What do you think??

My pretty headband from my Best Friend Sophia <3

(Forever21)

My new haircut!! Holiday season 2011

Another pretty headband from Sophia <3

(Charlotte Russe)

This one I've had for about a year (or two by now) but never really worn too often, even though I LOVE it. I THINK I got it at Rue21??? lol.

Nehemiah 4:14-16

"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah..."

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

"P" is for...

Last summer while looking through a stack of antique linens that had been given to us by a friend, I found a particularly sweet (albeit well loved, and slightly imperfect) table runner, which I immediately fell head-over-heels in love with.

Later, as I was giving the runner a once over I realized it was monogrammed. What was the letter? you might ask... It was a "P".

I have been thinking of the things that "P" could stand for since it isn't part of my initials, and the runner is so lovely that I can't bear to part with it. After weeks filled to the brim with long hours of thought, it (FINALLY) came to me:

"P" is for Pincushion.

But how shall I do it?!?!?!?!

Here, my dears, is the answer to that dreaded question...

The magazine article that I used for inspiration is found in last years May/June edition of Victoria Bliss Magazine.... but I tweeked it a little as I went along and found what worked for me :) 

My crafting supplies (minus the fabric...since I still have to search the external hard-drive for those pics) include: a mason jar and lid, cardboard (from a ramen box works), Gorilla Glue (you're supposed to use fabric glue but this is all I had), pillow fluff (not shown), and some mini-sewing kit supplies to go in the finished jar... consisting of a pack of machine needles, a pack of mixed hand sewing needles, assorted small white buttons, safety pins (the ultimate seamstress's life-saver -- aside from duct-tape which fixes EVERYONE'S problems), a thimble, some embroidery floss, some floral lace trim, and a pretty dark grey pearlized Butterfly button :)

My fabric cut out already... I have more pics of the full runner, but that is for a later craft-project post :)

Tracing out the lid onto cardboard... you are supposed to use two circles of cardboard like I have shown here, but I found it easier to use one. And, it's best if it is slightly smaller than the lid :) 

Fabric, pillow fluff, lid and cardboard... time to center the "P" in the middle of the lid, and insert pillow fluff. Then comes the cardboard to hold it, and you glue the fabric to the cardboard to lock it all in place. Don't forget to trim the fabric after the glue is dry. Should look something like this...

And here is my finished pin-cushion...

Then you just fill the mason jar with a mini-sewing kit. Like this:

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

(I think I will redo this post with better instructions later... lol)

Pardon my Words...

We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it.

~Roald Dahl (1916 - 1990), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This first day of June...

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that it's fresh young beauty will ever fade." - Gertrude Jekyll

...as found in Bliss Victoria Magazine May/June 2011

A not so Wordless Wednesday

Back in January I made and embroidered a corset to go with an Edwardian drawers and camisole set I had made just weeks before... all undergarments for a Ballgown I was in the process of making for the Patriots Ball. I had only a month to finish everything!! I have been so busy since the completion of all of my garments that I have hardly had the time to both take, and post, new photo's. (I was also trying to find a way to wear my corset that was both modest and pretty.)

I was inspired by my blog-world friend Aurora to take pics OUTside, so while I dig around for one of those pics to photoshop into glory... I hope this one will suffice :)

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Raw Apple Cake

Sorry I don't have a picture to go with this, but it all got eaten up before I could snap one!

This recipe is really easy for those days when you are in a baking mood, but go to the fridge and have none of the liquids required to bake with :) All you need is:

2 c. Sugar
2 whole sticks butter (or margarine)
2 eggs

Step one: mix together

2 c. flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder

Step two: sift dry ingredients together

1 1/2 c. chopped apples
1 c. chopped pecans

Step three: mix ALL ingredients

Step four: spread into pan*

Step five: bake at 350 for 1 hour.

* dough is tough to spread evenly in pan, so don't worry... just do your best!

I think I 16th-ed my apples and they turned out alright in this dish... also, I only baked for 45 minutes, but then again I am in Colorado so just keep an eye on it :) If you are cooking at a high alt. like moi, it would be best to use High Alt. Hungarian Flour.... it comes in a yellow bag :)

All the Best,
A Victorian Cowgirl

What would a girl be...

Without a pair of fabulous looking shoes?!

Perfect for those going to a ball, or who just like the style in general. Hop on over to American Duchess' shop, and buy yourself a lovely new pair!

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Target Deal of the Day: Jane Austen Bookends

These JA bookends were on clearance for less than $5 at Target today!! The best part was that I wasn't even looking for them :) I love finding deals on things I love! 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Mr. Bingley, how do you like my flowers for your Ball?

I liked this updo better than the previous  photo I had posted but I still wasn't satisfied with this style either.

I played around with my hair a few more times before the Patriot's Ball and finally decided on a few simple braids brought up and pinned to my head. I really liked the simplicity of the look AND I knew it would look even cuter with some flowers looped in at the back. I was very happy with the way the whole look came together :)

I did all of the work on the over-dress, the under-dress, the stomacher, the underthings, and the corset by myself with the exception of the hem on the overdress. I couldn't seem to get it to cut straight because of the silkiness of the fabric. I took it to the tailor who was altering my brothers suits/tuxedos and she zipped it out very nicely!

The dress held up well for dancing. I lost a few straight pins that were holding the stomacher in place so I was thankful I used multiple pins with each tab! The only real issue I faced was with the back of my underdress continuing to slip out of the top of my overdress. I had pretty much created the dress pattern on my own and had forgotten to take into account how high the back of the underdress was compared to the back of the overdress. If you view the video posted on my facebook page from a week ago you will see what I mean :)

Our family had a wonderful time in Bristol. We made many new friends and already have plans to visit with several of them over the summer. Plans are to make the Patriot's Conference and Ball and annual event and I am already excited to hear more about the plans for next year!

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Fixing something old to fit...

I'd set to fixing up an old gown of mine before our trip to Va, and turned it into a gown for one of my daughters... one of these days, many years hence, they'll find it in a box in some quiet corner of our family's attic, I'm sure. Hopefully they will enjoy it more than I ever had time to...

Though I completely changed the bodice from what it was before, I do have a picture saved  to my compy of the fabric.

I somehow managed to save the lace from the neckline in front, and used it again on the new front bodice.. which was a blessing, so I wouldn't have to rip the lace from the back of the gown just to make it look right/even. One simple new gown for daytime that I hope they will enjoy :)

Do you ever think of taking your old gowns and altering them down for future (or present) children, or buy sweet little things you happen to see while passing a shop window and pack them away for sometime in the future? I find myself doing this often... oops! Then again, I always have felt I would be a wife and mom. Just waiting on God to bring around the almost perfect man... who wants perfect after all? Where is the fun in that?! 

Fun, laughter, heart, feeling, and soul is much to be preferred. 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

What to do with this moppet called hair...

Trying to figure out different ways to do my hair in a Georgian or Regency style for the Ball WITHOUT having to buy a wig or padded/wired forms and use them... Good thing I have a history book that includes hairstyles from throughout the century's!!

I tried this one first, and then another style... but didn't have time to take pics of the second style.

And then... my attempt :P 

Any suggestions? Any tips? Any tutorial links or blog post's you think might help me out? ANYTHING???? (lol)

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

A Georgian Gown for the Ball..

Since I am still waiting on boning to finish off my corset, and reading far too many books, I have decided to go ahead and start on a new gown for the Ball. It's next month, and Georgian/Regency costumes are encouraged :D Since I already know what my inspiration is, and have a photo ready to share with you here, I shall... 

Isn't it B-E-A-utiful?!? The floral that you see is actually Brocaded silk, and the gown really is from the 18th Century. I think it the perfect mix of Georgian and Regency and just right for a young woman who would've been around just as the fashions were changing. Even as you sit and watch Pride and Prejudice (2005, sorry dears) you will realize that Mrs. Bennet (and other such women of her caliber or more, for example Lady Catherine deBourgh) were still wearing the Georgian gowns they grew up with; while Jane, Elizabeth, and Georgianna where wearing modest and comely gowns in the new style - which suited their personalities just fine and seemed so sweet amongst their characters. And, even still the younger girls (such as was found in the characters of Kitty and Lydia) were extravagant with their "it's all the rage in London" 's. 

Since I am noticing the lack of hoops in the photo above, I am relieved of another fear... I have neither the time nor the funds sufficient enough to include a set of hoops into my grand ordeal of a costume. * whew *

It sounds so lovely, I can only hope it works! Pray for me friends, and hope I don't mess up my stitching! At least I have some assurance of hope in the fact that I can use a new machine that works and not have to go at it by hand, which  would be sure to be a disaster in the making... Oy vey! 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

A Tid-bit of Stitchery...

I said in my last blogpost that I would put up a photo of the embroidery I've done on my corset when I had the chance... I finally had time to get around to it yesterday evening. Not only did I get a few of the embroidery, but I decided to take a few of my work so far as well. As you can see, it is just a simple Vine pattern w/ French Knot berries, and a few leaves...

Though the photo's probably aren't the best, here they are :)

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

For my first set of stays; My true love gave to me...

2 yards of muslin, and a new, working sewing machine ;)

When I was in Colorado visiting my fathers parents, my parents went to visit my mothers father for Thanksgiving and he sent two of my granny's sewing machines and a Serger home to me! Thank you Papaw!!!

 I really want to try and make a Georgian dress but need stays for that, even more than I do for my Regency dresses. I looked through my stash of patterns and found this one from McCall's. I am making it out of a plain white muslin, and eyelet's instead of grommets for lacing (since I am HORRIBLE at putting in grommets). I am almost done (but for attaching lining to corset once the boning is in). While waiting on the chance to get my boning, I  have decided that I will add a little decorative touch to one or two of the front panels. I started earlier today on the embroidery and will post a pic as soon as I have one. Though I fear my stitches are always very poor I think it will be all the more lovely knowing that I did it with my own hand, and hopefully one of my children can enjoy my toils many years from now when it gets passed down from myself to some dear little girl... 

If you have any tips for corsetry (yes, it's a "new" word :P), please share them if you can spare a moment here. I am very new to this, and though I am using a modern pattern for my stays this time, I hope to learn from it and make a set of 18th Century stays somewhere in the near future. (Hopefully with the help of your tips, and also a little guidance from the quick hands of my dear friend Laura at Tryon Palace...)

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Party Dresses for the New Year...

Or at least, my picks for the season :D I hope you are all having a Beautiful week, and enjoy my little ditherings here... 

First, we have a lovely RED dress. It's Vivienne Westwood's "Hybrid". The color is good (for me at least...), and the fabric looks really flattering the way it's gathered and draped. 

You can find it here. 

Next, we have a gown that I think would look absolutely lovely on. 

It's Lanvin's Asymmetrical Washed Silk Gown. 

You can find it here at Net-A-Porter.com. Isn't it a dream?!? I LOVE the color, and the draping... like a Grecian Goddess... and I bet it makes you feel that way too. My only hiccup here is the flower... though I'm sure anyone who wears it is more than capable of pulling it off.

My next choice is a bit more glam, and perhaps more "hip" (and SHORTER) than I'm used to. But, I like it anyways! 

The nipped waist is very figure flattering, and the asymmetrical bottom adds intrigue to the style, and an extra appeal to the legs... now, as I think this would be too short to wear with my "mile long" legs, I would wear opaque tights, and black (or perhaps red or blue) velvet/suede pumps :D Unfortunately I can't remember where I found it, but if you happen to stumble across a link can you please share? 

Here, we have a nice LBD. 

Gotta love the Sparkle factor... it's enough to make any woman fall in love, whether she'd actually wear it or not. I'm not one to normally go after sparkles and sequins... but I am starting to realize how much I like them, and trying to make sure I at least try them every now and again :) The velvet belt is lovely in contrast, and helps to break up all the splashy sequins... 

Unfortunately this is another one I can't remember the link for :( Be sure to leave a comment though if you find it, please!

What styles have you fallen in love with over the start of the New Year? 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Monkey/Gorilla Bread with a twist

Okay, so Gorilla Bread is BASICALLY the same as Monkey Bread ... but with an extra ingredient. I made it extra special simply by adding 3 extra's. Those ingredients would be ... Raisins, Philadelphia Creme-cheese, and chopped/crushed Walnuts.

Now, for regular monkey bread you quarter the Pillsbury flake-y bisctuits, and toss them in the Bundt pan. But, with Gorilla Bread, you 1/2 them and roll a little cream-cheese in the slices... THEN toss them into the Bundt pan. Same for the special kind I made, but with * lots * more layers :D 

I know my mom has the recipe for Monkey Bread on her blog already, so I'm gonna "steal" it and post here for you guys... then use a little ** sign and help you along with the extra's. LOL... I know, I know... But today I'm being lazy :P

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

6 cans biscuits

1 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

By the way, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 BEFORE you get started with construction...

First, quarter all the biscuits and put to the side

next, get your butter, heavy whipping cream, and brown sugar melting together in a saucepan. 

** I just whip them all together in a bowl, and don't bother heating them in a sauce pan... they turn into a nice sauce well enough by just being put in the pan with all the trimmings and biscuits, and left to bake like everything else...

Then, mix your granulated white sugar and your cinnamon together and start tossing the biscuit quarters into the mix

** Here is where you will want to start with your layers. One layers of sugared biscuits (about 1/2 of what you're using) then toss the raisins and walnuts in, spreading evenly throughout the section. Add about 1/2 of your sauce, and repeat the layers with what you have left... 

Finally, layer the sugar and cinnamon coated biscuits with the sauce in your bundt pan... I like to do a few layers so that the oooey, gooey sauce gets into every little nook and cranny of the biscuits; [** see... ;) ] I dump whatever sugar-cinnamon mixture is left over on to the top of the pan -- waste not, want not ;-) 

Make SURE you let your monkey bread cool down really well before you dump it out of the bundt pan onto a plate!!! Our daughter (that'd be me :P) nearly scalded her legs several years ago because she was in a hurry to get it turned out and didn't wait for me to come help... It was the grace of God reminding me of every first aid lesson I'd ever learned regarding burns that kept her from getting even a single blister!

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and my oddly worded post ;)

Have anything you like to bake or make in particular? 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Old Meets New

I tried on this dress and immediately fell in love with it!! It is the Brooklyn Dress from the Merona line at Target. I love the detail of the sailor buttons at the shoulder and the rope twist belt. It's so light and airy it would be perfect for a humid summer day :)

I didn't buy it because I'm hoping it will go on sale in a few weeks but if it doesn't then I will pay full price because beauty like this is worth it...

The dress is very vintage inspired and reminded me so much of this photo in my book: Catwalking: A History of the Fashion Model

The photo was taken by Erwin Blumenfeld, and is of Lisa Fonssagrives wearing a Lucien Lelong dress on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The photo was taken for French Vogue in 1939. 

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Going to Tea

I am back home from Colorado to a much warmer (and muggier) North Carolina! I am thrilled to be back home with my parents and three little monkeys once again :)

One thing I love to do when visiting my Oma is to go to tea with her at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs near Garden of the Gods, another favorite hangout...

Who wouldn't want to go to tea when you get to be dressed up in your Sunday best like this?

My Oma and I went to a Victorian Tea (how perfect?!? lol) on this visit. They had sweet little treats and I especially loved the raspberry swirl cookies, as well as the Brie cheese. Brie is one of my favorite cheeses to put on anything from crackers to Granny Smith apple slices. If you buy the Brie that still has the wax on it then you can slice off the top layer and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes to get it all ooey-gooey. It's just so lovely :D

We recently discovered the yumminess of Brie en Croute (similar to this one) over the holidays and my mother recreated it for our own New Years Eve snack table. Hers was a little different than the Christmas one we tasted because she used her very own fig jam and pecans. It was scrumdiddlyumptious!!

Did you discover any new treats this holiday season?

-- A Victorian Cowgirl