Wool Overshirt

With the weather turning colder, it was time to make the little man some cold-weather gear.  I had some heavy wool check fabric, so I made him a wool overshirt.  

My sewing skills are limited, to put the best face on it, but this turned out pretty well, in my slightly-biased opinion.  He seemed to like it too.

I still have to add buttons at the collar and cuffs, but it's pretty much done.  It should do for the next year or two, until he grows out of it.  Honestly, I don't know if any colonial shirts looked exactly like this, but checked wool appears in many inventories, and woolen shirts appear in some runaway descriptions, so this is an article that may have existed.  If anyone else knows more, please comment and let me know.

In Memoriam: Dave Bender

It is my sad duty to report that New Jersey Frontier Guard member Dave Bender was killed in an auto accident last Sunday morning, as he and another member, Adam, were on their way to go fishing.


Dave, below left, and Bobby (behind table) share information with a visitor at Quiet Valley in August...

A pickup truck crossed over the median as they went around a curve and struck them head-on.  Dave was killed, and Adam suffered multiple injuries. Luckily, Adam will recover, but our hearts are heavy at the loss of Dave, and our prayers are with both of them and their families.

I will remember Dave as a talented craftsman and a nice guy, a man who immersed himself in our past and gladly shared his knowledge with others.

(Unfortunately, this is the best photo of Dave that I have, as he joined the Frontier Guard this year, and no one thinks in terms of a memorial.  Should anyone have another photo, please let me know, and I will post it promptly. )