From the Prado

Last weekend I tripped on into the bustling city of Brisbane again for a trip to the Art Gallery. We were there to see the exhibition from the Prado museum. We weren't allowed to take photos inside, however I can safely say that there was a multitude of stunning pieces of art work. It was just incredible and I am so glad that I made the effort to go.

But, since the art was period, I decided to organise the trip as a group for the Australian Costumers Guild. And we decided to dress in Georgian - Regency. We had 1740s right through to 1810s. I decided to re-wear my green skirt and bodice. But I did have to make a new hat. My previous one had an unfortunate incident where it fell in the mud - it ended up being tossed. This time around though I knew what I was doing and I added a really nice mull layer under the felt. For it all, the hat feels a lot sturdier and plusher. I love it now. But for the photos:

Black Snake Creek Festival

Slightly belated, but back to last weekend. Not the weekend just gone, but the one before that. At the request of the organisers, I along with a number of other ACG members attended the Black Snake Creek Festival in Marburg. I met the organisers many months ago when I organised the Steampunk trip to the zoo, they were thrilled with our costumes and asked if we would add some historical atmosphere to their event.

We had a good range of years for our costumes. I wore my 1870s red tartan bustle again, while the others covered 1910s, 1920s, 1940s and 1950s. This time though, I styled a red brown wig into an early Victorian bustle style - using my cork wig head to do so.

As for the event, we provided ambiance, we even got to ride in the vintage car procession. And I was photographed for one of the local newspapers. It was a lovely day out and I would be happy to go again next year should we be invited.

1960s Style

The other event that I attended recently was another Vintage Fair. This time, a much smaller one held out at Sandgate. In the end, it was a little disappointing. There was quite a large turn out and a good number of stores, however they had crammed everyone into such a small space that the stalls were unable to bring much stuff and there was very little room for patrons to move around the space in. I bought a vintage tea set that a local artist had decorated. I have seen her stuff before on etsy and been tempted to buy, but this way, I don't have to pay postage. It was lovely to spend a few hours out and about with a couple of my friends before sitting down to lunch.

And finally, I got a photo of my 1960s red dress and hat set that I made back in July. I have been wearing it to work in the meantime and wanted to make sure that I got a good photo of it all. I'm really happy with the way this dress came out (it is two of my patterns - a 1950s bodice and a 1960s skirt pattern smushed together). And best of all, it is incredibly comfortable to wear to work, so I will certainly be making more.

Victorian Picnic 2012

After weeks and weeks of work and frantic sewing, it all came to an end on Saturday as I attended the Australian Costumers Guild Victorian Picnic. I ran one last year and it was such a success that everyone wanted it to be run again. This time though, it was set in the Mount Coo-tha Botanic Gardens. We had a decent turn-out again, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time, despite the humidity and heat that had set in for the day. I certainly did. And the costumes were great. My mum wore her purple skirt and Garibaldi blouse with her crinoline underneath, my dad wore his grey frock coat suit, and I wore my brand new tartan bustle.

What I love most about this outfit is the fabric. It is a linen. The first time I saw it, I fell in love, but it was a bit too expensive given the amounts that I would need for a full bustle. The next time I went back, it was on the $1.99 rack. So I bought a heap. Enough to set me up for what I wanted to do. Then I had to decide on a design. I knew that I wanted an early bustle outfit, but decided to go towards the end of the 1870s and keep the front flat - a style that led into natural form.

I went with three layers. The first is my underskirt - made of the tartan linen with a very long train in back, it features red linen/cotton blend pleats sewn on with a red velvet ribbon. It was painstaking to do all the pleats, but well worth it - I set them all with vinegar and water, so I am hoping when it comes time to wash, it will be fine. the next layer is the overskirt. It is also made long in the back and hangs over the train of the skirt, while the front piece is cut on the bias to help show the fabric. This is trimmed in red tassel fringing and the same red velvet ribbon. Then there is the bodice. Square neckline, elbow length sleeves and back pleats over the bustle. It also feature the introduction of a red and black shot silk in the centre back panel and the under-sleeve. The hem of the bodice is also trimmed in the fringing, while the neckline is bound in bias made from my silk and a delicate cream cotton lace. It buttons up down the front with metal buttons, and has two silk covered buttons at the top of the pleats on the back. The sleeves are trimmed in pleated silk with more cotton lace and red velvet ribbon to finish. And finally, there is the hat. I made it from a Lynne McMasters pattern, but ignored a lot of the instructions. I will NEVER use glue on a hat or bonnet again! At any rate, it is very cute and I really like the way that it sits up on my head. It is trimmed with pleated cream lace, silk ribbons, velvet flower and feathers. All in all, I am very pleased with how it turned out and am really looking forward to wearing it again. Best of all though, I still have a good amount of all my fabrics left over, so am looking at making a few mix-and-match pieces that I can wear with it all. Just like I have done with my gold bustle. At least that way, every time I wear it, I looks different.

Oh and of course, as you do, you get a bit of photo bombing. :P

And below, are a few of my very many shots of the day and the other amazing costumes on show...