My husband, the lady’s maid

Dressed up for a recent event where all you had to do to attend was wear a hat. He picked this one himself and had fun deciding.

It’s funny how things work out, isn’t it?

My husband would never be in the least bit interested in costuming if it wasn’t for me. However it’s not that he just tolerates the whole costuming thing, but he’s actually slowly getting into it now.

That’s why, when we do have an event and I’m dressed up, he’ll wear his kilt so he can at least feel somewhat dressed up and special. I guess I need to hurry up and finish a couple of costumes for him so he doesn’t feel left out.

The funniest part, though? He’s been learning how to pin, baste, help with fittings, and help me get these costumes on.

It occurred to me with the recent 18th century event, that he is incredibly patient. My Yellow Rose Jacket takes longer to get into. I have to pin my stomacher to my stays (I do this before I put the stays on), and I have to do it carefully. Both my stays and the stomacher aren’t perfectly straight and even, and I made the stomacher a little bit too narrow. The jacket spiral laces closed over the stomacher with a flat ribbon, and then the edges get pinned to the stomacher to help hold it in place.

Christopher not only has the patience to help me get these costumes on, he insists on taking his time and trying to make them look nice. If the ribbon lacing starts twisting or doesn’t look good, he tries to fix it. Of course, I’m standing there the whole time with my toes and legs falling asleep (I don’t like standing still in one place for very long, and although the shoes are nice enough they’re not the most comfortable).

The one thing he’s been having a little trouble with is the pinning part. He did a little better the first time I wore the Yellow Rose Jacket — and thank goodness for that, I was having trouble with the pins myself. The last time, however, he had trouble and was very nervous he would stab me. I was able to do it that time with him being my extra set of eyes to make sure I had everything smooth enough and placed the pin properly.

And if I try to do things myself, like fix ribbon lacings or attempt to tie the petticoat drawstrings? He slaps my hands away so he can do it. Ha! He has also become invaluable to me when I’m shopping for fabric (he has great taste).

I’m a very lucky gal. Not only does he enjoy watching me make things, he likes to hang out with my costuming friends (what guy wouldn’t enjoy hanging out with pretty ladies laughing and having a good time?), but he’s incredibly helpful.

And for that, I’m very thankful!

Speaking of Christopher, he’s currently running a fun little challenge on his blog… please check it out, and share your best road trip story! You might even win a Kindle Touch!