How much time does it take ?

[Drygoods]

Hello everyone, I'm rather curious to know just how much time one spends on their hobby, either daily, weekly, or monthly. For instance, for those of you who have to outfit a family, or go in for fine hand finished details, do you take time to sew daily? And how much time do you spend on research/ reading? (And I'm not considering the amount of time that we spend reading forums) Your thoughts?

Myself, I spend a few hours daily sewing, and at least an hour or two reading. It's just become a regular part of my daily habit, yet I wondered if others felt the same way.

[Annette Bethke]

Depends on the time of season. For instance, during June-August, when things are nonexistant here, I don't sew a whole lot but I'll read maybe 10 hours a week and catch up on real life stuff. If there is a particular event I'm getting ready for and need a new item, I'll sew about 16 hours during the weekend and an hour or two during the week, with less reading.

This year will be a bit different as I plan to attend Athens and will need to do a lot of reading to familiarize myself with that part of the country; plus a new dress better suited to the weather that time of year.

I would probably spend much more time if my job didn't take up those 40 hours a week :).

[rmassella]

My wife says way to much, but I disagree! I would say several hours a day and part of the weekend.

[Guy Gane III]

EVERYDAY!!!

I read, sew, read, sew, read more, stop to eat a little and then continue to do research.

I do films, TV shows, LH's, seminars, displays, drive my girlfriend crazy, tours and anything else that I can fit into a day.

I can't spend enough money on uniforms and equipment. I'm an 'Uniform Whore'.

The best part of all this is the look on someone's face when you touch their soul with historical knowledge..... and they "get it".

History is never boring... only those with no passion to teach it, are. Don't think for one moment that all this ridiculous "Old Timey" knowledge can't get you far... You learn it for a reason. Make that reason mean something. Make it mean EVERYTHING to those you teach.

Cheers,

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

I spend around 3-6 hours a day working on my Civil War uniform and equipment. It ranges from sewing uniforms, reading Civil War books, making ammunition, and researching Civil War equipment.

[sallyryan]

Greetings from Gettysburg-
Back reading again after a long absence due to life. I'm glad to be here with other like-minded folk, so I am spending at least an hour or two throughout the day reading and reviewing threads here. (And yes, I was one of those who was afraid the website had been hacked- until I changed the calendar last night...)
As for other time not spent on the mundane world, I spend at least one or two hours a day either sewing or knitting period items. And that doesn't include the bedtime reading of any of the four books that I have under the bed at the time! Newest one is 'The Colors of Courage - Gettysburg's Forgotten History'.
Thanks to you all whenever I have needed an emotional or historical boost!

Slainte,
Sally Moore
69th NYSV
www.69th nysv.org

aka -- Sally Ryan, Hospital Road, Gettysburg, PA

[gilham]

unfortunately I myself have turned into a uniform whore.I left the hobby in 2002 and sold everything. I came back into things in August of 07. And now I have three different uniforms and working on putting together a forth.
But to answer the question at hand. I spend several hours a day researching on line and in my book collection. I spend a couple of hours a week making cartridges and other little things. I am a terrible procrastinator though. I have an event next weekend and have not yet cut the shirt pattern for the shirt I want to wear and I have not started the new haversack I want for this event either.
I have recently become obsessed with Trans Miss. Confederte impressions. So as of late I have been dedicating most of my studdies towards that area.

[bhutton]

Usually 2-3 hours a day reading mostly, cleaning equipment and researching uniforms , photographs etc.

Bob Hutton

[LibertyHallVols]

I am doing something every day...

I spend 10-15 hours per week sewing, I probably spend about 4-8 hours per week reading, and about an hour per week on the phone. As far as this place goes, that information is available on a "need to know" basis ;)

[Duff]

This hobby is always in the back of my mind.

[Abrams]

I spend an hour or so a day researching and reading mainly. I do sewing in bursts. When I have the need. I sew until I am done, or my fingers are tiring, and my stitches become less precise. Then I go back to it later, or the next day.

So I'd say on average, I spend 12-15 hours a week on the hobby, with bursts of activity the closer an event comes.