A Union reenactor for over 20 years, I always strove to be as historically accurate as possible with my impression.  When time came to adorn my cap with a 9th corps badge I could not find one carried by any known sutler.  I knew they were out there as other members of my group wore them, but searching at events, and online, never turned up anything.  That is when I picked up my old John D. Billings' "Hardtack and Coffee" and read all about Corps Badges primarily being made by the individual soldier.  From there I set to work hand sewing my own corps badge.  It was not long until the idea came to make them for my fellow reenactors and try to bring a bit more historical accuracy, personal self expression, and affordability back into our beloved hobby.