Spring Renews

Spring is the beginning of the growing season - very important for us as we are homesteaders. It is in the spring when babies are being born and the garden is being planted with the possibilities for the growing season. My mother loved spring. She loved the new life and working in the garden, restoring it from the ravages of winter in preparation for spring planting. My entry is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Kathy Lee Vincent, my cheerleader and mentor. She passed on January 9th, right in the middle of this competition. My 1893-94 Victorian Spring Walking Suit is made of materials from my stash. I only needed to purchase the appropriate notions for the period. My main patterns were drafted from "Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns". With suggestions from my mother as to the style of hat to include. I was also able to consult a lady who has many years of experience creating historical hairstyles, which enabled me to have a period-correct appearance. My mother's passing in the middle of the competition really set me back as I lost weeks trying to deal with her final arrangements. However, since she was so excited for me to be able to do this, I kept pushing on. Spring is a beginning, not an end. So, with the example she set for me all of my life, I pushed on. As spring comes and we prepare for another growing season and we are renewed once again.