Sunday, February 27, 2011

'Folding An 18th Century Letter'

I have spent the morning searching websites for answers. I knew I would find a solution eventually and I have. Folding letters in the 18th and 19th Centuries was obviously easy for those who lived in those times, however, for me, not so easy!

Well, I started out with a video that showed me how to fold a letter; I thought I was going well until, I realised it was a Japanese website detailing the art of 18th Century Japanese letter folding. After mastering Japanese letter art I moved onto finding what I needed.

Before long I found a PDF file containing instructions. It was a teaching tool for how to take a class in folding 18th Century letters. So after taking the option of printing it off, I began developing my folding skills.

After a few tries at it, I was able to fold my first replica of an 18th Century letter. I am proud of myself, even if it is a small accomplishment.

So now I have to master the art of putting both the folding with the actual letter writing.

Before I know it, I will be writing letters to all my friends. I am not sure they will be able to read them, but they will receive them nonetheless!

I have the quill, I have the ink; now all I need is Jane Austen's desk to feel exactly like I am in the 18th Century, somehow I think the last request is not possible!

Folding letters is a dying art! It is fun to try though!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

'The Expense of Props'

I knew when I started this project, that to make things authentic I would have to purchase some props. This weekend has started out with some more purchases. A feathered quill, blotting paper and a beautiful wax seal stamp can be added to the collection.

I am excited about how the project will turn out; it helps, knowing I have the right equipment. I want the photographs to be as true to the experience as possible, allowing for the reader to gain a sense of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

It is with these extra props that I can experience what Jane Austen wrote about in her novels; the domestic rituals of the middle class ladies of that time. Although, I will be re-creating some of the domestic duties associated with the housekeeping staff.

I am hoping to gain new skills in writing; which would include being able to master the art of writing with a quill. I hope to get a new appreciation for my washing machine by experiencing the washboard option and as I have stated before sewing is not one of my strong points. As I already wear glasses, I am sure that reading under candlelight will be a challenge.

I am still unsure as to how I will heat up my cast iron so I can iron all those pieces of lace I have lying around! I will, however, find a way. The only thing I haven't purchased as yet is a needlework project I can do. I will try to find something simple! Again I am not particularly gifted in this vocation!

With these small activities in mind and a few more lined up, I will start my project as soon as I have my costume made!

The expense has been high, but I think it is going to be worth it!

The Jane Austen Experience is coming slowly together!

Friday, February 25, 2011

'Deciding On A Title'

Today's class was about decisions; what to write as a proposal and a working title for our projects. Although I had, what I considered to be the title of mine, I was taken back by the thought that maybe, just maybe my title may not be one which would sell.

I sat there trying to think of an alternative. Without any success, I again tried but all I could come up with was a switch around of the words I had already chosen. So I have come to the conclusion that I should stick to the original.

I am quintessentially a visual person, so to have a title ready makes sense to me. I cannot work on something if it does not have a title ready. I know this about myself so it wasn't really a surprise that I couldn't come up with anything!

I have also decided to work on some written content before trying to set myself a proposal. I did try but unfortunately, no go. With this idea clear in my mind, The Jane Austen Experience must have some structured writing before I will officially call it a project that is worthy.

So my goal this next coming week is to write something interesting; something someone would like to read!

Well here's to hoping!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

'All Things Sewing'

In my past few posts, I have been a little stressed as to how I was going to sew my costume. Well all is not lost when you have been offered help from many friends and family.

I was lucky to get an amazing offer from someone who is extremely skilled at sewing and dressmaking. I did have to turn them down because of schedule problems, but I am endeavouring to soldier on and sew it myself.

So, where am I up to?

My Pride and Prejudice costume is still in the development stage but it is also one step closer. I have just gone out and purchased the material, the colours are beautiful; creams and browns. I also bought the ribbons and braids in same tones and some very modern but interesting wooden buttons. I have also bought some calico for practice; which I was advised was a good idea!

The thought entered my mind that I may need a bonnet; because I am doing household chores for most of the activities, I thought a very stylish muslin cap was more appropriate. With this in mind I purchased the very light material needed to sew one.

I am getting excited about this project and all that is involved in creating something unique. I think I will even gain some new skills. So before I know it, I will have my costume ready and we can begin to photograph some of the tasks.

All I need to do is brush up on those sewing skills I learnt in High School! I hope they help! Anyway, I am looking forward to trying.

So stay reading to see how it all turns out!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

'Interview Questions'

Since my last post I have been working on my interview questions. I started with a nice thank you and got straight in with a famous quote from Pride and Prejudice. The first question is their thoughts on the quote and whether they have a favourite quote from Jane Austen's novels.I always find it difficult to ask the right questions; although I have succeeded in writing sixteen on the page.

It is also hard to know what questions to ask, when you are interviewing the person by email. There are things you think about when you are face to face and you ask them, then and there. This email interview is rather unorthodox but it is my only option; unless I want to fly to Kenya and Canberra whilst trying to study.

To include the results in my project will however be a dilemma: where do I put it? What chapter? Well, I am thinking the interview may best be placed just before the photo/diary chapter. This will flow easily from one to the other.

I am also thinking about whether I should ask the same questions for both interviews. I am sure if I ask the same questions then it will be easier to combine into the chapter.

Jane Austen is now included in every waking thought and I am even dreaming about putting together this book. I am getting closer to maybe sewing my own costume; I was able to gain the support of my mother, who can read a pattern in 'yards'. Of course as we know I cannot!

Well, today I am going to continue the interview process and hopefully finish the first draft of the questions.

All is quiet in the house! Quick, get some work done!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

'Costume Dilemma'

It has been an interesting time this week, trying to organise what I am going to do about a costume. The original plan was to sew my own, but I am finding that task a little daunting.

I have been able to chase up some costumes that are relevant for the Regency period, but again these will cost me money anyway, so I am torn by the decision.

Yes, to hire such a costume would make my life easier; but who said this project was suppose to be easy! I have already purchased the pattern off Ebay and was intending to sew my own. What does all this babbling mean? Well I expected a few hiccups along the way, but not this soon.

This must be one of those times where I am second guessing myself. I will however, overcome this small but intrusive hiccup and move forward.

It is clear, that to be in this project, I need to envelope myself in the difficult parts so that I can experience all that Jane Austen's characters and the women of that time experienced.

I guess I have answered my own question!

Sewing a dress cannot be that hard! Can it?

Onward and Upward!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

'Resources and Sources'

Jane Austen's writing as we know, was and is exceptional. I must say that this project is fun but there is a downside to all this fun. My doubts do not lie with putting together the information I need, however my doubts come from, the idea that will anybody want to read my opinions!

Since my first post, I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from fellow students and family. It has been extroadinary how much people are willing to help me.

I was just starting to think about what resources and sources I could find, when, out of the blue, Kate Smyth jumps to the rescue with several books belonging to her, and some belonging to her mother. Also Adelle Brereton has been able to add to my props, with an ink well and pen.

I greatly appreciate all the support and I now understand the power of Jane Austen and her writing. Jane's influence stretches far from her writing desk and into the hearts of 21st Century readers and of course writers.

It is clear that this task lays heavily on my shoulders: to not damage the reputation of this incredible writer; to somehow entertain those who also love Jane Austen and to create something that I can say I am proud of.

So, where does this project stand at the moment. I have been in contact with a lady who resides in Kenya, who may turn out to be the person I interview; she has also given me a contact in Australia. I have also sent an email to this lady and I am hoping to get a reponse.

I have not yet been to purchase the material for the costume; however I am also chasing up some other options.

I did say that I was intending to include a chapter on the adaptations of her books to films; I have decided to put this together as an opinion piece; what I think of the films including the BBC series and how much of the books contents are excluded.

So I think at this stage I have a plan! I hope it is a good plan!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

'Searching High and Low'

Well my search for props began yesterday when I found myself at two different material retailers. I seemed to walk for a good hour in search of the right material. I did find some interesting fabrics; but I am not quite sure what I am looking at!
I gave up after an hour at each store and headed home for a well earned cup of green tea!

The search continued today (Sunday) for those elusive props needed to ensure my project did not fail. This time it was not material I was looking for, but objects of heavier weight.

First; we (my husband and I) went to the local market in search of an old cast iron for ironing your clothes; although of course we could not find one. Instead I bought a lovely trinket box for $4 and a souvenir Eiffel Tower for a $1. The search then continued at the Mill Markets in Ballarat, but unfortunately no luck! We then headed for the large Antique Centre in Humffray Street North to no avail.
By this time my stomach was crying out for food so we headed for Craig's Hotel for some lunch and then a cuppa. When we were almost on our last legs we headed to a crammed but incredibly interesting antique store in Lydiard Street North; at last we were successful!

I was able to find all that I was looking for: an antique cast iron;a wooden washboard; and a 'Wee-Willie-Winkie' candlestick holder! Above all the man at the store was extremely helpful and I got a discount too!

So, at this stage all I need to do is somehow interpret the pattern and get sewing! Above all it was a fun day searching through the mounds of antique items to find what I needed.

My tired legs and sore feet tell me it was a productive day! My husband; well he is stretched out in his recliner snoozing!

The Jane Austen Experience is one step closer!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

'My 'Pride and Prejudice' Project Begins'

With a pattern in hand and some interesting ideas, I will embark on a project that will take me into the world of Jane Austen.

What sort of project you ask?

A journey into the experience of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey. One which will take a lot of perseverance and some Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century know how! Considering I never lived two hundred years ago; this will be a challenge.

I will need to research all I can to succeed!

The project will run over a year and throughout the year I will gain a small glimpse into Jane Austen's world.

I guess you are wondering how I am going to do this in such a technologically advanced world; I won't be experiencing it twenty-four hours a day for the whole year. I will just experience different aspects of that time in a 24 hour period.

For instance: I am not a sewing person! I will however, be sewing my own costume; wearing it for a day, to see what it was like to be constrained by so many layers.

There will be failure; there will be tears; I am sure I will want to give up, but I will be writing this blog (as a diary) to document my journey; my research and my year!

My first hiccup has already revealed itself! I am baffled at the pattern details: I cannot read a pattern! What does 3 3/4 Yd mean? I am sewing illiterate! Anyway that is what Mother's are for!

So I hope you will stay tuned; take the journey with me and experience a little of Jane Austen's world!