A week or so ago, I attended a meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Minnesota Chapter. Instead of having a speaker, this month we made Regency-era hats and caps.
I have made myself two or three caps to wear of evenings since I came home, and they save me a world of torment as to hairdressing.”
—Jane Austen letter, 1813
I am not crafty, but I thought it would be fun to gather with other women to “work” while we chatted and sipped tea. And it was! Such gatherings were common in the Regency era and women often brought along their needlework baskets or bags on calls, so they could be productive while visiting.
The organizers made it easy for even those of us with little sewing experience.
These generous women pre-made simple “muffin hats” and mob caps for us to adorn.
…Next week shall begin my operations on my hat, on which you know my principal hopes of happiness depend.”
—Jane Austen letter, 1798
They also supplied a wide array of sewing notions and decorations like ribbons, lace, feathers, and brooches for us to use to trim our hats and caps and make them our own. Here you can see some of the results:
Have you ever gathered with friends to talk while your hands were busy with some craft or hobby? If not, do you think you would enjoy the experience?
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Looks like lots of fun and community!
Many years ago I used to meet with a group of friends to crosstitch. We loved visiting and sharing our projects. Then life got so busy! I love reading about the simpler times in recency England when women embroidered, sewed, read, and wrote letters.
What a delightful evening to not just learn about history but reenact historical habits. Such a great idea! And the hats turned out so cute! My daughter and I both enjoy cross-stitching, as does one of my sisters-in-law. I love the rare occasions when we get together and craft. Usually the TV is on, but I could easily picture us carrying on conversation or perhaps listen to someone read aloud to us while we stitch.
Early in our marriage, I was a part of a “craft club”. We’d chat while our hands worked as we made items to sell. The profit from that went to local causes. I still remember how wonderful it was to spend that time with other women. 🙂
So much fun! I get together several times a year with a few college friends. We’ve been rubber stamping for decades. Wow. It has been decades! Food, visiting, crafting, and catching up. Loads of fun!
I have gathered with a couple of friends while sewing or knitting. The most fun for me though was when a dear friend, Cara, and I got together a few times and painted Christmas ornaments. We had so much fun and made beautiful ornaments for our own trees and to give as presents. I would share a phot of some other the ornaments if I could.
I used to love the craft time at MOPS when my kids were small. I was terrible at them but it gave me a sense of completion and creativity I didn’t get at home in those days. I want one of those hats! They are so fun!
I’ve attended several Stamp n Up card parties hosted by my friend. It’s always a blast meeting new ladies and making several cards we can send to others to brighten their day!
How fun! YEs I have a friend I see about once a week or every other week. I call her my crochet friend,. I am usually crocheting and she is usually doing embroidery and we have lunch first and catch up with each other and then we work on our projects with some chit chat if i can talk and crochet LOL.
I’ve helped with a wedding uilt before so there was much visiting there while tying the quilt.
I enjoy it! 😀
Cute hats, Julie…I think… 😉 Stitching with friends is great fun – I’ve belonged to the same Embroiderer’s Guild chapter for years and we love to sit and stitch.
Weekly, a couple of us gather to knit and visit. It is a lot of fun. Thanks for asking.