Period Film Game {1} Answers and Scores

I'm afraid that I didn't explain things very well last week. So, not many people joined in the game. But I'll be posting another soon so that those who weren't sure can come back and join in. It's so much fun!!!

Below are the individual answers and at the bottom are the individual scores :)

#1

The Young Victoria (2009)

#2

My Fair Lady (1964)

#3

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

#4

Jane Eyre (2011)

#5

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

#6

Emma (1996)

#7

Little Dorrit (2008)

#8

The Help (2011)

#9

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

#10

Sense and Sensibility (1996)

The Scores

Paige-90 pts.

Heidi P.-80 pts.

Sorry if it seemed like that Sherlock Holmes cap was a wild-card. But I do enjoy doling out challenges!!! I hope you will participate next time and let your other period-film junkies know, too!

HSF '14: Challenge #5-Bodice

I'm sure rumors have been spreading, but I did, in fact, finish HSF Challenge #4, though it was late and completely different than the original plan :P Yeah, it was kind of a disaster. I had planned on making, at the very least, a chemise and a pair of Georgian stays but I made my stays all wrong and didn't even get to the chemise at all. Soooo, I just ended up replacing the straps on a vintage 1930s cotton slip I had in the ole' mending mountain, a day late and didn't end up posting about it at all. Thus, my plans to create a 1760s bodice and begin building my Georgian wardrobe completely fell apart...

I went onto the fabulous HSF Facebook page and asked my fellow HSF-ers if they knew of a good place to get 1930s patterns. I got overwhelming responses and found some incredible pattern suppliers that I had never heard of! But I ended up buying from Etsy (which I didn't expect, at all). Enter "Mrs. Depew" and her fabulous Etsy shop. Her beautiful French 1930s draft-at-home blouse pattern was exactly what I was looking for! And it was nicely priced, too.

Mrs. Depew's patterns seem extremely confusing at first. The French method of drafting in the 1930s that the pattern uses seemed, at first glance, to be cruel and unusual, but once I got the hang of it, everything made sense. It's quite ingenious, actually.

I constructed a toile first and foremost. That would be the biggest tip I would give to anyone using Mrs. Depew's patterns. Human error accounts for most of the mistakes I made (it was only my first experience with the system) and I'm so glad that I made a mock-up first. That was made of red calico with tiny white polka-dots. I trimmed it with red gingham ribbon. I did finish it completely but it's not my favorite. Marley took some pictures for me but I modeled it with a khaki skirt that is now too big for me (which is both exciting and annoying because now I have to alter it). Also, the shoulders ended up being way too wide and since the back was shorter than the front, I decided to chop the front even and add a waistband. The waistband was too long and small so it really doesn't fit very well right now and it's certainly not flattering so I'll only include one small picture below for the curious ones.

I didn't include the crossing straps

This blouse is one of the first items I've made that I am absolutely in love with! The fit is perfect and I feel so elegant and ladylike in it. I made it out of a $2 vintage, pleated skirt I thrifted. I couldn't even believe that I got almost 2 yards out of it! But I barely had a single scrap left. Use the whole buffalo, says I! 

I did make a few modifications to the pattern. After I had the sleeves basted on, I decided that I wanted the shoulder to be narrower to accomodate my narrowish shoulders. The predominating look of the 1930s was wide shoulders (usually padded), a narrow waist and an overall elongated, graceful figure. I didn't want to lose that essence with the shoulders but I didn't want to look goofy and clownish either. So, I let the drop-shoulder remain but dialed it back a few notches :)

The only other problem I ran into was that again, the back ended up being shorter than the front. I agonized over this problem longer than I should have, but eventually decided to create this little peplum to make up for the 3" difference. And I love the result! Way better than just a plain old straight seam!!! And, instead of drafting a sleeve band, I did a single box pleat and just turned the hem under, so it's still puffy.

In the end, I was so excited, I almost squealed! I love the fitted almost-princess seams that I have dubbed "diamond-seams", because the shape they create is a diamond, in essence. And the crossed bands in the front add such a nice touch of elegance to an otherwise simple and plain design.

I also made the gray skirt, but that was a month or two ago and not challenge-specific.

 The Challenge: #5-Bodice

Fabric: 2 Yards (give or take) Knit Rayon?

Pattern: Mrs. Depew 1049

Year: 1933

Notions: Thread

How historically accurate is it?: 100%!

Hours to complete: 3 or 4ish

First worn: Today's Photoshoot

Total cost: $2 for the skirt and $7.50 for the pattern=$9.50

Crossies!!! ;)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Have a lovely evening!!!

Playing Up Neutrals+Book of the Week

It's my first outfit post! Yaaay!!! I have been inspired by so many lovely modest fashion blogs lately, that I thought it was high time, after 5 years of blogging, I join in the fun and share my style :) And with today's outfit post, I'm also starting a new tradition: BOOK OF THE WEEK! 

But first, the outfit...

When wearing neutrals, it's important to include a splash or two of color to keep from looking drab. Oftentimes, even a tasteful, nicely pressed outfit can take on a frumpy tone if there is lack of color. Today, the basis of my outfit is a beige sweater with a denim-style linen maxi skirt. That's the "cake". The "frosting", or accessories, are a multi-animal-print scarf and a belt. The color to play up all these neutrals comes courtesy of rusty-red wedges (I know they look like flats; the wedge is only about an inch tall). 

 ::Outfit Specs::

:Beige Sweater-Old Navy (Thrifted):

:Linen Maxi Skirt-Saint Tropez West (Thrifted):

:Scarf-Flower Factory:

:Belt-(Thrifted):

:Shoes-Wanted (Thrifted):

And the book of the week is "Mother" by Kathleen Norris. This is one of my favorite books of all time! You may remember that I mentioned it for the Literary Heroine Blog Party . I have read this book three or four times over the past several years and still can't get enough! The sweet redemptive story of this potently pro-life book written in 1911 touches my heart again and again. 

"Mother" recounts several years of Margaret Paget's life in the early 20th Century and her introduction into secular society, away from the small town and large family she grew up in. As the personal secretary of the famous Mrs. Carr-Boldt in New York City, Margaret flourishes, feeling that her talents are finally getting the recognition they deserve. But all around, her morals and beliefs are questioned and everything her Mother taught her is brushed aside by society, considered "old-fashioned notions". They say children are a neusance, husbands should be kept in their place and a woman should not be expected to drudge her existence away as a housewife. Margaret must learn the hard way that though "society" has rejected the Biblical model of womanhood, the principles that her Mother taught her will always stand firm.

I recommend it for girls ages 12 and up. The language in the book is antiquated (which may make it difficult to grasp for younger readers, though it's certainly not Shakespeare!) and the subject matter may be a bit mature for young girls (the question is raised "how many children are too many?" and, as many of the secular, feministic viewpoints of our bereaved culture are discussed, it may confuse young girls). It would be a refreshing and encouraging read for mothers, especially young mothers who are adjusting to their new role in the sphere of the home.

What do you, dear readers, think of my outfit? Have you read "Mother"? Should I continue with "Book of the Week"? Do we really need the color chartreuse? Did you look that word up in the dictionary? Let me know what you think and comment below! Or email me at missmckennaray[at]gmail[dot]com. Have a beautiful day!

Period Film Game {1}

I have had so much fun participating in Old-Fashioned Charm's Period Drama games, I decided to bring the fun here!

Here's how the game works. Below are a selection of screen-caps from period drama/action films. The goal is to correctly name as many of the films as possible. Comment with your answers. You can earn 10 points for every answer you give correctly!

Get it? Excellent! For this first round, I'm going to make it easy. Remember, you can earn 10 points for each correct answer for a possible 100 points! I will post the answers alongside the scores next week. Ready. Set. Go!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Have fun and leave feedback!

Book Review: "Ellen" by Heidi Peterson

“As the young wife of a sea captain, Ellen lives cheerfully and faithfully. Then tragedy strikes and all that she has–and is–is put through testing fire. Bound up with her story is that of Pierre–an urchin off the streets of a far-distant city shipping out on a great adventure–and also that of his captain–a man seeking to snatch safety for his men whatever the cost to himself.”

Ellen is the newest addition to my library and I am proud to place it among my beloved family of books. Just like the members of a family, all books have different personalities. Different stories; lives of their own. I don't judge books by covers. If I did, my dilapidated copies of Little Women and An Old Fashioned Boy might not have made it to the place of honor they hold on my shelves. On the outset, Ellen might seem like just another shoddy attempt to remake Jane Austen but it most certainly isn't. 

 An instant classic, this skillfully crafted story of a young woman living in 19th Century England, captured my heart and encouraged my Spirit. I have read "Christian" books that tell an otherwise secular story and slap a few Bible verses and some nice sayings on the top like an afterthought. Refreshingly, Ellen starts with sound Biblical principles and builds a story to support it. 

I have little to gripe about. I'm no Simon Cowell but I will speak the truth, though I haven't much of anything ill to say. The main flaw I found with the story is that the principal characters seemed a bit too perfect. Thus, the main flaw is no flaws. Though the main characters are relatable and were created, I think, with the intent to be an example of excellence, only one of them had any of his personal faults exposed and he was a child in need of guidance. Also, though the book stands on the legs of a solid story, I felt that some of the details were not expounded upon as they had the potential to be. 

However, a book should not be defined by its faults. I think that, like a food critic, though the plating gets points, the flavor of the dish is what should be the focus. The flavor (the plot) of this dish (book) is delicious, nourishing and satisfying, though the plating (minor details) could have been improved. I hope that made sense. Overall, Ellen is a charming, encouraging and inspiring story. I recommend it for girls ages 12 and above, as it deals with some mature concepts like grief, pregnancy and deprivation but it serves as a lovely introduction to antiquated language as well. I hope that you snatch up an opportunity to read this book! I know I'm so glad that I did.

Heidi Peterson is a daughter and sister living at home with her family in the American mid-west. As such-and among other things-she enjoys gardening, photography, fiddling, ethnic cookery, history, literature and word craftsmanship. Visit her website at http://ladyofanorien.blogspot.com/.

The Sunshine Award!

I have gotten a very unexpected, yet very pleasant surprise this week! I have been nominated for The Sunshine Award! The Sunshine Award is a way for bloggers to get to know a bit about each other (and, as a bonus, get some free PR ;) I was nominated by the lovely Paige of Sunday Best and All the Rest. 

To accept the Sunshine Award, one must:

1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger with a link to the website.
2. Share 11 random facts about myself by answering the questions the nominating blogger has created for me.
3. List a few bloggers I believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love! (I can’t nominate the blogger who nominated me.)
4. Let the bloggers know I nominated them.
5. Post 11 questions for the bloggers I nominate to answer.

First, here are my answers to the questions Paige posed to myself and her other nominated bloggers.

1. What is your favorite thing to bake?

I love baking fish and sweet potatoes! Butter, salt and a little olive oil and lemon juice on Tilapia alongside a cinnamon-y sweet yam. Yum!

2. What is one of your favorite colors?

Purple!!! All hues are my favorite and my best!

3. Do you own any pets?

We have a Guinea Pig named "Money" (we drew names out of a hat and our 6 year-old wrote the only word he could spell besides his own name). But I'm a Dog-lover!!! I fully intend to have my own Bullmastiff in the near future!

4. What is your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Sewing mostly. That or shopping for fabric :P

5. What is your favorite scripture to turn to when you need encouragement?

Psalm 8

6. Do you wear jewelry the majority or minority of the time?

Majority, I guess. I love jewelry but I don't wear it excessively around the house (which is where I usually am). My personal style has something of a gypsy/boho feel to it; large earrings, bangles, anklets, toe-rings, etc. (not all at once) I feel that no outfit is complete without earrings!

7. What is your favorite style of casual shoe (whatever casual means to you ;))?

First of all, I LOVE shoes!!! I collect them. Secondly, my favorite style of casual shoe is cowboy boots. I am a cowgirl at heart (as I don't get out to ride much at all) and I love boots...as long as they're not pointy-toed. That doesn't count.

8. Dress Shoe?

I love a good solid wedge. Less likely for me to break than a heel :)

Peep-toe wedge-sandals, I absolutely adore!

9. What is your favorite thing about Winter?

NOT going outside.

10. What is your favorite season?

Autumn or Fall or whatever you prefer to call it. I spend the most time outside in that season. I love the weather :)

11. Why did you decide to start blogging?

Five years ago...I actually don't remember very well. It must have been a selfish reason because I left it off pretty quickly. Cherishing my Role was just sitting here on the WWW gathering cobwebs. But I remember that a little over a year ago, I decided that I could offer girls the same encouragement that I was getting from reading other similar blogs and I've been fairly consistent (minus last Summer) in posting since then.

This is so much fun! Here are my nominees...

Atlanta of The Story of a Seamstress

Ashley and Gabrielle of Bramblewood Fashion

Kellie of Accordion to Kellie 

Jessica, Brigid and Charlotte of The Boyer Family Singers

Michaela of Rhapsody in Pink

Anna of Storia

Patrizia of Paper Mache

Stacey of The Country Corner

Tara Janelle of A Lass of Yesteryear

Desarae at Gladness of Heart

Here are my questions for you, ladies!

1. How long have you been blogging?

2. Tea or Coffee?

3. What are your favorite historical eras?

4. What fandoms do you associate yourself with (e.g.; Marvel, Doctor Who, LotR, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jane Austen, etc.)?

5. Do you play any instruments?

6. What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

7. On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel about tweed?

(1 being "Disgusting", 10 being "Wish I lived in Yorkshire")

8. Do you enjoy traveling?

9. What is your most treasured childhood memory?

10. What is your personal style and how does it reflect your personality?

11. What is your all-time favorite item of clothing or outfit to wear?

If you have been nominated (I can't wait to see your answers!), you can comment below with the link to your post. Don't forget to link back to me as your nominator! Also, if it's a multiple-contributor blog that I mentioned, each of the contributors may answer the questions separately!

Blessings,

McKenna

Accordion to Kellie: Literary Heroine Blog Party!!!

Kellie Falconer, the blogger behind "Accordion to Kellie", is hosting, for the 4th year running, "The Literary Heroine Blog Party! Pop over to her blog HERE to join in the fun! Here is my questionaire completed to get to know a little more about me :)

~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

Greetings and salutations one and all! My name is McKenna and I am a history buff, musician, seamstress, lover of books and Earl Gray tea, an actress, costume designer and avid shoe-and-hat-wearer. I have many, many aspirations (many is an understatement) but right now I am focusing on Costume Designing and, on the side, acting, for the Independent Christian Film Industry. I hope someday to be blessed with a faithful, godly husband and a houseful of children and, eventually, grandchildren and great-grandchildren! I love traveling and adventure, but don't get out of the house much for now :) Mostly because it's Winter in the northern Midwest! Call me crazy, but I've never been much for the beach, though I'm not opposed to going, as long as I'm not expected to actually swim. I'm much more at home in a mountain and I really enjoy hiking, camping and horseback riding, though excursions are few and far between. I live in the suburbs of a city but I'm a country girl at heart! Randomness: I'm a selective perfectionist; I could care less about whether the dining room chairs are arranged properly or the mantel is disarrayed but the embroidery on the vest must be perfect!

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

One of the things of beauty that is a heroine, is how different each one is. Emma Woodhouse found humility, Jane Eyre was loyal, Kate Nickleby was committed to her purity, Jo March had perseverance, Margaret Hale and Amy Dorrit were both generous spirits and Elsie Dinsmore was a meek and quiet spirit; an example of godliness. All so different but all reflecting honorable virtues. This is sadly lacking in many of today's modern heroines that exemplify lying, cheating, immodesty, masculinity and sleaziness. True heroines are not defined by their social status, cultural circumstances, a cookie-cutter mold or even their "main character" status. What binds true heroines together is the reason they were created; to be an example of excellence for girls to aspire to. I think it may be safe to say that Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Louisa-May Alcott, Elizabeth Glaskell and Martha Finley were, each and every one of them, hoping that their characters might be an inspiration for girls aspiring to take their own place in society as upright and exemplary models for the next generation of girls.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

Catherine Moreland; aside from the fact that both of our fathers are in ministry and we're both part of big families, we have similar personalities. Naive, romantic and excitable with a penchant for avid reading and getting easily carried away. Emma Woodhouse; though I haven't attempted matchmaking (yet), I tend to mother-hen everybody like she did; leader of the conversation, dabble in many artistic endeavors and tend to be rather prideful and just a smidge self-absorbed. And lastly, Rose Allison-Dinsmore from the "Elsie Dinsmore" series. I love getting to instruct and encourage younger girls and try to uphold a godly example for them. I have also been told, more than once, that I am likely to marry a man a good many years older than myself!

4. Five of your favorite historical novels? 

In no particular order: 
1) Mother by Kathleen Norris 
2) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
3) Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
4) Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley
5) Little Women by Louisa-May Alcott
Note: I have read all of these books at least twice. 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

I definitely agree with the saying, "Asking me to choose my favorite book (character) is like asking me to choose my favorite child!" But, I think I can pick one in this case. Of the above, my favorite character is Margaret Paget from "Mother". I didn't mention her above in the heroines section but I identify with her so much!!! In the story, Margaret lives in a tiny town with her large family but longs to travel the world. When she gets the chance to do so, she discovers that everything the world was trying to teach her was false, while the teachings she received from her mother at home held true. 

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

Mother Wilder from Farmer Boy! Through the years, Mother Wilder has been an example to me of industriousness and hard work with graciousness. She came alongside her husband and supported him wholeheartedly and contentedly :)

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

There are so many places I want to go! But most of all, I want to go to England and Scotland. That's where my maternal great-great-great-great grandparents came from. That is why my first and middle names are Scottish :) I want to go to the Jane Austen Festival, go boating among the Hebrides and (a crazy dream of mine) go horseback riding across the highlands...I know...it's hopelessly romantic idealism...

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

I have a hard time sticking with a true favorite for historical eras. Currently, I'm obsessed with the 1930-40s and also the 1850s. But Regency always reigns! I have a historical wardrobe full of Austen-inspired gowns and accessories. The English and Scottish culture has always fascinated me but my first love is and always will be American history.   

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 

I would assemble a quartet (I play Viola). But, if it was just me, I might play a Flute solo or come up with a film score cover for Viola. For example, a medley of music from Tangled played on Viola or Violin and ending it with singing one of Rapunzel's songs.

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

Kellie, you are speaking my language! My imagination is going to quite run away with me! I would represent Emma Woodhouse. Or grown Elsie Dinsmore (1850s). I guess I'll cross that bridge if I ever get to it :)

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

God's gift to mankind. One of the evidences of Grace and an assurance that our sins have been forgiven!!! 

12. Favorite author(s)? 

Laura Ingalls Wilder, Elizabeth Prentiss, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Elizabeth George Speare, Eleanor Porter, Randy Alcorn (modern author), Corrie Ten Boom, Martha Finley, Louisa-May Alcott, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Elizabeth Glaskell, Howard Pyle and that's just off the top of my head.

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

A large sewing kit. A notebook and a nice camera. As much spending money as I could muster and an extra suitcase. I'm big on souvenirs. 

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 

19th century.

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 

Nicholas Nickleby.

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

A refurbished historical home filled with period furniture and antiques. A very homey house with lots of room for hosting and being hospitable. One reason I would love to live in a historical home is because they tend to have such large kitchens and pantries! In my mind, it's on a farm with a big barn and lots of animals. Horses, cows (I plan on marrying a cowboy, of course ;) chickens, pigs, goats, barn cats and several dogs! I love dogs! 

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

Classy vintage fashion with gypsy flair and just a dash of nerd.

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 

Not yet. All the books I have read so far have had aptly named characters!

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

Ralph Nickleby.

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

1) Costume Design 101 by Richard LaMotte
2) Joyfully Home by Jasmine Baucham
3) It's (not that) Complicated by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin 

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

Reading or hand-sewing outside in the fresh air :)

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

A deep-violet pleated felt cloche hat with a sprig of magenta-colored violets and a light pink ribbon. 

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

Moving a state over for 4 months, moving back to my hometown and now preparing to move, we don't know where yet, very soon.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

Psalm 8 and 19!