Victorian Picnic

Well, it’s now time that I play catch up with my blog posts. I was inordinately busy for the month of September with events and working on projects and then finished out my month with the worst head cold / sinus infection that I have ever had. Put it this way – eye mucus. At any rate, after a good round of antibiotics I am all better and trying to catch up on everything. So I will start with the first event that I attended in September – a Victorian Picnic.

The event was hosted by 19th Century Queensland, a re-enactment group with a lot of member crossover in the Australian Costumers Guild. They were hosting a simple Springtime Victorian Picnic. This is the first one of their Victorian events that I have actually been able to attend this year. It was held on Father’s day, (a bit of a shame since my Dad couldn’t come) but I did take my mum along with me in the 1870s linen bustle that I made for her earlier this year. The event itself was held at Newstead House, one of our regular historical haunts around Brisbane. The day proved breezy and cool while we picnicked under one of the large shade trees in the parklands surrounding the house. It was quite a relaxing day, but with grey clouds imminent my mum and I headed home to finish our Sunday out of the rain.

As for my outfit. I finally got to wear my new 1850s sheer gown. I made it way back in May, but was too sick to attend the event I was making it for. A real shame as I had stitched my fingers sore getting the bonnet ready. At least when it came to dressing up this time, I knew exactly what I would choose. I couldn’t wait to put it all on. The dress is made from a sheer white cotton with a fine check and features frilled sleeves and a gathered neckline. I based it on an original gown that I found online and fell in love with. I paired it with an apple green petticoat and sash so that a pop of colour would show through. But the part that I love the most is my bonnet. Again, based on an original, it’s hand sewn of silk dupion in green and white and the same check cotton fabric from my gown trims the top in frills. I love how frilly and girly the bonnet came out and I am so glad that I made it as I feel it really completes the outfit.

As for the inspiration behind my ensemble...

A State of our own

Last Tuesday, I attended the annual Proclamation Day event at Newstead House with the Australian Costumers Guild. We have been invited along for a number of years to add atmosphere in period costume to the event that celebrates the day when our state became a state in its own right. It’s a simple celebration with a flag raising, nibbles, speeches and carols by the piano at one of Brisbane’s most known heritage houses. But it is wonderful that we get the opportunity to be there an provide that element of atmosphere.

It had thankfully cooled down quite a bit after a stinker of a day and the breeze off the Brisbane river was keeping us cool. We wandered the grounds for some photos in the gardens before the ceremony began. 

Ceremony...

Afterwards, we took a quick tour around the house and snapped a few more shots before the light disappeared completely. The evening finished off with carols around the piano and chatting with the interested attendees.

It’s a lovely event to be invited to, and I strive to make the effort to go along each year. This year, I pulled out my white silk crinoline that I re-trimmed from the heritage ball earlier this year. I love the ensemble now, and have my old purple one in the pile of stuff to be sold (so if you are interested in it, watch this space).

I did however spend some time making a new petticoat. This one, out of taffeta. An unfortunate side effect of wearing silk skirts is that they stick to a cotton petticoat. I've had a taffeta petticoat planned for some time, I just haven't had the fabric or gotten around to making it. So, on my last trip to Adelaide, I picked up a lovely silver taffeta and I spent some time last weekend whipping it up. I even spent some time decorating the hem with some pin tucks and lace.

And despite recovering from a stomach bug at the time, and feeling rather awful, I had a wonderful night out with my ACG girls.