Edwardian Hat Making

Posted on February 7, 2015 by kathousekelli70

I was asked by a couple of ladies from the club if I would like to Attend an Edwardian Hat Making class at the Oklahoma History Centre. Well yeah! A day out, didn't have a shoot on and to learn something new? Of course!

So today was the day. Met up with 'Sagebrush Sadie' and 'I B Real Slow' at the History Centre and together with 5 other ladies we sat and listened to Barbara regale us with stories of her various persona's she plays whilst giving education classes, history enactments etc. A lovely lady.

This class was well worth it just for her stories, however did learn new tips for making Edwardian hats. Time period you might ask? 1901 to 1910.

You know, the big hats with feathers, flowers and as much as you can fit on it just about.

Well not being one to be totally unprepared I did some research into gowns and period clothing from this time as I usually sit well in the 1870'-1880's. I didn't know whether there would be choices I would have to make so I searched for ideas so I could make a hat and later make the clothing to match.

I was getting a little ahead of myself because all supplies were of the same colouring of which I am grateful for the tuition anyway. NOW however (and I know I could have worked it out for myself should I have wanted to engage in this time period) I am wanting to indulge one day in an Edwardian outfit and of course up to 1910 still fits with SASS ladies.

Now I have visions of loveliness in cream lace and fabrics of muted colours with trims and a gorgeous voluminous hat of epic proportions!!

So thank you to Sarah of the Oklahoma History centre, in charge of class schedules and the lovely Barbara and her other volunteer assistants for a great day.

Oh! Did I tell you we got to make a hat pin as well? And 'Velvet Glove', Barbara also knows the secret of 'flag wire'! I have to make more.

Thank you lovely ladies for inviting me to go with you today, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers

Kat xo

P.S. Lunch was provided with class and had the backdrop of the Oklahoma State Capitol with the Winnie Mae of course!

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Work Shirkers Wednesday

Posted on February 4, 2015 by kathousekelli70

Shirk – avoid or neglect responsibility. Slang for dodging work!!

A great start to the day and out for the monthly mid week Cowboy Practice Match. We had a roll up of 10 brave souls for 6 stages but really the weather was quite nice for the first 4 stages until the temperature started to drop significantly. Good fun as always!

We installed the next window into the Mercantile before hand and now only have 1 left to do – well partially anyway. It's progressing well.

If we get approval and time, keep your eye out for other added props at Land Run or the Southwest Regional – Red Dirt Rampage.

We have been privileged to be able to add a little Aussie spirit into the Territorial Marshal's club. Thank you!

Kat xo

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Practice In The Sun

Posted on January 27, 2015 by kathousekelli70

…….I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee, a place where even squares can have a ball…,,,,we still wave old glory down at the court house, and white lightning's stil the biggest thrill of all….,, Just a bit of Merle Haggard on the way to the range. As you do!

It's beautiful t-shirt weather, so we're off for some practice! Don't worry, it's supposed to get cold again and normal winter temps by Thursday.

We got the range all set and after some reasonable practice and seeing a few cowboy's, it was time to pack up and move on out.

A late stop for Pops famous Edmond Burger, well I think they are. Cheese, mushrooms, bacon……yum! And Tuesday's they are half price. Jack had an OKC Burger. A zero calorie soda is pretty pointless when you have a burger but I really like the Jones Zilch Vanilla Bean Soda!

We've been to Pops a few times, still a great icon on the Route 66 and visited by many. Some days you can wait 45minutes to get a table in here.

With over 500 varieties of sodas and some great food it is frequented often by travellers and in particular bikers. Summertime, holidays and weekends will see the car park full.

Man, that was almost an advertisement blurb right there! Lol!

Hope you've had a good day, no matter what the weather.

Kat xo

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Week or So In Review

Posted on January 26, 2015 by kathousekelli70

Wow! Today Started off beautifully and as I sat in the chair in the bedroom gazing out the window, I noticed signs of perhaps an early Spring at the onset. Looks like new buds might be starting to form on the trees!

The afternoon has just finished with a stunning sunset after a record breaking 77F/25C day. Doors were open for fresh air and sunshine filtering in.

Anyway enough excitement about the weather.

The last couple of weeks have been busy getting back into sewing, shooting and general good living.

We've been to movies, seeing Unbroken, American Sniper and Imitation Game. Yes, you can probably see a pattern here. All truly great in their own right, but I have to say Clint Eastwood in his directing capacity nails it every time and the total silence during the credits at the end of American Sniper was quite humbling. Not one person in the whole packed cinema made a sound and walked out of that theatre in silence as a sign of respect. Very moving.

My youngest daughter had her 'Swearing In Ceremony' meeting all requirements to join the Australian Defence Force Academy and has launched herself into a career straight out of finishing high school. A dedicated and determined young lady that I am very proud of.

Congratulations Officer Cadet Curstin B. Prentice! Can't wait to see her in uniform.

Jacks been working on another gun cart which is progressing nicely and still regularly visiting Home Depot and Lowes, oh and Aces Hardware! Plus he's been getting us prepared for all the upcoming shoots and all the neat new places we will see in our travels along the way.

Tomorrow as the weather is supposed to be superb again, we will head out to the range for some practice and being Tuesday its half price hamburgers at the Route 66 icon, Pops!

Anyway got more prop painting to finish of a night time! So back into it!

Cheers

Kat xo

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Load, Shoot, Repeat

Posted on January 19, 2015 by kathousekelli70

It was a great weekend in Fort Smith with 45 turning up Saturday for the club match with 15 on Sunday. The days are quite pleasant and not toooooo cold in the morning at the moment.

The clear blue skies, no breeze and reasonable temperatures has continued into Monday. 70F/21C So what else do you do on a perfect Oklahoma day but head out to the range for some practice?!

Spent a couple of hours at the range running some drills, a few stages and a few test runs of Wild Bunch pistol because believe it or not I now have a front sight! Thanks to Snake Oil George it appears to be running well. Took me a little bit to get the right picture as I've been used to not having it for almost 4 months!

As the sun goes down, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!

See ya!

Kat

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Convention Close Out

Posted on January 18, 2015 by kathousekelli70

A little delayed in getting this out but we will do it anyway.

So Wednesday (7th Jan) as we saw, started with breakfast at Schilo's and then a bit of a walk along part of the Riverwalk. Bit of goofing off at a Mexican Restaurant with a photo opportunity. Hmm might make a good prop for Wild Bunch?!

We made a visit to the Alamo epitaph, the souvenir shop and garden and after a couple few drinks catching up with Cowboys and Cowgirls, returned later to view the exhibition in the shrine – Firearms of the Texas Frontier.

Interesting fact: there are several State and International flags in the Alamo with tags and a number on them. So enquiring minds set to find out from one of the curators or volunteers what they meant. The numbers represent how many 'Texians' originated from that particular area. For example England 11, Tennessee 16, and many others from Pennsylvania, Ireland, Spain to name but a few.

Then onto the long barracks to view the video and artefacts including William B Travis ring that he hung around infant, Angelina Dickinson's neck, prior to the battle. Susanna Dickinson's and her daughter Angelina were one of the few women and children who survived the massacre at The Alamo.

Thursday 8th called for dress up, Convention Opening breakfast and Awards preceded with the colour guard. Many seminars were to be attended within The Menger and of course visits down the road to the convention centre for vendors, book signings and stage shows.

The Marriachi band provided some entertainment in the mean time.

Got plenty of walking in between and photo opportunities for the public as we paraded the streets in our Victorian and cowboy clothing.

Here we are with Lily Marie in the Menger foyer. Gorgeous paintings and antique furniture just right for our gowns.

Thursday evening was cocktail hour with the acknowledgement of the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees. Congratulations to Chuckaroo, Half-a-Hand Henri, Two Sons, Cowboys and Indian Store – Jim Bowie and Palewolf Brunelle (who was unable to attend) for all your efforts in the world of cowboy action shooting.

Friday 9th and time for more dress up, seminars, vendors, sitting in the bar and of course the Victorian Tea (I was lucky to gain a ticket for this and would never miss it at another Convention!).

Petit Foires, finger sandwiches and a selection of teas were the perfect afternoon setting for elegantly dressed women AND a few gentlemen to enjoy conversation and literature readings by Green Eyed Gypsy. Her excerpts from Texas Dames were very interesting to listen to and now I have to find and purchase the book!

Upon entry to the tea, we were given a blue and yellow ribbon to be worn. Stamped TEA into the velvet ribbon and a Texas star stud at the bottom, mine appeared to be upside down! Certainly made for easier reading in any case! Lol! There was to be a surprise associated with this 'purpose fault'. I won an 1880s garment drafting machine!!! Excited much, as I admired Velvet Glove's in Hot Springs, AR late last year and now I have one of my very own! Thanks also must go to Calico and Garnet Rose for donating this special prize.

There were other lucky seat and door prizes for others. Such a fun afternoon with thanks to Justice Lily Kate, Shotglass, Green Eyed Gypsy, Squawty Bawdy, and Aspen Filly – hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone.

Caught up with Flat Top Okie, Missouri Mae, Roy's Creek Dan and Highland Scottie for dinner that evening and a visit for the gents to partake in a cigar in the humidor at the Menger. A photo op with local constabulary! Too funny and I had to email it to him also.

The Pyjama Party and Pool Party were moved into the ballroom due to quite a cool and misty night. There certainly were some characters there and I heard it continued with Frederick Jackson Turner playing his guitar and entertaining the stayers in the foyer after they all left the Ballroom.

Saturday 10th and the blue gown. Pictures with Jackaroo and Wild Horse John before sitting to read for a while, which must have looked quite amusing to some.

So here I was sitting elegantly on the edge of the sofa, as one does when unable to manoeuvre petticoats and skirts much (I can be very ladylike when I need to be – who'd have thought! Lol!), reading the SASS Chronicle BUT it was on my iPad and I know there was a guy wandering through the hotel who I saw out of the corner of my eye take a photo. Too funny. Got the Chronicle read though.

On to Miss Tabitha's Victorian Undergarment show, her Flirtatious show yesterday regarding fan, parasol and handkerchief etiquette in the 1800's was very interesting and entertaining so this show was sure to be just as entertaining.

Miss Tabitha didn't disappoint, showing the different types of undergarments worn for the perfect silhouette from 1830's through 1890's. Her lovely assitants – Cat Ballou, Velvet Glove, Peaches O'Day, Bloomin' Yankee and Princess Rita (?) with a special appearance by Tex in his union suit.

Beautifully made gowns with some from disassembled antique gowns reusing embellishments and lace from the actual gowns to hand dyed fabrics, feathers and lace to match. Just stunning!

Then it was time for the Alamo Ball! With many in attendance the costume contest started early and then it was cocktails, dinner, announcement of costume winners and Victorian dancing! Thanks to Cowtown Scout and Jackaroo as my dancing chaperones for the evening. Was good fun and don't think we managed to dance on anyone's toes!

Ladies Best Dressed winners were, in 1st Place – Green Eyed Gypsy, 2nd Place – Kathouse Kelli and 3rd Place – Bloomin' Yankee. I thought at best I would place 3rd with these two exceptional dressmakers, with many more years of experience in 'period correctness' than I have, so I was absolutely stoked to place 2nd!!

Phew! And that folks is the wrap up for SASS Convention!

We headed home on the Sunday making a brief stop in Denton to meet with Lil McGill and hand over the Annie Oakley outfit and pick up gear from Boomstick Jay.

What a weekend, made some more friendships with Cowboys and cowgirls from different parts of the world.

Here's a shout out to Misty Moonshine, Slipnoose, Amber Oakley, Roxy West and all the other cowboys and cowgirls that make these big events work for all the enjoyment of the rest of us.

Cheers

Kat xo

P.S. Alamo is Spanish for cottonwood. 🙂

Oh and you can't take photos inside the Alamo so can't show you the firearms displays, the flags, the frescos on the stonewalls etc.

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A Good Start To The Day

Posted on January 7, 2015 by kathousekelli70

Not so much Breakfast at Tiffanys but after a late start its one block down to Schilo's Delicatessan for breakfast.

Schilo's is the oldest German restaurant in Texas and has been operating in various locations over the years. It was first a saloon opened in Beeville, TX and in 1914 Fritz Schilo moved his family to San Antonio. The saloon closed in 1917 with prohibition but they opened a Delicatessan the same year with Mrs Schilo making many of her specialty treats.

They survived the depression and the restaurant still operates today, still owned and operated by a German family (no longer the Schilo family though).

Breakfast is great, cheap, quick, fabulous service and the wait staff dress in black pants, white shirts and ties. A little bit of class.

The walls seem to be the original, some of the pitting in the concrete might indicate they have taken off some of the previous fixtures and the ceiling is pressed tin.

We found this place in 2012 when we visited and would definitely come here again. From the Menger it's only half a block!!

See you again Schilo's!

Kat xo

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We Made It!

Posted on January 7, 2015 by kathousekelli70

A couple of hours and the odd snooze later we hit the state line and entered into Texas at Gainsville, front porch of Texas, says their branding.

Quick stop for coffe at Macca's and we are back on the road with Tracey Byrd entertaining us.

I wish I had been able to get a picture! A truck just drove past with Woody hanging on for his dear life on the aerial. Love it, love Toy Story and remembered Woody and Buzz hanging off the back of the removalists truck. Sorry, slight side track there.

It's been almost 3 years since being in Fort Worth, hmm should have looked up where the fabric outlets were again. Maybe I can con Jack into it for on the way back.

'…thats somebody's dream, somebody's hope, somebody's world gone up in smoke…..' Haa haa haa that was appropriate timing for that song as I thought about the fabric stores and my chances. We'll see!

Just passed the Texas Motor Speedway, they've even held the Red Bull Air Races here.

Stopped in at Haslet, just outside of Fort Worth to visit and get Jacks shotgun repaired. Had lunch at the Catfish Grill with 'Goatneck Clem' and 'Capt. Sam Evans'. It's amazing what you can learn in one lunch. Like how their aliases came to be due to family ties within Texas, the Alamo, Fort Worth and Spanish exploration on the river near their ranch. Fascinating and amazing!

But now it's back in the car and heading for San Antonio (pronounced San Antone by some) Had a bit of a hold up round Austin in late afternoon traffic but got through.

We are staying at The Menger Hotel and arrived here at 6pm. It's been drinks, catch ups with other Cowboys and dinners with semi-unknown Cowboys and Cowgirls before returning to the room for the night.

See you tomorrow with a bit more of a history tour!

Kat xo

(I thought I posted this last night but appears not!?)

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Road Trip!

Posted on January 5, 2015 by kathousekelli70

Yes it's been a while, but in the morning we head on down to San Antonio, Texas for the SASS Convention.

It will be our first one! Normally held in Las Vegas, it is this close to us we won't be missing at least one convention experience. There will be vendors, Victorian Teas, old story tellers of the Wild West, seminars on costuming or sipping whiskey, pool parties and pyjama parties, visits down the riverwalk, the Alamo and of course the Grand Ball on Saturday evening.

So the dummy has been dethroned and is back in her corner.