Women in Reenacting:the18th & 19th centuries

I'm pretty lucky to work where I do... we've had a bunch called the Rapscallions come in a couple of times recently and one of them passed on a good way of dirtying up, for those in the ranks or lower classes who wouldn't be squeaky-clean...

Basically, the idea is to blend face-paint or powder-paint with moisturiser. You can make up various colours (black, brown, green, purple...) and experiment till you get the look you want.

A colleague did this by blending brown watercolour paints (kid's watercolour block ground up) with aqueous cream.

Using moisturiser means that not only will it blend in, but you moisturise your face... and the paint will just wash off with soap and water afterwards.

I don't know if it would be possible to use suntan lotion instead of the moisturiser, though I don't see why not, and then you'd have the added benefits of not having to try dirtying up over your SPF30.

I don't know if you're aware of Living History Worldwide, but I thought I'd let you all know about it. It's basically run by the people behind Skirmish magazine, to be something like Facebook for re-enactors. It doesn't matter who you are, who you portray, what period you re-enact or where you are in the world.

I'm afraid it's only really visible to members - it can be off-putting (I didn't join up for a while because of that) but take a look anyway.

Some of the suppliers I've used in the past (mostly American!)

Jas Townsend and Son Warning: This site is addictive - you will want to buy EVERYTHING. They're very good with their delivery times and stuff, too.

G Gedney Godwin Not quite as extensive a collection as Jas Townsend, but still interesting. I've not actually bought anything from them, so I don't know what they're like with deliveries, problems etc.

Patterns and fabrics suppliers:

Kannick's Korner Easy-to-follow patterns for a wide variety of things

Patterns of Time If they haven't got it... it probably isn't worth having!

Wm Booth, Draper A decent selection of period fabrics

Period Fabric Again, a decent selection, though the website isn't completely up to date.

Ticking If you're like me and need ticking, this looks like a good place to get it - they have it in a variety of different colours, too. A little pricey, though.

I have a new job! I'm a performer at Dickens World. Which basically mean I wear 'period' clothes and interact with the public all day. Much like re-enacting, really. It's good fun, the people are good.

I have one question for those who would know such things - and, fellow re-enactors, please don't die of shock. I do do authentic period correct stuff when I'm out re-enacting, although I play a male role.

I basically would like a corset or stays and a bodice. Now, I don't want to spend a fortune and it doesn't have to be spot-on period correct, so long as it 'looks right' (bear in mind that I and others are wearing modern skirts in several layers, and I have a nightdress doing duty for a chemise and you'll get what I mean). I would be happy to get something early 1800's, even though I don't really plan on doing camp follower at re-enactment events, just so that I don't feel I am wasting my money if I can't get anything else cheap.

I'm fairly thin, but top-heavy (I take a 38D bra) and my boobs aren't exactly what you would call 'pert'. So, people. What would you recommend and where should I look? I'm not great at sewing and don't want to have to attempt to make something unless there is no other other option.

If anyone is getting rid of something that would work, I would definitely be interested in acquiring it, and would pay reasonable costs. I'm not upper-class - most of Dickens' characters were from the extremely-poor end of the scale, so anything too posh is definitely out!