ANZAC Exhibit

Last Friday night, the ACG were invited along to the opening of a museum exhibit at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum. A friend of ours, Michael, has a quite specific interest in NewZealand and Australian military history and quite a collection of items which were featured in the exhibition. For those not in the know ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Armed Corps and is the name of the forces involved in the wars during the Victorian period, especially during World Wars One and Two. 

Aussies have been involved in many wars over time from the Napoleonic Wars, throughout the American Civil War and conflicts in New Zealand. Apparently there is a very strong tradition of Australians and New Zealanders working together. Facts which were discussed during the opening speeches. I was quite fascinated to learn new facts. I took some photos of the very impressive display which included very rare period uniforms. 

The ACG in particular was invited along to provide a bit ambiance. We wandered around in our costumes ranging from 1850s - 1870s providing colour and chatting to the attendees about how fashion changed over the periods of time. I had a lovely evening and it was nice to be able to pull out one of my existing costumes. 

I say existing, but I did make a couple of changes since I last wore this one. When I originally made this bodice, it was too big in the shoulders. I have since taken it in. I also took off the original trimming and then reapplied it with some new trimming to give a different look. I'm still not sure if I like the bodice though. I think the should straps might be a bit too narrow and the bodice a bit too low at the bust. There's just an awful lot of shoulder on show. The other change I made was to remove the sewn in apron on the underskirt - it allows for all the lovely ruffles to show through the white chiffon. 

My biggest problem though is that my costume shrunk in the wardrobe. ;) Unfortunately it meant that I had to lace into my corset a little tighter than I would have liked and was a bit uncomfortable for the evening. I am now trying to remedy the problem.