September 3, 2010

Civil War Knitting Update

I haven't gotten much farther, it's been a busy week, lots of homework. I am finished the part where I decreased once every 4 rows, 7 times.

I am on my last ball of yarn and really should order more so it gets here before I need it. I am surprised that the wings are so thick, I didn't expect them to be so wide.

I am glad that I will avoid the "skinny wings" I see on some people that aren't very flattering.  The wider wings will make it look more like a vest and less like a scarf wrapped around me. This particular young lady admitted that this sontag was not made for her but she was borrowing it due to the coldness of the event.

I can't wait to finish this. I think it will look very flattering in the fall over a long flounced skirt and a 3/4 sleeved shirt. I don't think anyone would instantly think "1860" if they looked at it. I do like shawls, but they are kind of impractical and I hardly ever wear them. They also tend to look a little too "granny," and you have to constantly hold on to them. They are very comforting in the winter to curl up in a shawl with a book.

I really would love to learn the pretty crocheting that is used to line the sontag in Piecework Magazine. It is feminine and pretty, practically lace looking. I feel that if I put this much effort in, I might as well take a bit of time to make it really pretty and not just "serviceable," to quote Marilla Cuthbert.      

Here's a pretty jacket from Godey's Lady's Book that I feel could also be worn today with a little bit of alteration. The braiding is really pretty. 
 

10 comments:

  1. I completely agree about the larger wings; the right way to go!

    I haven't done *anything* on my sontag this week! :(

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  2. You're so stinkin' talented, Steph :)

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  3. Sophia, it happens. Now that it's getting colder, it's much more enjoyable having the knitting sitting on my lap. Before it was just getting too hot to knit.

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  4. Jodi, you're even more stinkin' talented. :D

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  5. Your blog is very interesting. I love history- though mostly reading about it. :)

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  6. It's looking great, and I do love the color...I own about 7 period images of women wearing sontags, and NONE of them have the skinny wings that I see...honestly, I'm not sure why you'd even want to wear one like that....I'm not sure how it keeps your torso warm, and that is the point of this garment! :-)

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  7. Thanks, I've really been trying to finish. I just finished one of the wings. I'm glad you have images of sontags, I haven't seen many. When I read about them in period magazines they normally mention that they are worn under cloaks. So if someone is wearing on under their cloak we would probably never know.

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  8. My daughter and I just started volunteering at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in New York State, and I *really* need a Sontag. I am so glad to have found your blog!

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  9. Pamela, I'm glad I could be of help!

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