But I've been doing some thinking, about what to do with this blog once I've completed these massive projects. So, I'm considering some things, and I'm just going to throw some ideas out there.
First off, after I recieve my feedback about it, is to bring information I've gained about stays and comfort and take my dissertation and 'blog-ify' it. I really want to share what I know because, frankly, I'm really fed up with this whole screwed up mentality that women wore stays too tight, all the time, and had messed up bodies, health issues, etc strictly due to the fact that 'all' women tight laced their stays and stays were uncomfortable. I'm really, really, really, really, fed up with that, simply, wrong point of view that has been tainted by many aspects. However, with that, I can't lie when I say that I am not concerned about someone taking my research and my information from blogsphere and using it to their own devices. I put in a lot of work on this dissertation, and though it is not publish, since it is a master's thesis it qualifies as unpublished research that should be cited. I do know that there have been some people in blogsphere that take other people's research and pass it off as their own, and since I've done my degree in costume history, I don't want this to happen to me. Of course, if someone wishes to use my information and cite me, that's a different story, but I am not a fan of stealing other people's research.
Another issue with this, is I don't want to piss off the British museum and other sources by using their images illegally (pot calling the kettle black, basically). Also, I have images from my personal research that I am not allowed to use without permission (reasons why on the forum I often say I've seen but never post pictures, it's because I don't want to get in trouble, because more than likely, I actually have the pictures.)
So that's where I stand. I really want to start posting about the research I've done or am doing, but I have to figure out how to do it without threatening my academic credibility.
Another thing I am thinking about is what my next projects will be after I finish Fredrik's costume and my gown. So here is what I am thinking of for future projects, and not all of these have to do with 18th century.
1. A woman's quilted waistcoat (they're so easy in pattern, I think it might actually be fun because it's strictly a decorative project compared to construction.)
2. Officially start learning how to drape and try and drape my own gown or jacket or something. Probably for my mom. She's becoming the next Tasha Tudor.
3. Bust out my Tudor Tailor book and begin working on a Tudor gown. I have to be honest, I don't know which love came first, Tudor England (go Anne Boleyn!) or 18th century. Probably Tudor, and I have spent a lot of personal time studying the costumes, and I just think it's time to finally go into doing one right. I really hate seeing costumes that are just not up to snuff. The fits are just wrong wrong wrong (The other Boleyn girl anyone?) And it drives me bonkers. So I think a proper gown is next on the list. Nothing too over the top, though.
4. Looking further into Edwardian gowns and fashion. Spending a year in the UK has brought the First World War into my mindsphere, and I'm extremely taken with the elegence of Edwardian clothing. I think it would be quite fun to try my hand at this style. Also, their corsetry looks like a good time. :)
And finally, I'm developing my Christmas list, to finally complete my costume book collection, and sewing needs. I have to have something to do this winter at home...depending on my unemployment. :)
Ok, time to go sew sleeves.