Here I am, hidin’ from the inlaws . . .
Dec 24th 2008
Karen HawkinsMy Life As A Plebe
Ok, I’m not really hiding from my inlaws. I’m actually hiding from MY family, but it made a great blog title, so I went with it.
While all of you are engaged in healthy family activities, I’m locked in my office pretending to work. I should be working. I NEED to work. But I’m not. I’m too distracted by allll of those presents under the tree in the living room, especially four that have my name on them and I have NO idea what’s in them.
Not one idea.
To distract my present-fevered mind, and to skip hearing my Aunt Mildred sing the latest Britney Spears song while standing in the kitchen on a chair after drinking some of Uncle Bert’s ‘eggnog’, I’ve been cruisin’ around the net and I found myself looking at pictures of Victorian women.
I’m not a big fan of the Victorian era. Seems as if the women of the era were repressed, overdressed, and their hair a serious mess. But I still find myself looking at the pictures. They just fascinate me. It’s almost as if, in their stern, unsmiling faces, I can hear all of their thoughts.
Seriously. And no, I haven’t had any eggnog — yet.
Here, see what I mean . . .
Take Hannah for example. (By the way, Hannah may not be her name, but it worked for me.) She’s having a serious moment as her picture is taken, probably wondering how much longer she can hold her breath and who she’s going to kill as soon as she gets out of the corset that is pressing her belly button into her spine.
If I were Hannah, I’d grab a knife and go after whoever developed the corset.
You know, a good writer would look up the history of corsets and give you a little historical taste here, but I’m too busy hiding from my family and MUCH too distracted by those darn presents.
One of them looks like it COULD be a bracelet. Do you think– No. No. It’s too heavy.
Hmmm.
Sigh. Ok, back to corsets, we’ll just say the horrible person who invented the corset was a man named “Frederich Schmelt,” a known masochist whose mother rejected him at a young age, hence his determination to cause pain to all of womankind.
Poor Hannah! At the mercy of such a horrible man! “Evil genius!” she is thinking as black spots swim before her eyes. “How I loathe thee and wish to cut thy privates with a very dull letter opener!”
That Hannah. She has some ‘anger issues.’ I would, too, if someone trussed me up like a roast before Easter.
So, whatcha doin’ today? Are you out in the wild world of the family dinner? Cooking for an event later today? Or getting ready for tomorrow? If you get bored and can sneak off to be by yourself, check out Hannah and the rest of her sisters from the Victorian era. Those poor dears! And while you’re looking at their stern, sad, serious faces, eat some pie and be glad someone finally recognized Frederich Schmelt for the sicko he was.
42 Comments »
42 Responses to “Here I am, hidin’ from the inlaws . . .”
Margaret on 24 Dec 2008 at 6:01 am #
Poor Hannah! The reason she’s standing is because she can’t possible bend enough to sit in that chair. Which doesn’t look too comfortable anyway. No arm rests. I have a couple of tintype pictures of 2 sets of grandparents. My maternal grandmother’s parent and my maternal grandfather’s. If any of those 4 people were to look at me the way they look in the photo, I’d break down and confess to anything & everything. And to think their blood runs in mine. Yikes.
Oh Karen, I hope it is a bracelet. How about a very heavy gold one?
I’m having dinner/presents at my DD’s this evening. Just her, her DDs & me. Tomorrow is our big clan gathering. 25 people of all ages, relationships and sexes. Well, 2 sexes anyway. We’ve tried the neatly done opening but the little ones will have none of that. So, the small fry presents opening pretty much resembles a shark feeding frenzy. Complete with blood sometimes.
We adults try be cooler but it’s hard.
LisaK on 24 Dec 2008 at 6:03 am #
I’m getting ready for today’s evening (you know, we get the presents here on 24 December already) and wondering what I will get. But actually, I’ll have to clear out the dishwater now, because my mom’s going to strangle me if I don’t – “You want to have a clean kitchen on Christmas, don’t you?!” in that threatening voice. Brr, I’ll be off now…
Never heard of that Schmelt guy. Are you sure you spelled him correctly (just askin’, because it seems to be a strange way of spelling the name)? Looks like he was German. Of course. Who else could have invented such a thing?
LisaK on 24 Dec 2008 at 6:04 am #
Oooops, of course I meant “dishwasher”, not “-water”.
MizMacgyver on 24 Dec 2008 at 6:21 am #
I have to work today so it will be leave work this evening and hit the ground running to get ready for tomorrow. I am going to go with ham this year because limited time has ruined the turkey idea. Dinner is going to be pared down to a workable size for ole mom this year.
Karen, maybe it is the bracelet but he put rocks in there to fake you out. I got a ring that way one time.
Susan M on 24 Dec 2008 at 7:04 am #
I’m working until about 11:30. Then I have to go home and cook my two side dishes. We have to be at my mom’s by 5. Tomorrow it looks like it’s just going to be me and DH at home. We’re going to make a roast in the slow cooker.
Sarah Tormey on 24 Dec 2008 at 7:45 am #
I am writing, or trying to write at least. I have an overwhelmed duke, besieged by female relatives and I feel if the story does not move forward soon, he might go a little mad (not the best thing for a hero.) Once the duke has been rescued, I must return to the present and start on the twelve different fishes dishes for the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 24 Dec 2008 at 8:07 am #
I’m home and awaiting my brother in law who is picking me up.
I’m passing the time by doing some laundry and cleaning out the kitty littler box- Merry Christmas Sweetums!
When I get to my sister’s, I’m working straight away at making pie crust for meat pies and finishing my squares- how do you forget to buy icing sugar when it’s beside all the chocolate chips? don’t know but I did. Debbie has some. At least she told me she did!
I have a picture in my book about China written in 1900 – bound feet uncovered. now that is a big cringe to see. I cannot imagine the pain!
Maybe he weighted the box down and it’s still jewelry? Kevin did that one year to Debbie. Also put a gift in a can. first he gave a really ugly can opener wrapped up. it was all in a much much bigger box to throw her off.
Freedom Writer on 24 Dec 2008 at 8:32 am #
Today my family and I are going to my mother’s house for dinner if it quits snowing. Tomorrow she will come to our house for dinner. I get to cook and clean all day tomorrow.
As for the old photos of the stern looking people, they had to either look stern or chance ruining the photo. In those days it could take up to 5 minutes to expose the negative. Can you stand stock still and smile for 5 minutes? Neither could they, so they all looked stiff and stern in their photos. I used to work at the HH Bennett Museum. HH was a great landscape photographer in the mid to late 1800’s in Wisconsin Dells (known back then as Kilbourn). I learned alot about the travails of the early years of photography. We even had one photo of people at a train station that had a “ghost boy” in it because during the exposure time the little guy could not stand still so he appears 2 or 3 times in the photo and he is transparent like a ghost.
Freedom Writer on 24 Dec 2008 at 8:33 am #
Sorry about the long history lesson on Christmas Eve. It is a subject that gets my motor running, and when that happens the fingers type fast.
Freshechelle on 24 Dec 2008 at 8:58 am #
Wrappin’. Going to one of my stores in the busiest mall in NJ and will hide in the back wrapping customer’s purchases which means box and ribbon only. it’s easy work.
Packin’. Tonight will be all about packin’ up my stuff I don’t want the movers handling. If I get around to schlepping the boxes and dunning out of my car.
Wishin’. Hoping the person who viewed it last night decides to rent my condo.
As for Hannah, looks like she needs some ExLax. Nice name you’ve chosen for the fictitious Mr. Schmelt!
Louisa Cornell on 24 Dec 2008 at 9:12 am #
I am working today until 6:30 PM. Then I have to load the dogs into the car and drive to my Mom’s. It will just be the two of us (and the dogs) tonight so I am thinking pizza. We’ll wait for the firetruck to come around with Santa so we can run out and give them their cookies and candy my Mom baked just for them.
Then tomorrow the entire crew arrives. There will be much feasting and THEN we will open presents! Shark feeding frenzy indeed, Margaret! Then I will load up the dogs and drive the 80 miles home so I can get up and go to work December 26th.
I really need to get published a couple of times so I can quit this Wal-Mart gig!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Claudia Dain on 24 Dec 2008 at 9:49 am #
Cooking! All day. Boiling the potatoes and eggs for the potato salad, then will have to run to the grocery store for fresh sausage and ground chuck for the meatballs. Swedish meatballs take forever to make! (Anything that takes more than 30 minutes is ‘forever’ to me.) Also have to make a special Christmas Cake we do every year, one of the few Christmas traditions that I started myself, not a handed down one from my mother and grandmother. Cooking, cooking all day. Big D is going to make spice cookies and a special pumpkin pie just for me.
Christmas carols on the CD player! The scent of good food in the air! Merry Christmas!
elsiehogarth on 24 Dec 2008 at 9:59 am #
Karen, Hannah does look miserable so I say “better her than me”. I don’t think I would have made it during that time with all that binding. It reminds me of my turkey that is presently in my oven. I sometimes wonder about soap/baths during Medieval/Georgian etc. because we know they didn’t really do it and I need water and soap in my life.
I have started with my cooking, baking etc. since 8:30AM this morning. I took a break to check out the blog because I know I won’t get on the computer again until probably Friday. That’s when everyone but me will go SHOPPING and I will be all ALONE.
Lisa H on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:06 am #
I would have hated to live in a time without blow driers and air conditioning. I’m too high maintenance for that nonsense.
I just made my “sweet potato cassarole” and chopped up all the stuff for my pasta salad. This will be for Christmas day with the inlaws.
Tonight we are having steak and shrimp, then off to church, then home for appetizers and desserts. (We’re a bit weird)
I am so excited to see my three year old’s face in the morning. He is getting a big boy bike with training wheels. Also a Thomas track and other assorted goodies. The teenagers are going to love their gifts, but in case they peek, I can’t tell you until tomorrow what delights Santa is bringing them.
As for me, I have 8 presents. I’m so happy. I really don’t care what’s in them, I’m just happy to have 8 prettily wrapped boxes of all sizes beneath our tree!
Kim on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:08 am #
K-Hawk–you know you’ll feel a whole lot better if you go open those presents and rewrap them. You know you want to, go ahead and do it
I’m being a slug today!! Its my planned relaxation day. I’ve got an appointment with my recliner and a good book.
In between all the relaxing I need to bake two pies, make my broccoli salad, marinade my chickens, wrap presents and make a pot roast. A couple loads of laundry too.
We might swing by the in laws late tonight to leave their presents. They don’t start celebrating until about 10-11pm. We had planned on taking presents to my dad also but its raining and if it freezes I’m not going anywhere.
JudyPatooty on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:11 am #
Geez. Hannah does look miserable.
I’m at work all day today.
But at least I’m wearing jeans and I conveniently left my corset at home. And there’s almost no one else here, so I’m planning to spend the day reading romance novels! 
Tonight I’m headed home to see Mom and then off to a big family gathering out in the country tomorrow. There will be lots of good food and beautiful rolling hills and live oak trees and 70F+ temperatures. Oh, and one darling little 2-year-old sort-of-nephew to provide the entertainment. I’m into genealogy, but I haven’t stopped to figure out what relationshp he is to me. He’s my brother-in-law’s younger brother’s son.
I hope you get some wonderful things in those mysterious packages, Karen!
Michelle B on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:33 am #
I don’t have to go to work today! That in itself is a present, plus I get paid for it. I’m wrapping presents, almost done, took a coffee break to check in on the blog today.
We do Wigilia on Christmas Eve. Polish tradition handed down from my Mom. It is a meatless dinner, so we are having fish, shrimp, lobster bisque and many side dishes. Lots of other traditions involved as well with the dinner. I’ll start cooking later on this afternoon. We open presents after dinner. It’s just DH, three kids and me this year. We actually like it this way instead of traveling all over to see two sides of the family. We’ll go to midnight mass tonight.
This morning I am making an ice cream cake with Heath Crunchies on top.
Tomorrow it is just us again, and we open the Santa gift that is a present to the whole family. This year it is Rock Band, looks fun. And a board game.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:42 am #
Margaret, don’t pretend with us. We KNOW you’re a package ripper. I’M a package ripper and you and I pretty much think/act the same way on a lot of things. You show those little ones how to REALLY attack a prezzie.
And ohhh, a heavy gold bracelet would be AWESOME. I’m just afraid to hope.
LisaK, I ah, made Mr. Schmelt up. I was actually wiki’d the word ‘corset’ but there wasn’t a specific person who took credit for developing it, although I’m SURE there was someone. And he was eeeevil, too.
MizMacG, oooooh! The old rock in the box trick! That could be. Hmmm. I’m doing ham this year, too. It’s yummy and easy. What more can you ask for?
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2008 at 10:49 am #
Susan M, the roast in the slow cooker sounds awesome. I’m looking forward to Sunday the most. Going to a play with my sweetie, all of our kids, and my daughter’s new boyfriend. It’s called The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge and it’s supposed to be sooo funny!
Sarah T, save that duke! Sounds like a fun, fun story! Btw, 12 fish dishes are an Italian TRADITION? I never knew that! What sort of dishes? And you have to make them all? Wowza.
Kathy, hmmm. Maybe it’s just a bracelet shaped box but he got me something else and it’s all to throw me off. Veddy interesting! Sounds like you have a full, full day ahead of you.
As for the bound feet — yeowch!!! I’ve seen that and it makes my soul cringe. And my toes!
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2008 at 11:00 am #
Freedom, it’s 80 today here in Florida, beautiful and sunny, which is gorgeous but not very Christmasy. I miss cold weather this one week. A lot.
That’s so cool about the Bennett museum! That’s my grandmother’s maiden name, btw. Wonder if they’re related? I loooove old photos and buy them often at antique stores. I had no idea it took FIVE MINUTES! I knew it took some time, but sheesh! I’ve also heard that a lot of people had bad teeth and didn’t smile because of that.
Fresh, I’m sending you good vibes for your wrappin’, packin’, wishin’! I’m a horrible package wrapper and always get a few presents wrapped by the pros. I admire skill when I see it! Best of luck on your condo rental, sweetie. Fingers crossed!
Suzanne Enoch on 24 Dec 2008 at 11:44 am #
I’m putting on ribbons with one hand and tyyyyyypng with the other. We usually go to my aunt’s house for Christmas eve, but the rain’s supposed to be really bad tonight, so we’ve delayed ‘eve’ until Saturday, and tonight will be just the immediate family. Maybe a game of Nerf darts and some pie.
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2008 at 11:45 am #
Louisa, so glad you get to take the pups to Christmas, too! Sounds like you have a full plate (and a lot of travel) ahead of you! Be safe, m’dear!
Claudia, can uh, I come over? I looove Swedish meatballs! What a great holiday dish!
Elsie, enjoy your time alone! I have a guest (sigh) so I won’t get my alone time this afternoon like I’d planned. Oh well! Next year I’ll hide better! Btw, I don’t think I could live at that time, either. I’m alllll about the comfort and the soap!
LisaH, you HAVE to tell us what the kids got! I had to shop for an 18 year old whose list including items that I could only afford if I mortgaged my house, so I was wingin’ it. They are tough to shop for at that age!
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2008 at 11:50 am #
Kim? Open the presents and rewrap them? What sort of person do you think I am? I did that already and there was about an INCH of duct tape around it, so it didn’t work.
I’m not an amateur, you know. I’ve DONE Christmas. (heh!)
Judy P, I get to do that on Friday and I’m soooo looking forward to it! I’ve a sneaking suspicion (see above response to Kim) that some kind person bought me a selection of bath salts. Gotta love that!
Michelle B, what a DELIGHTFUL tradition! I was going to do English foods but now there are so many people coming to visit, I can’t swing new dishes AND company, so we’re going to do the English dishes later in the week.
Suzanne Enoch, I wish I was there to play nerf darts with ya. Bet I could take you AND the tykes!
Becky on 24 Dec 2008 at 11:59 am #
Maybe Hannah DID kill somebody after taking this picture. She looks ticked enough. Actually, I have worn a corset before. I went to Bath this summer and at the Fashion Museum they have a place where you can try on corsets and bussels. I loved it. My waist looked tiny, my boobs looked FABULOUS, and my posture perfect. Then I laughed. Hoo, buddy, that was uncomfortable. I couldn’t get a full breath. I think that a lot of trysting might have been going on by accident back then what with those blokes thinking the women were all breathless because of them when in reality they were just plain out of breath. Or maybe that’s why the women allowed it…”Hey, I can’t breathe and he wants the corset off AND I get some action…where’s the down side here again?”
Anyway, today I’m just hanging out watching Christmas movies with my sisters and avoiding the work my mother will inevitably dole out later. Then making treat rounds to see old friends that I only see at Christmas, I think, and then a Christmas Eve party…no, not THAT kind of party. There will be much food, many children, and a nativity…I think I’m the donkey…again. Maybe they’ll upgrade me…to sheep.
Janae on 24 Dec 2008 at 12:39 pm #
I have to take my 8 yo son shopping because he just had another growth spurt (which should be illegal since he’s probably going to be taller than me by the time he’s 12!). He has just 3 long sleeve shirts and shorts that fit him. No coat or pants. It’s going to be pouring rain at some point, today, so we really need to get going. I’m hoping that Gap has something for him because it’s the closest store to my house.
Once that’s out of the way, I need to start baking because I’ve done nothing in the way of food prep for Christmas. I’m not really sure what we’re going to have for dessert – maybe a homemade butterscotch pudding because I’ve all the ingredients.
Oh, and I still have presents to wrap. Lots of presents.
terrio on 24 Dec 2008 at 1:13 pm #
Hannah looks as if she smells something rotten. Then again, if she can’t breathe, she likely can’t smell anything.
I’m sitting at work. I’m pretty sure I’m the only person here. *sigh* No one to hide from. I’m alone for the holiday this year. So as soon as I break the leash here, I’m off to the mall. Lots of shopping to do. Plus I need to put up my tree and head to church tonight.
Hope everyone has a lovely holiday and I hope that present is a bracelet!
SheridanLA on 24 Dec 2008 at 1:34 pm #
I am re-doing a mirror of my grandmother’s.. It will match the chandelier I redid earlier this year.
I have opted to spend Christmas here at home – alone.. and I am kinda loving it. I picked out my Christmas dinner menu (cream of wild mushroom soup with vanilla beans, steamed crab legs and whipped sweet potatoes).. I have some presents under my teeny tree and a stack of movies to watch. I will make my Merry Christmas phone calls tomorrow.. might head out to dinner tonight at a friend’s restaurant.
Peace and quiet. aaaah.
and I have worn a corset a couple of times… with a sweatshirt in the car to remove the damned thing as soon as the event was over. sitting is not really an option. I love how they look – and there are some gorgeous ones out there.. but dang, they are uncomfy!
dbrown3400 on 24 Dec 2008 at 1:34 pm #
No peeking ahead for me ’cause any gifts I might have are at my daughter’s house. Hers are here, so she doesn’t get to peek either. We’ll open presents tomorrow in between bites of Chinese food. DD in FL bought some really neat toys for my GD with the money I sent and still has money left over for the clothes she needs. This year, that was a more practical approach than trying to pick out gifts for them.
Today will be quiet, spent working on my review books. I miss the excitement of cooking, wrapping and large family gatherings, but everyone is spread across the country. Tonight, there will be refreshments in the lobby downstairs.
SheridanLA on 24 Dec 2008 at 1:39 pm #
and Freedom.. I was going to share the same bit of history.. I learned about that in photography class in high school – even though they are all grumpy looking, imagine how much more information we have on fashion, architecture and all that with the photos.. before that, only portraits were available to capture that history.
Freedom Writer on 24 Dec 2008 at 1:41 pm #
If anyone is interested in the old photography here is a link to the HH Bennett Studio and Museum.
http://hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org
Sabrina Jeffries on 24 Dec 2008 at 3:50 pm #
I ventured out into the throng this morning, and by some Christmas miracle, not only got everything I went out to get but managed to make 3 stops in 2 hours and have a lovely time doing it!
Then I came home and cleaned the pantry (I know, I’m weird). I’ll probably do some cooking, some wrapping of presents, some munching, and we’ll drive out to see Christmas lights. Looking forward to it!
Margaret on 24 Dec 2008 at 3:50 pm #
KarenH “Margaret, don’t pretend with us. We KNOW you’re a package ripper. I’M a package ripper and you and I pretty much think/act the same way on a lot of things.”
Sigh. I hate it when I get busted. I try so hard to be a model of decorum for the young’ns. Not! Who the heck wants to save all that ratty old paper, anyway? Rip it, I say! Wad it up and hand to the neatnik who’s standing there with a trash bag in her hands. You know it’s a her, of course.
I just came up for air. A couple of cats were either having a fight or making babies right outside my window at 3am. Scared the bejabbers out of both me and the dog. We couldn’t settle down afterward. So I came into the living room and have been knitting like a machine. And proud to say I finished a darling little hat for 18-month old ggd, Sophie.
Now, to finish up the cooking and go to my DDs later for Chicken Glop. A family favorite.
TinaLouiseF on 24 Dec 2008 at 7:00 pm #
I got off work today at noon and bought the last few presents needed.
They are wrapped and dropped at my brother’s house.
Now I’m at dad’s waiting for supper.
Tonight on my way home, I’ll continue my tradition of driving around town looking at the christmas lights.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 24 Dec 2008 at 9:42 pm #
I’m now hanging at my sister’s. We had a fabulous time at the Eve party- I even had a glass of wine! big deal for me.
Hope everyone had a great day!
Karen Hawkins on 25 Dec 2008 at 12:54 am #
Becky, here’s hoping you’ll be upgraded to sheep! Btw, I would LOVE to see the costume museum in Bath! I was there once, but we only had time to do the abbey and the baths. Gosh darn it, I guess I’ll just have to go again.
Janae, I am wiping the drool off my chin . . . you did say ‘butterscotch,” right? Yummmmmmm! Good luck on finding clothes you and your son like at the Gap. That’s one of my daughter’s favorite stores!
terrio, aren’t Christmas services the best? They just make me get warm all over. Best of luck getting those presents wrapped!
Sheridan, what do you mean ‘redoing?” And I should have known you’d worn a corset before. You are SUCH an adventurous person!
Karen Hawkins on 25 Dec 2008 at 1:01 am #
dbrown, I wish you a merry, peaceful, and delightful Christmas! I used to live in a condo for a few years and they did much the same in the guest conference room and we got to know such nice people that way!
Sabrina, I know what you mean — I cleaned out the coat closet. It just struck me as unorganized and the next thing I know, I was straightening it. Hope your pantry’s all organized now and ready for the festivities!
Margaret, sorry you were awakened. All I can say about those cats is “How wude!” BUT I am glad you knitted the hat for your ggd! Awesome, babe! (Btw, what IS Chicken Glbp? Do I want some?
Tina Louise, my dad used to drive us around to look at the lights. That’s a terrific tradition. Maybe we’ll take some time to do it this year, too! Thanks for the idea!
Karen Hawkins on 25 Dec 2008 at 1:04 am #
I opened my presents. I got the ipod touch and then, I opened the oddly shapped present — it was a BEAUTIFUL diamond and white gold bracelet. And I do mean BEAUTIFUL.
Man oh man, I was so shocked. I didn’t think I’d like anything better than the ipod touch, but I was WRONG!
What did you all get?
Merry Christmas, my dears!
MizMacgyver on 25 Dec 2008 at 9:06 am #
So cool Karen! I just knew you had to get the bling. I got an onyx and silver necklace and a dress watch in the bling category. I also got a cooler for the boat and fishing equipment… what can I say, I have eclectic tastes!
Karen Hawkins on 26 Dec 2008 at 9:20 am #
MizG, how LOVELY! You know that I love to fish, don’t you? Have my own tackle box, rod and reel, etc though I rarely catch much of anything. Still, I looooove to go!
Janae on 27 Dec 2008 at 1:24 am #
Karen – my son found himself a brown velveteen suit jacket at Gap, which he wanted because ‘I can be Indiana Jones, now.’ He wore it to bed on Christmas Eve and most of Christmas until he put on the fleece jacket my mom bought for him. But the velveteen jacket went back on, today. Other than that, we didn’t find too much at Gap because their already sparse boys department looked just about naked.
Yep, homemade butterscotch pudding. It was delish!
Mac on 28 Dec 2008 at 12:01 am #
Nothing to add about the inventor of the corset, but found the following on a site about women inventors: (http://tinyurl.com/3v3ry)
Traditionally women’s undergarments consisted of brutally tight corsets meant to shape women’s waists into unnaturally small forms. Some suggested that the reason women seemed so fragile, expected to faint at anytime, was because their corsets prohibited proper breathing. Enlightened women’s groups throughout the nation resoundingly agreed that less restrictive underclothing was in order. Susan Taylor Converse’s one-piece flannel Emancipation Suit, patented August 3, 1875, eliminated the need for a suffocating corset and became an immediate success.
Karen Hawkins on 28 Dec 2008 at 1:06 am #
For those who want to follow Mac’s link, here it is – http://tinyurl.com/3v3ry
That’s so cool! I had no idea there were so many women involved in getting rid of the corset. Huzzah!