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SERAPHIMA NEEDLEWORK aNeedlerk |
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About Seraphima
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I have been sewing for
myself and others for more years than I care to tell you. I made my first
wearable dress at the age of ten and then made another for my best friend.
(My schoolteacher told me off for lying when I told her I had made them -
my mother convinced her it was true, but I don't remember ever getting an
apology from her!). My school only awarded prizes for the top achiever in
each subject each year, and the only prize I ever received was for
Needlework! I remember a rather nasty yellow moulded plastic needlework
box into which nothing really fitted beyond a couple of cotton reels.
Needless to say I don't have it any more. I now need an entire room to
hold my needlework supplies. I started re-enacting about 25 years ago and needed costumes for ECW cavalry and civilian. I bought a few pieces but then found there were paper patterns to be had as well, and that was when I started. I made outfits for all the family and spent several years enjoying being constricted in a corset and trying to ride a horse in men's breeches (not at the same time!) We then moved periods by a 160 years or so and joined the Napoleonic Association, first as French Artillery and then as British Infantry. While being "French" I made a few soldier's jackets for other British line units, so when we started a new line regiment I was well placed to get our guys kitted out. I've now lost count of how many soldiers I've 'dressed' but when the NA takes the field, quite a lot have been made by me. I act the part of officer's lady and my outfits range from the basic white empire line dress through day dresses and riding habits to ball dresses. Invite me to a Regency party and I've got a choice of a dozen dresses, but nothing to wear to a 21st century "do"!
My customers range from scum soldier to Brigade Commander, period Chelsea
Pensioner to Royal Marine Major, Rifles and line infantry, with
everything from shirts to greatcoats, military and civilian, forage caps
to bicornes.
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 The “Waterloo” uniform photographed at Hougemont. |
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Based in Northampton UK |
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