The Giantess of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia - Anna Swan

      2023 - an amazing year - with a 'giant' assignment!!!                    

    

          Making a replica of Anna Swan, Giantess, was a wonderful opportunity to  create a historical replication of the famous Anna Swan, Giantess.  She was born just outside of Tatamagouche in New Annan, August 6, 1846.  Anna's recorded height was 7 feet 11 inches.

        This was an interesting assignment, contracted by the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.  This project included a lot of interesting research on the fashion trend of her time period; how to make a mannequin to her size;  designing shoulders, arms and hands; in addition to the underpinnings that were required to give the final gown it's perfect shape, not to mention drafting patterns for a giantess!!!

         During the entire process - start to finish - I kept scupulous notes, and it is my intention to write a complete journal detailing each step along the way. 

            There is a special room on the second floor of the Creamery Square Heritage Society's museum that is dedicated to Anna Swan.  The entrance to this room has an original door from her home in Seville, Ohio!

             Terri Scott, (the gal on the right in the striped shirt), was most kind to help me assemble Anna in the museum.  It was rather amusing carrying her mannequin up the stairs!

Despite all the pieces - mannequin assembly, hooped crinoline, bustle pads, 3 layer under skirt, velvet skirts, apron, bustle, peplum, lace cuffs, 'kid' gloves, jacket, collar and lace jabot - it went together rather quickly... I think it was less than 45 minutes!!  She was ready to make her first appearance on the July 1st weekend, 2023!

            Should you ever be in Nova Scotia, the trip to Tatamagouche is not only beautiful but has some of the best attractions and quaint little shops along the north shore of the province!! 

Be sure to pay her a visit and meet the wonderful staff at the Creamery Square Heritage Society, in their famous museum! 

A NEW ADVENTURE!!

     It's been an interesting 5 years here in Keble, Nova Scotia.  Along with the growth and development of my sewing business, we've enjoyed the homesteading life with cows, goats, chickens, ducks and Guinea fowl ... now it's time to move onward and upward to the next adventure in our lives!!  Oh!!!  I mustn't forget our family dog and cat, and our two "ferocious, feral barn cats" who are the biggest, friendliest, cuddliest cats we could ever ask for!!! (They have evolved into overnight house guests, sleeping in our bathroom sink!)

     Our landlord will be selling this property this year,  and we will be starting a new chapter.  

     It's been a wonderful experience here ... the north shore of Nova Scotia has been a great place to live!  The community spirit is very welcoming, kind and supportive ... we're hoping that we will be able to find the perfect place locally in order to stay in this area.

     I am now finishing my current historical replication of a complete Victorian styled ensemble for the local Creamery museum in Tatamagouche. (Stay tuned for pictures when it's completed) Once this is on display, I will focus on relocating and preparing my Sewing Shoppe for continued service, where ever we might be.

     I am also involved with a sewing workshop at the River John Library, and I am looking forward to continuing this wonderful venture!  The gals are dedicated to our group; and being able to share my sewing/designing skills, tricks and tips is an enjoyable personal experience!  Anyone wanting to learn is welcome to join us at the library, at my Sewing Shoppe (once I get resettled) or online if you are at a distance.  Having Zoom meetings was being considered.

          We all have so much to be thankful for ... 

               There's magic all around ... 

                    There's an adventure waiting to happen ... 

                         And new experiences to be explored!

Wishing all of you a most wonderful day!