A Confederate Belle

I began sewing period clothing of War Between the States in 1995 when I began re-enacting. I portrayed a civilian lady with the Christian Commission,a ladies group attached with the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry Company B.

I learned to sew from my wonderful mother, who was a professional seamstress. She often did weddings, including one for a bride who had eight bridesmaids for her rainbow wedding. Each bridesmaid gown was a different pastel color. My great grandmother also, was a professional seamstress.

My husband also is a re-enactor and has re-enacted since 1986, and I met him when he portrayed a Cavalryman with the 1st Mass Cavalry. Then for a short period he portrayed a Yankee paymaster.

When we married, we had a period Civil War wedding and both of us, including our wedding attendents, and guests wore period correct clothing.

Today we reside in beautiful East Tennessee. We are re-entering the re-enacting life, and are joining a group that portrays both Confederate and Union artillery.  

Both my husband and I are members of several heritage groups including the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans. Our daughter a member of the Children of the Confederacy.

Kathleen, A Confederate Belle