Howdy Folks!

Aunt Minnie Meier is the character name I chose as a member of The Osage Valley Vigilantes, an Old West acting troupe since 1998.  The name is in honor of my grandmothers.  Minnie was my paternal grandmother and Meier was my maternal grandmother’s maiden name.

 

As I have always enjoyed sewing I became interested in making period costumes.  I soon realized it involved a lot of research and have acquired quite a library.  I try to copy the look of some of the pictures.  Managing our laundromat and sewing for people doesn’t leave as much time to devote to costuming as I would like, but I have made several for some members of our group.  One outfit I made for myself was judged the best female costume at the Old West Living History Foundation national competition in 2000 and the man who won best male costume wore a shirt I had made.

 

There are patterns copied from original period clothing but they present a challenge in that our modern bodies are not proportioned the same.

 

History and sewing are my main interests.  I am also a member of the American Sewing Guild, the Cass County Historical Society and the Cass County Civil War Roundtable.

 

My interest in history was sparked by an uncle who researched the family history and was always telling family stories.  History wasn’t just a conglomeration of dates and events to me.  It’s real people and I am connected to them.

 

I started sewing at about 11 years old making doll clothes.  My request for a high school graduation gift was for my own sewing machine.  I’m mostly self-taught in sewing.  I’ve taken some classes and gone to seminars.  I worked for eight years in the office of a garment factory making flow charts and instruction sheets.  I’m not one to rush to the finished product.  I enjoy the process of sewing.

 

If anyone has a question about costuming contact us.