Civilian Newbie

[MaryRae]

Hi everyone.

I attended my first reenactment in October at Columbus-Belmont, Kentucky, and I had a great time. I am really wanting to do more events, but I am rather at a loss for how to get involved.

Any suggestions for a single woman without any friends or family involved in reenacting would really be helpful.

Thanks

Mary McPherson

[KarinTimour]

Dear Mary:

I know it may not feel like it, but we're part of a growing trend of single women becoming reenactors -- welcome to the group!

I know you'll get a warm welcome from the civilians here, and you should also start reading some of the archives of the civilian forum at www.authentic-campaigner.com

But one of the fastest ways to connect with a lot of great civilian advice is to drop in on the conversation over at the Sewing Academy -- www.elizabethstewartclark.com It is a site that Elizabeth Stewart Clark started to give on-line sewing advice and encouragement to those who were starting or improving their period sewing skills. It caught fire and became one of the fastest growing, most comprehensive on-line sites for civilians to exchange information on a broad variety of topics from cooking to period religion to great new books to where to get great period clothing.

My two cents!
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[MaryRae]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

I the meantime, here's a pic from last month. This was the first one I've ever been to, and I decided that if I was going to go I would go in period dress.



Again, this was the first time.

They say that people were larger today than in the 1860's, and I'm a great example of that. I tend to tower over pretty much everyone else as I am 6'5". I'm a railroad conductor in real life.

Mary

[garretttcrooks]

I have been reenacting for about 3 years now.. Being that i am a male, our role in the hobby is far different that the woman's role...Regardless of your role, I have found that the more people you meet, the better off you are.. Attend events regularly and RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! That is the key. Also, you might want to join a unit or association, they will welcome you, and become your extended family. I'd just like to say "Welcome to my addiction!"

[ElizabethClark]

Mary, you're going to stand tall in the hobby! (You know, I was asking my husband just the other day, "I wonder how one goes about becoming a railway conductor these days?" We live in a town on the rail lines in Idaho, but it's all freight and rarely passenger.)

One thing I can definitely encourage: you'll either want to learn to sew most everything at home, or hook up with a good dressmaker who has an eye for proportion. Fashions of the mid-century look well on every woman, but the proportion really has to be there. Don't get hung up on measurements; go for recreating the shapes and overall proportion at your own height. You'll be able to carry off a 120" hoop, for instance, where it would overwhelm a woman of 5'4". You can also get away with large motifs that would overwhelm a more petite person, so don't be afraid of shape and color!

[tenfed1861]

Mary,the group I am with is out of Bowling Green,KY.If you wish,I can get the contact info for the head of our civilian group to give you.She can pretty much help you get started via clothing,research,ect.

[Trish Hasenmueller]

Elizabeth is reluctant to blow her own horn, but if you visit her web page there is a treasure house of information. Part of her page is a forum called 'The Academy at Home' and is a great resource for getting to know people. You can begin your research on what to wear and how to behave as well as keep a pulse on what's happening in your area and beyond. Plus, everybody there is nice. Here is a link to her main page with links to lots of advice: http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/main.htm