I finally completed my Revolutionary War campfollower impression this weekend while Marc and I were at Rock Ford Plantation. I bought a cheap checked apron, which was the last crucial piece of my impression, and then promptly got it completely filthy.
I will be making a new petticoat or two, as it turns out that my stays don’t actually make my waist smaller, they make it bigger! I managed to jerry-rig my petticoats to last through the weekend, but I need at least one new one that is larger to act as my under-petticoat. I also need to hem ALL my linen petticoats (and the new apron) to be about 3-4 inches shorter.
I also need to get cracking on my bedgown, as I need a garment that can be worn without stays in a pinch, so that I don’t have to get completely dressed first thing in the morning and so that if I need to remove my stays due to heat issues, I’m not stuck in my shift in camp.
My shift held up very well, as did the secondhand short jacket that I bought on the cheap from Angela Burnley a few weeks ago at the Fort Frederick Market Fair. My stays performed wonderfully, though I definitely do need straps for them and I may need to shorten the back a little bit. They were warm, but thanks to their stiffness, I can actually squeeze them off my back for a few minutes at a time, which helps a lot. They got a good sweat soaking this weekend though, and are already starting to conform to my shape.
All in all, I’m very happy with the impression, and I can’t wait until it gets a little bit more worn-in! What do you think?
