It’s Here!
August 2nd, 2011
The mail on Monday brought a grand surprise — well, not exactly a surprise since I placed the order myself last Thursday. But that didn’t diminish the thrill with which I tore open the box!
Yes, it’s the Wooded Hamlet cage crinoline kit. I am terrified to assemble it, but also eager to get my hands on those deliciously slender watch-spring steels. They’ve really done an admirable job reproducing the materials — from the steel to the pocketed tapes to the tiny metal findings that hold it all together. I have an original early 1860s cage that I purchased on Ebay for a song a few years back (they had it listed as something else entirely) so have been able to make up close comparisons. That reminds me…I should bring my original cage home from where it’s stashed and take some detailed photos to share with you.
Until then, you’ll find me with the 9 inch pliers, assembling my new cage crinoline. Advice from anyone who has already done this very much appreciated! And to my dear friend who may get one too — do it! And we’ll assemble them together.
Last but not least, a hearty vote of thanks to mater and pater, who provided the funds for this extravagance on the occasion of my last birthday.
You’ll love it, they are SO very light. Oh, and squishable, no problems in tight spaces, or at least no more than the problems presented by the 25+ yards of fabric you’re draped in. They aren’t difficult just tedious. Watch the CD, then watch it again. Find pliers and snippers which are comfortable, I found flat faced needle nose pliers (as opposed to the rounded jewelry ones I started with) best for the little copper dots. To get mine properly balanced without having to eyeball it I dropped my dress dummy down @ 8″ just for doing that part, that way I could just let the bottom rung touch the floor.
Thanks for the tips — and I’m so glad to hear you love yours! I decided to make the leap last year when Christine showed me hers…it just took me 18 months to remember that I wanted to place the order at a time when the store was actually open and someone was there to take my call.
[…] haven’t assembled my cage crinoline kit yet, so the skirt of my monumental broderie anglaise petticoat continues to languish in the closet. […]