Author Archives: kathousekelli70

To Dye For

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Yes, nice little play on words there. 🙂

I have started the recreation process of the 'Eva' outfit from Hell on Wheels for my friend Belle Vaquera.

 

The underskirt is complete, with built in petticoat.

 

The overskirt is now taking shape with the gold skirt finished, it is waiting on the teal and burgundy chiffon overlay.

 

Fabric acquired. Fringing acquired………supposed to be cranberry. 😦

 

Not to worry, after a bit of sort after advice let's just dye it!

So yesterday in between spurts of B-Western shirts and lunch I decided to give it a crack.

Cut 1 small sample, put on pot of water/dye solution, boil said piece for 15mins. Ahh success! It is a deeper colour and more in tune with the chiffon and bodice fabric. Yippee!

 

……..many hours later, I return to switch lights off in the study and see that my sample piece – now dry – is no different to how it was that morning!!

 

Sigh, well, I know it needs to be in the dye longer and now I know it will be the whole lot of dye, not much water, salt or vinegar to set and leave it for 30mins plus. That can be this afternoons task.

Have a colourful day!

Kat xo

P.S. In my quest to have things as close as possible to the real deal, I have finally come up with a way to do the gold embroidery that I'll be happy with and whilst doing yoga this morning have worked out the edge trim. As Mum would say 'a blind man on a galloping horse wouldn't see it' if it wasn't there……but I would 😉 xo

 

Days of Truth – The Truth Is In The Packing

Posted on by kathousekelli70

One, two, shuffle my shoe

Three, four, just a corset more

Five, six, ammo in the mix

Seven, eight, pack them straight

Nine, ten, weigh it again!

Cowgirl packing, minimalist style. (she says rolling her eyes)

 

The truth was definitely in the packing. 4 bloomers, 5 tops, 6 corsets, saloon skirt, petticoat, 1 pr shooting boots, 1 pr cowboy boots, 1 pr saloon boots, casual clothes, jewellery, a wig, 1 hat, rig and 5kg/11lb of ammo.

Think I did pretty good actually, phew, that was tough going!

Now ready for SASS European Championships – 'Days of Truth' in Oparany, Czech Republic. We don't leave until 2nd August but we are ready!

 

A busy week ahead, wishing you a good one too!

Kat xo

 

Wednesday Hump Day

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It's mid week and all down hill to the end of the week from here.

Headed to the range for practice today with 17 other brave souls in the heat. At 8.30am this morning we were already at 82F/28C and closer to 96F/35.5C by the time we were finishing at lunch time. Just another normal summer day and with the humidity, very much like shooting at home in Queensland.

 

Looking forward to shooting on Sunday for the club match and one more practice before we go to Czech Republic!

The last couple of weeks have been busy too besides the birthdays etc. managed to make myself a new saloon outfit and just finished the corset today. Grommets to two and it's on to shirts!

 

Hope you are having a sensational week!

Kat xo

 

What A Tangled Web We Weave

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I've been doing these Tom Mix inspired jackets for Jack and I for some time now.

We first saw the shell jacket in one of our very first visits to the Oklahoma History Centre which was quite opportune at the time as they had a whole section on famous Oklahomans.

Right in the door way was a Tom Mix exhibit with his shell jacket (c.1935 from what I can tell from the plaque) a saddle and pictures.

Having wandered through the rest of the exhibit hall it really struck me that this would make a pretty neat costume and I should have a crack at it!

 

So a few photos later it's been sitting on the back burner for about 3 years, fabric purchased probably about 2 years. A good test of the soutache skills led to some eye rolling, tantrum throwing days but eventually a result that I was reasonably happy with!

A split/riding skirt for me and a new pair of duds for Jack – in coordinating fabric – and then it was procrastinate, research and procrastinate some more over the shoulder boards.

More super eye rolling and research eventuated in finding xmarksthescot.com and their question/how-to regarding the making of shoulder boards. Yes thank you! A decent blog/internet response regarding 'how to make shoulder boards'!

So step 1 – skip the part about some program that helps you develop some template on how to make a shoulder board.

Looks about an inch apart………that will do she says! Let's do this!

 

Step 2 – out to the shed. Acquire a scrap piece of timber from Jack, yep that'll do, and look at pic again from Internet conversation. We can do this!

 

Step 3 – draw up (a presumed) 1″ grid on piece of timber as per picture. Got it! Sorted!

 

Step 4 – nails, find nails, yep, hot enough. Hammer nails in to create a 'loom' type piece for making shoulder board weave on.

 

Step 5 – acquire internet picture again. Yep, should be able to do this……..get so far and use drawing to complete required weaving pattern.

 

Step 6 – follow through with braid again as per instructions. Hmmmm yeah, nup, not liking this look.

 

I decided that the 3mm flat soutache braid is too narrow and flimsy looking, not the required look I'm going for so it was off to Jo-Ann's and Hobby Lobby. I settled on some coordinating braid that would probably work and set about to again make the shoulder boards.

 

I will add the guy was right when he said the easing and tightening of the weave took longer than the actual weaving itself. Eventually I got 4 even looking epaulettes I was happy with.

Next I needed matching military braids. How am I going to make these? Back to google I go, found a link and a YouTube video by Tieing It All Together. You ripper, here we go!

So two goes and I got it! Yee Haa!

 

Had also ordered bugle cord ends – usually used on bolo ties – and completed the cord end.

 

Hmmm not too bad.

Oh and I did a bit more research on Tom Mix, he was actually born in Pennsylvannia but did spend a lot of time in Oklahoma?? I know the saloon in Guthrie has a claim to fame with Tom Mix having tendered there and the Tom Mix Museum is in Dewey, so I guess Oklahoma can claim him as one of their own.

Have a good one!

Kat xo

 

Succeed or not succeed?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Well the pavlova itself was outstanding – even if I do say so myself. Very happy with that, didn't sink much either considering I cracked the oven so it would cool quicker.

The cream that I had whipped ahead of time……never had trouble doing this in Aus……had gone soft or runny and before I could stop myself after one spoonful had put the whole lot on top.

Probably should have tried whipping it again before putting on.

Berries went on and slid off or sunk….grrrr.

 

But all in all, was still a success, tasted good, cooked to perfection, can safely say have conquered this! Next time will do again and whip cream last so I get the total awesome effect instead of half assed. So much for trying to be organised…sigh.

Yum!

Kat xo

 

Making the elusive Pav!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Man, I've attempted this dessert before (Christmas 2014) without much success and what resulted in a brownish flat mess that tasted like pavlova and could be covered up with cream etc. you get the drift.

So for today's BBQ I decide I need to make it again after being inspired by Myskal's version for the Shanley's.

What is a pavlova I hear you say? It is a staple dessert for Australians during summer festivities, usually at Christmas time. However all credit goes to the land of the long white cloud as it originated from New Zealand. Hence my inclusion of Myskal 'cause that's where she is from! 🙂

So back to the dessert attempt. I think I have this gig pretty much sussed out when I find a Donna Hay recipe (famous chef in Australia) and think that is pretty easy – again perhaps slightly delusional about my pav making skills!

 

So let's have a crack! Got the egg whites (went for a carton of them from the store), got a ton of bakers sugar (otherwise known as caster sugar in Aus), got my whisk, although I seriously do miss my KitchenAid. Clean bowl, everything prepped ready to roll.

 

Okay so this is taking forever, only managing some sort of thickness where at least I can tip the bowl sideways and nothing falls out.

 

She'll be jake, should be right to add sugar!?!

Okay so recipe says add tablespoon at a time, waiting 30secs in between each. Rightio, timer on, let's go, I get through painfully a cup and a half of sugar and all I've got is this runny marshmallowy looking mess. Not….happy…Jan! (No reference to anyone in particular here, this was a line from a tv ad in Aus years ago, works for lots of things and is a bit kinder on the ears! Lol!)

 

Into the bin!

Next start next batch, everything clean, dry etc. stupid………same thing! Ahhhhh this is frustrating! Ditch another batch of gooey marshmallowy substance.

Right! It'll be fun they said. (Rolls eyes and cussing here) go to real egg whites. Web tips say egg whites should be room temperature. My ass, haven't got time for that! Stuff the whisk, going to the beaters too!

 

Ta-dah!!! Holy cow it freaking worked!

 

Let's move into the addition of sugar, while adding gradually I gave it quick sharp beats to keep peaks! It's working, it's…working….! Didn't wait 30sec's in between either.

 

Next throw in the vinegar and give it another whip up! Sensational! Think I finally nailed it!

Now how does that saying go? The proof is in the baking!? Yeah something like that. Well it's looking pretty bloody special at the moment!

 

Half an hour in to baking and it is still holding form! Yes, happy dance or excited typing in my case!

 

Yippee!

Kat xo

Lol, I know you want the after pic right? You'll have to wait til later 😉

 

Independence Day, 4th of July

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Happy Birthday to me!….and some others that I know – Trail Boss, Sweet Sherry and someone else I was told of lately but have forgotten…

The true meaning of the 4th of July however occurred in 1776 with the Continental Congress declaring Independence of the 13 colonies, now known as the United States of America, no longer a part of the British Empire.

It is written that Independence was actually declared two days earlier on the 2nd of July. Congress however reviewed the declaration and final approval came two days later on the 4th.

John Adams (who later became the 2nd president) wrote to his wife stating the day (well the 2nd but he was a bit off) shall be celebrated with ‘pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations…….’

On the first anniversary of their Independence in 1777, Bristol, Rhode Island fired 13 gunshots in the morning and again in the evening…..I guess celebrations have grown proportionately since then!!

Today it is celebrated with backyard bbq’s, visits to the lake, parades, American flags, red,white and blue bunting, fireworks and more!

 

The 4th is apparently the largest day of travel within the US as well, so for all of you commemorating your past forefathers of your fine country, travel safely wherever you may be headed.

Looking forward to fireworks tonight! Yippee!

Cheers

Kat xo

Happy Birthday to meeeee. It’s now 12.03333. (am in the morning, night!!)

 

Cushing, OK

Posted on by kathousekelli70

After a week of nothing, we had to do something! By nothing I mean no shooting! Lol!

We headed to Cushing, Oklahoma to Scott Wayne's range and along with 12 other keen beans – with about two thirds having just arrived back from Hell On Wheels in Wyoming, or End Of Trail in New Mexico – it was apparent that we just couldn't get enough.

It was hot and humid so actually a little more uncomfortable than the dry heat of New Mexico.

I swear you would not have thought some of us had even appeared at the World Championships after some of our stages but we kept smiling and just laughed it off none the less.

After 6 great stages, a split pistol stage, a run-down, a 'take your shotgun' with you stage, we finished up with hotdogs and chatter before taking the one hour drive back home.

Thanks Scott Wayne for a great Sunday morning!

Cheers peeps!

Kat xo

 

Regroup

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Unpacking is done, 2 more loads of washing are in their final stages of drying, brass is tumbling, shells are ready for reloading and other gear is stashed.

Time to regroup and get ready for the next round!

Having got back to Oklahoma on Monday evening yesterday and even today has been spent wandering around, feeling worn out, not concentrating on any one thing for more than a few seconds but slowly getting through it.

End Of Trail is done, friends have all gone their separate ways and it's time to get organised again.

I'm still dreading the ironing, that I loathe with a passion, but i'll get there. The machines are calling me and I'm itching to get into another eclectic mix of cowgirl wedding attire, day of the dead and another Hell On Wheels costume.

One bag was put away and 3 more came down from the attic ready for Days of Truth in Oparåny, Czech Republic! Looking forward to a bit of Prague and Germany in a months time. Stay tuned for that trip!


The trophy is in the cabinet and it's time to reset and move on to a new set of goals!

 

Here's to you and yours! Wherever you may be, hope you got back safely from End Of Trail and we will see you somewhere down the trail.

Kat xo

 

End Of Trail 2017 Cowboy Action World Championships

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The 'town' has filled with more cowboy's and cowgirl's from all around the world, ready to test their skills and compete for their World Championship ranking.

This year there were 17 from Australia, 7 from New Zealand, at least 2 from the Netherlands and Canada, and a few from Germany. My apologies if there were more from other countries.

The match this year 'A Tribute to Clint Eastwood' westerns. The NRA Firearms Museum had a fabulous display of all guns used by Clint Eastwood in films or by others in films he had directed. Such a neat display! EMF Firearms also had some excellent firearms and a beautiful piece fully engraved and gold plated from The Museum of Confederacy Spirit – an edition of 500.


Thursday was a great start to the main match, starting on the late wave with Posse 29. On our posse led by Shamrock Sadie, we had Knot Hardly Dunn, Christian Mortician, Trail Bandit, Randy Saint Eagle, Papa Dave, Reno Mustang, Dodge City Dixie, Wild Horse John, Trigger Happy Ted, Misty Rider, Avery Wade, Tombstone John, Red Johnson, Pancho Sin Lefty, Lucky Boy, Jackaroo and of course me, Kathouse Kelli.


Most of the week but particularly Thursday and Friday were hot! Think the statistics for this year's match was 1800 gallons of water (?) and this one I do remember 97 gallons of Gatorade. A personal thanks to Dusty Garnet and EZ-GZ for your medical aid and driving up and down the range keeping everyone hydrated, to the rest of the waddies for keeping the water containers constantly topped up. Even though we always have some with us, it's never enough and we so appreciate it.


Side match awards were held on Friday night in the main tent and I must say again thanks to Santa Fe Brewing Company for sponsoring SASS, the bar was frequented often. Congratulations to all side match winners. I picked up one for the .22 pistol – thanks Dixie Bell for allowing me to use yours!


It was a great mix of side match winners this year!

Saturday we had the early shift. With an overcast sky and much cooler temperatures it made for a pleasant start of the final shooting day. All wrapped up! What's done, is done now and Sunday would see what the outcome would be.

Saturday evening for the banquet and best dressed costume contests started well. There were some sensational entries this year with myself, Texas Flower, Shotglass and Dixie Bell placing in the Best Dressed Ladies. Jack had entered his first costume contest ever as Thomas Durant (Hell On Wheels, S4, Ep1) but I should have had him in the Silver Screen category. 😦 Never mind, he did a great job, we just need to get the right hat sorted for him and he will enter again. Got Artie from Major Photography to work his magic and subsequently he has this amazing photo now.

 

After the costume contests were done and the band was on, it was a quick change up and Mary-Lou July made her first solo appearance at EOT. She said she'd been to the Doily Gang Clinic, had her own badge and she had learnt some gun twirling skills from Lightning Buck McGaw (learnt that and practiced in 2 afternoons). Mary-Lou July helped out Sassy Dancer, Shamrock Sadie, Ruby Jewel and Hey You with the announcements of the Top 8 Mens and Ladies Wild Bunch and Top 16 Cowboy's and Cowgirl's for the shootout.

 

The band played, Mary-Lou danced and danced. People had a great time, Jack was busy trying to sell land plots as his Thomas Durant persona and having a few drinks at every stop I'm guessing. Haa Haa Haa! Got him home, just before midnight and I think he had the best nights sleep he'd had in a long time!

 

Shootout took place Sunday morning. R C Shot from QLD, Australia made it in the Wild Bunch and I made it into the Cowgirl's. We used a magnetic board this year, with Sadie and Sassy having done most of the work on this one, it was fantastic, everyone had been randomly drawn and paired up the night before when announced. Then as each one dropped out we could re pair them for the next round and everyone could see who was shooting against who.

The winners of the Wild Bunch Shootout were Captain Sam Evans and Texas Tiger. For the Cowboy Shootout it was Matt Black and Texas Tiger (she is the First Lady to have won both shootout's at the one match)

 

Down to the nitty gritty and it's a huge congratulations to all who placed in their respective categories!

Let's start with the Aussie's:

  • Clean Match – Sam Balin, Chuck, Ex Sighted, The Trapper from Oz.
  • Posse Spirit of the Game Award – Chuck, Deadwood Gunslinger.
  • Category Placings – KT, 4th Place Junior Girls. Sam Balin, 3rd Place Silver Senior Duelist. RC Shot, 6th Place Wrangler. Kathouse Kelli, 1st Place World Champion Lady Wrangler. Ex Sighted, 6th Place Lady Wrangler. Sister Sarah Carnegie, 2nd Place Lady Gunfighter. Pearl Starr, 7th Place Lady 49ers. Chuck, 7th Place 49ers. Jackaroo, 5th Place Silver Senior.

 

This is where we cross over into the Oklahoman's – The Territorial Marshal's faired well and we will include Deadeye Dillard as well 😉

  • Clean Match – Bashful Kate, Greenhill Bart, Highland Scottie (and forgive me if I didn't take note of anyone)
  • Posse Spirit of the Game Award – Grady County Kid
  • Category Placings – Grady County Kid, 4th Place Buckaroo. Roadrunner, 4th Place Frontier Cartridge Duelist. Lady Roadrunner, 10th Place Lady 49ers. Greenhill Bart, 4th Place B-Western. Deadeye Dillard, 3rd Place Cowboy. Jackaroo, 5th Place Silver Senior. Three, yes three World Champions – Kathouse Kelli, 1st Lady Wrangler. Missouri Mae, 1st Lady 49er. Roy's Creek Dan, 1st Senior.

 

Congratulations to the 2017 World Champion overall winners – Matt Black and SASSkicker!

 

Thanks must surely go to Lassiter and Deuce Stevens for a great match, to SASS, the Wild Bunch, Misty, the girls and just everyone who helps 'git er done!' Sensational work as always.

 

That's it…..goodbyes are said, tears are shed, friends will be missed. Safe travels to each and everyone know matter how far you came.

 

Kat xo