It's been hard, patterning the deer in my little plot. I had some crazy action for the first few weeks the feeder was up, then it slacked off a bit. Then the batteries went dead in the feeder, so I didn't have much action for about 2 weeks. Checking the camera today, though, I see that a doe has stopped by for the last two mornings. Maybe I'll slip out there early tomorrow, and hope she swings by for some chow again.
That's what I smell like. It's been an interesting few days, building a table in my grandfather's shop. I've ended up with a piece that speaks to me. The trestle table design is hundreds of years old, and this table, with it pegged joints would be right at home in a french campsite, circa 1750. It will, however reside in my kitchen, and family will gather around it on thanksgiving to celebrate kinship and togetherness. The juxtaposition of circular saws with wooden mallets and chisels was interesting. I did enjoy using some of my period-correct tools, and I pegged everything, using no screws or nails in the project, but I couldn't resist the siren call of the power saw.... my shoulder is thankful, I'm sure.
I have 2 more coats of boiled linseed oil to apply, but the project is done for all intents and purposes, and I'm deeply satisfied with the result.
There's something very soothing about working in my grandfather's shop (right outside the door, actually, so as not to make a mess). I'm using my tools, mostly, but I did borrow his router and saw-horses. Weirdly, although this is one of the most ambitious woodworking projects I've ever tackled, I haven't fretted about the way it's going to turn out. Wood has a soul of it's own, and it's going to do what it wants, to an extent, but I know... I KNOW how this is going to turn out. It'll be the best piece of carpentry I've made yet. No where near as nice as what my grandfather could do, but better than anything I've ever made. It's like he's been looking over my shoulder the past two days, and coaching me, so that I don't rush, and make a mistake. Here you see the table mocked up. I wasn't frustrated, and I had nothing else pressing, but with two hours of daylight left, I KNEW it was time to quit for the day.
It's like Pop's standing here, keeping me from getting ahead of myself.
I miss him deeply, but today, in his shop, I swear he was hanging out with me all afternoon.
Anyone else anal-retentive about organizing their fire lay? It always takes me 20 minutes to organize my kindling and logs before I light a fire, but because of that, they usually light quickly. Last night, I only used 1 match, which is typical, and had a roaring fire in about 5 minutes. Being organized with your fire lay requires some time up front, but it requires NO effort once you strike the match.
Went to my father's for lunch today, as is tradition. We talked about family, told old stories, drank a beer, and ate good. My father and I then retired to the garage and loaded about 65 rounds of .38spl. After lunch, wife, son and I ran a few errands, and I picked up my hunting license (two weeks till deer season).
I dropped my wife off for her shift at the vet clinic, and me and the son went home. Did a few chores, and went 'hunting' for rabbits. More of an excuse to wander in the woods with my son, but he loved it.
Spaghetti's on the stove, and I can't wait for a shower!
Hope everyone enjoyed their Sunday.
Man, I'm pleased with the way this turned out. Now, I know that someone experienced could have made a bedgown turn out much nicer, with much nicer stitching, but the great thing is that this is a project that a novice can tackle and have it turn out nicely.
A bedgown uses 'simple' construction techniques, and is basically a light jacket worn by working class women. The higher society wore them too, but more as lounge wear between getting up and getting dressed. I made this one from an old blue wool blanket. The pattern is easily cut, and there are only a few measurements needed. Bedgowns didn't have buttons, and were generally held closed either with pins, or with an apron tied around the waist.
After the basic construction, I couldn't figure out how the 'shawl' type collar worked, but in looking around, I found a few examples with a simple dished neckline, so I went with that.
Finally, I lined the neck, opening, and cuffs with some slightly lighter blue ribbon. I'm sure an experienced seamstress could find a dozen things wrong with it, but I'm pleased with the finished project!
Well, I finished the box pleats on Tuesday. They looked weird, with just the pattern cut, and I didn't understand how they would go together, as I am a visual person, and I was following instructions from a few online sources that didn't have many construction pictures, but I started sewing, and they turned out nicely. Actually, it's a pretty cool construction technique if you want a fitted waist on a coat, with a nice full skirt.
I'm making a bedgown for my wife for the December encampment at Fort St Jean Baptiste. After looking up a lot of information online, I finally broke down and emailed Nancy (look in my blogroll for Excels at Nothing, which incidentally is a misnomer... she excels at many things, 18th century clothing being one of them). She provided me with some great instruction, and last night, I cut the pattern and sewed one sleeve and an underarm gusset.
More to come over the next week!
