Many thanks to recent donors. You are helping my dream and the dream of a book come true.
In researching the 18th century, I’ve been researching what my character Elen would have worn in 1746 Scotland and 1777 America. It’s been an interesting journey. I’ve come to wonder how it would feel to wear the period clothing. My dear friend, Alice, is assisting me by creating petticoats and assisting with gathering pieces of the costume. I’m thinking of packing some of the pieces for photo ops in Scotland. We had fun searching for cloth and decided on a lovely olive-green linen. I can hardly wait until it’s completed and I can play dress-up. I have always liked costumes, particularly from the 18th century. One of my adolescent dreams was to be an 18th-century living history guide. Swishing around in long petticoats will be a great pleasure.
Elen is not a high-born lady. She would be wearing cotton or wool petticoats, a shift, a corset, and, in Scotland, an Erasaid. This is a woman’s kilt belted around her body that can be used as a type of cloak and hood. There’s an excellent article from the Culloden Battlefield’s blog at https://cullodenbattlefield.wordpress.com/tag/tartan/. I will confess, I have read the Outlander series, but have been slow to watch the television version. It’s my understanding that Claire wears an Erasaid in the show.
Additional valuable resources include the books: Everyday Dress in Rural America and Tidings from the 18th Century. Samsonhistorical.com (the source for my stockings and garters) and The Recollections of J.P. Ryan, LLC for a lovely cap pattern. I’m on the hunt for an 18th-century jacket. I’m not sure my sewing skills are on par for creating one. Shoes too.
Next adventure, a visit to Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Battlefield. They are to have a reenactment the weekend of August 2nd, 2025. I’m looking forward to learning more—photos to come.
