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...

Easter Sunday Picnic

On Easter Sunday, I frocked up in my tartan 1870s bustle gown and headed out to Fort Lytton, Brisbane's own historical site for a Victorian Picnic organised by the re-enactment group 19th Century Queensland.

The day was still a bit warm for all the layers, but I was really happy with how my new bustle frame and petticoat held out my skirts. And I always love the opportunity to wear my bustle dress. Thankfully, being made of linen, cotton and silk, it at least breathed in the weather. I styled up one of my new lace front wigs to go with the outfit and my hat. I even topped off my outfit with a little mouse brooch that I used to wear to Sunday School when I was little. 

It was a lovely outing and nice to see so many people show up, despite the fact that it was Easter Sunday. It was odd for me to be there without my parents who I usually drag along to these things, but alas, they were tripping away down Sydney way for the Easter break. It was a relaxing afternoon, sitting in the shade, chatting to friends, snacking on sandwiches and tea. We rounded out our afternoon with a promenade around the grounds.

I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked, but there were many photographers on site, so there are a good number of photos floating around on the internet out there.