For anyone who has not had the privilege of attending one, a Rendezvous is a reenactment of a period when Mountain Men roamed the wilds of North America trapping and skinning animals.  A couple times of year they would come down river or out of the mountains to meet in a designated area, hence the name rendezvous .  It was a time to trade and socialize.  Depending on when and where it took place, Native Americans, soldiers, settlers, and a number of other people would attend.  There would be competitions - archery, hawk throwing, spear throwing, etc., partying, and trading of pelts and other items for essentials and some not so essentials.  The time period spanned from the 1600 and 1700's to 1840 when the fur trading companies went under due to the depletion of beaver.

I was first introduced to Rendezvous when I was eight.  Our school took us on a field trip to a local park and my mom came along as a chaperon.  All I remember was a man with a tipi.  I was fascinated.  Recognizing this enthusiasm, the man invited my mother to bring us to Prairie du Chien on Father's Day weekend.  As we were camping near there that particular weekend anyway, we decided to check it out.  Well, needless to say, I was hooked.  For quite a few years we would modern camp but dress in costume and come into the Rendezvous for the day.  In 2001, a friend of ours sold us his old marquee for a good price and we stayed in camp and set up shop for the first time.  Although my older sister never got into it, my younger sister shared that interest and does to this day.  You can usually find us together along with my parents at the few events we do, although Dad occasionally takes off to get in some trout fishing.  Mom mans the kitchen most times and her dinners are the talk of the camp.

I picked up sewing out of necessity.  Up until 2002, I was either buying everything ready made (too expensive) or my great aunt in IL was making it for me.  That worked well for a time, but it was really hard to get to her house for fittings.  Since I had taught myself how to paint, cook, bead, crochet, work with leather, hand sew, and any number of things, I decided that machine sewing shouldn't be too hard.  Since electric machines scared me, I figured foot power would be the best and started hunting for a treadle.  I think everyone who wants to learn to sew should start on one.  I found mine at a local antique shop for under $100; a 1917 Franklin Treadle Sewing Machine.  After spending $75 to have it cleaned and adjusted, I was off.  The first thing I ever made on it was an a canvas insulated cooler cover.  The second was a very simple cape.  The unfortunate thing about treadles is no backstitching and no button holes, unless you have an attachment, so sometime around 2004 I decided to go electric.  I found a $230 computerized Brother in Target one night on sale for $115, and it even did eyelets!  I snatched it up quick, took it home and started sewing exclusively on that.  Don't worry, I still have the treadle. 

When I figure I have only been sewing for around 6 years now, I realize just how much I've accomplished.  I still have a lot to learn, but every time I start a new project, I start a new lesson.  I make things so they last.  If you ask my family or friends, they would just call it anal, but I hate when you buy a new shirt and the seam under the arm comes out after one washing.  I make things to wear.  They may not be completely historically accurate, but they get dirty and I want to throw them in the washer and dryer and not have to worry about them.  I don't have a lot of fringe and findings on the things I make since they usually get worn hard and packed away hard.  As there always seems to be a show coming up and I don't have the luxury of time to do a bunch of hand sewing, machine stitching is visible on the outside of most of my historical pieces.  I love to create my own patterns by combining several existing ones.  And there are lots of times I don't even want see a sewing machine, although that's usually only after getting ready for a big show.

Are you interested in sewing, learning about Rendezvous or historical costuming?  Do you need advice, possibly some tips or just looking for a place to start?  We love answering questions and sharing what we've learned so feel free to contact us.  If we don't know the answer, we will do our best to send to you a person or website that might.  Hope you enjoy the site and thanks so much for visiting!

-Carey

10/23/08