SEWING KIT (continued)

Again, when in doubt, contact the closest experienced reenactor.

Less vital items to include may center on patches of wool or linen to cover holes in your uniform. Scrap materials from initial costume construction are ideal, but collecting close resemblances is also acceptable. I like to literally stitch extra buttons into my kit for easy access. Purchasing a few extra pewter buttons will not only keep your uniform looking nice, but will also help you avoid any embarrassing questions. Remember, buttons were used as a source of currency in the 18th century, especially for purchasing women of ill-repute.

Women: Avoid stitching extra buttons directly to your clothing, unless you aim to draw scorn from your fellow compatriots and/or solicitations from our more single soldiers.

As always, wrap these needed items up in a fine piece of canvas. A 12" X 8" sheet will work nicely. After hemming the edges on all four sides of the strip, fold about one third of the material up length-wise. Stitch the sides of this fold to form a neat, little pouch. Then stitch divisions into the pouch, where necessary, for your scissors and thread. Buttons and needles can be stitched or pinned into the fabric as well. Fold the top flap down and roll it up. Keep this handy until the next "uh oh" arises.

NEWSLETTER ITEMS

Items for the newsletter must be received by the 15th of the month to be published in that months issue. This will help us make our dead line for mailing by the 20th. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

Pete & Lauri Phillips

EVENT SCHEDULE

Apr 25-26: Oak Creek, WI (Spring Muster)
May 23-24: Vincennes, IN
Jun 13-14: Kenosha, WI
Jun 27-28: So. Milwaukee, WI
Jul 11-12: Indianapolis, IN
Aug 1-2: Wheaton, IL (Cantigny)
Aug 14-16: Quebec, Canada
Sep 5-6: Fredonia, WI
Sep 19-20: Vernon Hills, IL
Oct 10-11: W. Lafayette, IN (Feast)
Oct 31-Nov L Kalamazoo (Gun Show)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

This section is for the announcement of Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. Please forward this information to Lauri or Pete Phillips and we will make a special announcement in the issue that corresponds with that month.