, not practical things!

My costume plans are also extravagant but I haven't had a chance to start sewing yet. Just a few more days though! Then I plan to recover my bedspread with a Harve Bernard vintage inspired floral print. It's going to be cute!