2015 Is Going To Be a Good Good Time!

But it's already February 14th, you say?  True!  I've been having such fun since we retired and part of that fun was sewing and wearing the costumes I've made and continue to make.

Mid-year 2014 I did a recap video of projects and I'll add to that and post again.  Family and friends enjoyed seeing it all together and it made me happy to see it all in one place.  But that will be a bit later as right now I have some catching up to do.

Catching up on blog posts!  I have to blog about the costumes for Steampunk unLimited in Lancaster PA last fall, the SASS Convention in January, and the Victorian Dance Cruise in January.  All fantastic events with wonderful friends!

Right now I'm planning the costumes for the event I've organized - Party Like A Vanderbilt at Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC in April Party Like A Vanderbilt Blog Post followed by the San Diego Vintage Dance Week in Asheville Vintage Dance Week Website.  Then Costume College a few months later.  I've submitted proposals to teach two classes at Costume College and I hope they are accepted!  Another few months and I'll be attending my husband's daughter's wedding and then a month after that the National Remembrance Tea and parade in Gettysburg, PA.  With luck, the SASS Convention again in December.  A very enjoyable year ahead!

So the short term planning is for the Biltmore Estate weekend and Dance Week in April which is 11 costume events.  Yes!!  11!!  Fortunately, many of these can use costumes I made during the Historical Sew Fortnightly 2014 Challenges so I'm a bit ahead.  Thank heavens for the Historical Sew Fortnightly!

Here's the plan (as always subject to change):

One of the first items for me is creating the attendees' badges so that we can all recognize each other over the weekend.  The Dogwood Blossom is the North Carolina state flower and this gold with Swarovski crystal blossom with satin ribbon is my plan.  These will go in the welcome bags for each of the 30 attendees for the weekend.

Friday evening Historic Trolley tour of Asheville -  The 1899 bodice and hat I made for two Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenges in 2014 and finally got to wear at the SASS Convention Victorian Silhouette Show.  This should be perfect as I play the Trolley hostess serving wine, champagne, and snacks.  I've found some small black tassels which I'm adding to the lower point of each of the bodice appliques.

 Saturday Biltmore Estate tour and Downton Abbey Costume Exhibit - Saturday will be officially known as "Biltmore Estate Black Beads Day" and you will understand shortly.  This is the tour suit plan - a black crinkled cotton for the bodice and large collar with a black/pewter plaid crinkled taffeta for the skirt, cuffs, and small collar using this pattern, right side view.

The best part?  Everything is in the stash!  Also from stash is a beaded hat bought on ebay long ago which is a bit over-the-top but I love it and haven't had a chance to wear.

I have a beaded shawl which I'll applique on the large collar.  It will be on the black fabric but I'm showing it on the plaid here just to show the detail.  Very Martha Levinson, don't you think?

Saturday evening 'Downton Dinner in the Champagne Cellar' - Based on Downton Abbey's series start of 1912 and using this pattern left side view.  I'll start with a silk fabric I found in the Fabric District during Costume College last year.  Those are shoes I won at auction for $15 and they are unworn.  I'm tickled!

Using the same crinkled cotton fabric I used for the suit (at $1.00 a yard I bought a bunch), a pink mystery fabric, and my silk, this is a draped dressform to give me an idea of how the fabrics will make up.

Some additional black beading at the edges, some beaded appliques, and a black modern beaded belt and I think it will all pull together.  Today I found this $8.55 tiara and with a few additional jet beads it might be something even the Dowager Countess would wear!

Sunday morning Archery - On Sunday morning our group of 30 attendees have time to enjoy their chosen tour, carriage ride, leisurely breakfast, or sleeping late.  Nine of us have chosen to attend an archery lesson - in costume!  This is my chance to wear another Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenge, my Manet painting recreation costume.

 

Sunday afternoon - Time Traveler's Tea - George Vanderbilt lived from 1862 to 1914.  He opened Biltmore House in 1895.  We will celebrate his life with costumes from all eras in which he lived and enjoy the variety and color of the fashions while enjoying a fabulous Tea at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.  This is another chance for me to wear a Historical Sew Fortnightly creation - the Edwardian Tea Gown and hat.

Sunday evening - 1920s Reception - The Legacy Continues - A vintage dress purchased from a sweet lady for $5.00 will be the base for my costume.

Of course there will have to be a fabulous headpiece to match the sparkle of the dress and a beaded headpiece following this pattern will be my beginning.

On Monday our group divides into those that will head home and those that will stay for the Vintage Dance Week.  One day we will tour Biltmore House again and I will finally wear my "Downton Abbey" fabric dress made for an HSF Challenge last year.

The only gown still on the undecided portion of the plan is the Wednesday evening Belle Epoch gown.  So far this one is a good contender since I have 16 yards of this wonderful 19" wide lace already in the stash.

Meanwhile, I have plenty of creating to keep me busy for this beautiful once-in-my-lifetime event.  I really could use one of these:

Love,

          Jeanette