After our ride on the stagecoach, which was crazy and fun. We got the last ride of the day, too Yesterday, my lovely mother and I dressed up all perdy-like, in our…
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Back From the 16th Century, with 18th Century Shoes…
My mother and me in our Elizabethans. This past weekend we attended Valhalla Renaissance Faire, as I posted about earlier. It was wet, muddy, chilly, but the wool cloaks, fox furs, and…
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The Victorian Steampunk Ball … (If You’re In The Reno Area)
If you happen to be in the Northern California or Northern Nevada areas, check out this event. It’s going to be *awesome,* and I know that, because I’m part of the club…
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The Pet at the “Winter Whites” Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society
This past Friday a contingent of costumed ladies and one whole gentleman attended the Nevada Historical Society’s “Winter Whites” exhibition, a small display of gowns ranging from the 1890s through the 1960s,…
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Magazine Treasures of 1916
Recently I lucked into the acquisition of real honest-to-goodness primary source material, courtesy of an old friend of mine from high school, Corinne. Her dear mother was getting rid of a large…
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Regency Christmas at Daughter’s Cafe, Reno
First course – mushroom and leek soup, a cheese scone to accompany, and currant juice. This past Saturday evening members of the Great Basin Costume Society, and several new additions, gathered at…
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SideCar: The Gatsby Picnic at Lake Tahoe
1931 Buick, in front of the Pope Mansion What a lovely Sunday it was, at Tallac, on the lawn of the Pope Mansion, surrounded by 1920s and 30s automobiles, listening to jaunty…
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A Day in Virginia City, Nevada – The Girls of 1879
On the back stairs of the extremely haunted Old Washoe Club. These stairs were used to usher prostitutes into the upper levels of this building, known as The Millionaire’s Club. We visited the Old…
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Time Travel: The Baroque Gown at June Gaskells Ball
So what if Gaskell’s Ball in Oakland, CA, has a Victorian theme! I wore the Baroque, and loved every minute of it. I’m continually surprised at how comfortable this costume is. The…
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My Victorian Summer Bonnet by Maggie
As promised, here is an informational post with lots of pictures, all about my Victorian Summer Bonnet. This bonnet was made for me by Maggie Waterman, a fabulous costumier and milliner. Her…
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Time Travel: Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe, and Rendezvous in Carson City
So for all my complaining, I love this dress (now). It wore really quite well! The events of the day included a trip up to Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, to scout a…
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Evidence of Time Travelled and Costume Worn
Here are some photos from Saturday, our trip up to Valhalla Renaissance Faire at South Lake Tahoe. I’m ever so pleased with this 1570s Elizabethan jacket. I’ve wanted to make it for…
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What I Haven’t Been Showing You…
Sometimes we seamsters embark upon a project with such gusto that we forget to photograph and post about it. Mostly this happens when there is very little time in which to complete…
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Hey, Whatever Happened To…
…that 1940 vintage summer dress? Well, I’ve been bad. I’ve worn this dress three or so times, but have only gotten pictures of it today! And not very many pictures of it…
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1940 Floral Summer Dress – Progress
As promised, progress photos on the 1940 dress, done up in brown floral cotton shirting, and using a vintage 1940 Simplicity pattern belonging to my grandmother. The wonderful thing about vintage patterns…
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Early Christmas Gifts, Ubersexlich, All Manner of Update…
It’s been a crazy mid-month, and here’s hoping things calm down. Lots of happenings and announcements and other zaniness ahead… First Up – Pogey Bait! Nicole, herself a fantastic seamstress and wonderful…
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The Great 1840s Combustion…
…on Hold. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very sorry to announce that the 1840s day dress for this year’s Dickens Christmas Fair…is on hold until next year. Why, you whimper? On account…
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The Great 1840s Madness, and Some 18th c. Toile-ing
It feels fantastic to be sewing again, and to be sewing on a tight deadline. I believe in the power of tight deadlines to keep us excited about a project, make us…
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The Great 1840s Digression
Today I went to the fabric store for one thing and one thing only: muslin, primarily for the purpose of mocking up James’ 18th c. men’s suit (more on this later). What…
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Time Travel: Le Bal Des Vampyres, 1840s
I promise you I have some delectable projects to begin updating about soon, including a fantastic 18th c. men’s ensemble ripe with embroidery and velvet and goodies. However, I also need to…