Impressions in Progress: Revolutionary War Campfollower

Impressions in Progress: Revolutionary War Campfollower

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lightbox="true" title="My cobbled-together campfollower impression." pos="right" mleft="15"]

http://www.driftingfocus.com/secret/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/6141752264_98fc4f02f5_b.jpg

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Back in September I had the good fortune to be invited along to a rather large 18th century event held at Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York. Since it had been 10 years (and 35lbs) since I last wore my 18th century gear, much of it no longer fit, had fallen apart or, due to recent research, had been found to be inaccurate. After taking an inventory of what was still appropriate and wearable, I was left with very little: stockings and two petticoats.

Thankfully, the reenacting community is very friendly and are great about loaning gear to those in need. I borrowed shoes from my friend Anna, and my friend Taylor (who runs the lovely history-related blogs Hats from History and Dames a la Mode) leant me a cap, bonnet, shift, and bedgown. Sadly I had to go stay-less for the event, though that’s a bit easier to disguise in a bedgown than in a proper gown. I think I looked pretty damn good though, all things considered.

While at the event, I gave quite a bit of thought to what direction I want to take with my 18th century campfollower impression. For one thing, I feel that many of the supposed campfollowers out there have portrayals and clothing that is much more middle class in nature, and not befitting someone working for the army. So, I want to go low-class with my impression. Since Marc and I belong to a loyalist unit, it is easy for me to claim refugee status, as it’s entirely possible that Marc and I would have been forced out of our homes by locals sympathetic to the rebel cause. Refugees were often even more ragtag than your average campfollower, a trait which I fully intend to enjoy. I am not the world’s most feminine woman, and I prefer to be barefoot at events, and to get my proverbial hands dirty. With a lower-class impression, it’s a bit easier to be who I am at events.

But, that’s enough talking for now. Here’s what I need to pull together over the next few months in order to have a functioning 18th century campfollower impression:

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Stays – These are going to be made out of leather. Leather stays were, as far as we can tell, relatively common among the lower classes in this time period, but are almost non-existent in the hobby. In an effort to avoid the time and hassle involved in making boned stays, and to get a chance to do something that is under-represented in the hobby, we have chosen to go this route. We will be working off of the Mills Farms Jumps pattern, and using approximately 8oz brown leather.

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http://www.driftingfocus.com/secret/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/cap.jpg

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Cap – This one is a bit tricky due to the fact that I have short hair and also that as I shoot, most headgear tends to get jostled around quite a bit. I need a cap with a small profile but also that can be easily and tightly secured. I like the look of this cap by Nicole Rudolph, which appears to be additionally secured with a ribbon.

Apron – Wool, whatever I can get for cheap. Color isn’t important since this will likely get quite filthy.

Bedgown – Eventually I would like to put together a proper gown, but for now, a bedgown is not only easier, but also more practical around the campfire. Since it is an informal garment, it also helps out with giving the impression of poverty. Wool (probably blue), lined with linen.

Shift – I’m seriously considering making this out of unbleached linen. I will have to do more research, but I’ve been told that unbleached shifts were fairly common in period, especially among the lower classes. This is one of the first things I need to make, and one of the only things that I will be partially machine sewing, as there are some seriously long interior seams on shifts.

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It will take me awhile to put this all together, but I’m hoping to have most, if not all, of this done by spring. Some parts are harder to borrow (such as the stays and shift) and will be tackled first, but I should be able to get these done in a relatively timely manner, especially since none of the items here except the shift require large amounts of (expensive) fabric.

Keep an eye out for progress reports!