1890's Bicycling Outfit

 Bicycling is one of the great enjoyments of life! 

I simply love pedaling down the lane to say hello to the neighbors or to look at the horses or to search for signs of Spring! Just feeling the wind in my hair puts me in a more amiable mood.

And of course, if one is to go out for a bicycle ride, one must have the proper attire. Like these lovely pieces from the era.

 And here is my bicycling outfit made for me by my witty friend Kacie. She actually made it for her own doll Ophelia, but I oohed and ahhed over it so much that she decided I should have it. I will be forever grateful. ♥ She also made the 1894 Tailor Gown that I posted about.

 Here is the chemisette. Soft cotton with a beautifully delicate trim around the collar, tiny pearl buttons (actually, seed beads) and a luxurious red satin bow tie! Oh, happiness!

It ties neatly around the torso and is so much less bulky than a blouse would be.

Then the bloomers. What can I say but, fabulous...

The jacket is so sophisticated and beautiful. I love the gold buttons. 

It has a large collar, sewn down for perfect practicality. 

 How much better can it get than "Leg o' Mutton" sleeves!?

The waist points in the front and the back which makes it so elegant. ♥

And of course, the hat! A Tam was very popular to wear with Bicycling garb as you can see from the 1890's illustrations and pictures. And they're so cute!

Thank you Kacie! And thank you all, dear readers for coming to see me!

I hope you may all get out and go for a ride this spring! And if you haven't read the "Don'ts for the Lady Bicyclist", you must go and read it! It is simply hilarious!

♥Emaline

Don'ts for Lady Bicyclists 1895

 Well... Here is a real gem!

I was so thrilled when I found this article!

'Don'ts for the Victorian Lady Bicyclist' 

...Some of these should be embroidered on a cushion. :] 

• Don’t be a fright.
• Don’t faint on the road.
• Don’t wear a man’s cap.
• Don’t wear tight garters.
• Don’t forget your toolbag.
• Don’t attempt a “century.”
• Don’t coast. It is dangerous.
• Don’t boast of your long rides.
• Don’t criticize people’s “legs.”
• Don’t wear loud hued leggings.
• Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.”
• Don’t refuse assistance up a hill.
• Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit.
• Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry.
• Don’t wear jewelry while on a tour.
• Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers.
• Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome.
• Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.
• Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume.
• Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers.
• Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars.
• Don’t chew gum. Exercise your jaws in private.
• Don’t wear white kid gloves. Silk is the thing.
• Don’t ask, “What do you think of my bloomers?”
• Don’t use bicycle slang. Leave that to the boys.
• Don’t go out after dark without a male escort.
• Don’t go out without a needle, thread and thimble.
• Don’t try to have every article of your attire “match.”
• Don’t let your golden hair be hanging down your back.
• Don’t allow dear little Fido to accompany you
• Don’t scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
• Don’t discuss bloomers with every man you know.
• Don’t appear in public until you have learned to ride well.
• Don’t overdo things. Let cycling be a recreation, not a labor.
• Don’t ignore the laws of the road because you are a woman.
• Don’t try to ride in your brother’s clothes “to see how it feels.”
• Don’t scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first, she will run.
• Don’t cultivate everything that is up to date because you ride a wheel.
• Don’t emulate your brother’s attitude if he rides parallel with the ground.
• Don’t undertake a long ride if you are not confident of performing it easily.
• Don’t appear to be up on “records” and “record smashing.” That is sporty.

article found here 

 Now, you are fully informed of what not to do when riding a bicycle. ♥

My bicycle is beckoning me from the shed! What do you like to do in April?

♥Emaline

 

 

something to look at...

a new header for the adventurous!

♥Emaline

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

 As you may have guessed, I am reading The Country Diary of and Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden.

  I have always wanted to read this book but never really got through it. So, I thought I would read each month's section during that month. And that is precisely what I've been doing. It is much better than reading about July in March and becoming discontented with the season at hand. I am enjoying it immensely!

Reading it this way helps me to appreciate each month (and the weather) more. ♥ I am also very inspired to start an art journal of my own!

I hope you all have a lovely month and whether it is like a lion or a lamb I bid you to delight in it and see with open eyes the wonders of God's creation!
All my love,
Emaline

Things to do in March...

Go sight seeing..

 make or write music..

 Go for country walks with friends..

 Look fabulous..

 Do something spontaneous..

 Write a letter or two or three..

 Go out for tea..

 Stay in for tea..

 Dance..

 Go hunting..

 Read books..

 Go for a bike ride..

Aren't these good ideas? Aren't you inspired? Ha ha! I must say I have been inspired to do all of these things and have done some. ♥ 

Reading, drinking tea ("Obviously." - Mary Poppins), writing letters, making music, going for walks, looking fabulous ;), dancing, and even spontaneity.... Next on the list- sight seeing, going out for tea, "hunting" for some essential clothes for spring and bicycling.♥

Love to you all, Emaline

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ye!

Here is some Celtic music that I love!

Solas: Homeless and Pastures of Plenty(this video plays it twice. Silliness!)

Andy Stewart and Manus Lunny: The Haughs of Cromdale

Enjoy!

Emaline

through snowy woods...

 Morogh Findlay Llewellyn Barr....

Do you notice anything different about him? Perhaps it will come to you by the end of the post. :)

 Well, just as I had said in my February post, We have had extremely different kinds of weather. It had been quite warm for a couple days and then suddenly, several inches of snow! We were very delighted since we have had only about an inch since Thanksgiving. Morogh was especially delighted! He simply loves cold weather. Silly fellow! As you can see, the snow was well past his knees. But he would choose now to go seek out an adventure.

 Morogh loves nothing better than a challenge of the elements.

 Gaining the vantage point to gaze thoughtfully and muse on the deep snow that covers everything in quiet beauty.

 Here is his new sgian-dubh made so expertly by my very clever nephew. 

Thank you my good, brave lad!

Here is the sporran I made for him. It's made of leather and waxed sinew and a metal chain.

 Here he is looking out from his camping spot. His next task will be finding dry wood for a fire, should his limbs need thawing at the end of the day.

  And in case you haven't guessed yet... The difference in Morogh's appearance is his eyebrows! The poor laddie had no eyebrows to speak of and I could not abide it any longer!
{before}

 {after}

So, I gave him some eyebrows. Beautiful, rich, expressive, manly eyebrows.

Thank you for coming my courageous companions! Maybe next time we'll have haggis.

Slainte,

Emaline