Steamboats Ball

What a great ball! The ball took place Friday night at the Henry Clay building. The venue was close to the Brown Hotel so we walked. The ballroom is on the second floor of the building. And what a ballroom!

The ball started with the Grand March, without Crack the Whip at the end; I was so happy about that. I hate that part of the Grand March; it turns into a race and ladies are pulled in two. Dancers today don't quite understand that it needs to be done slowly taking into consideration those at the end.

The band was the Peace Jubilee Brass Band. This was the first time they played such an event and they were wonderful!! The ball consisted of several group dances including reels, quadrilles, and contras and of course waltzes.

During the break, mini cupcakes were were served on the mezzanine.

We didn't stay the whole ball as Steven was beat from all the travel the day before. However, before we left I was able to get a picture of the last minute ballgown.

Additional pictures are here.

Steamboats A'Comin': Spirit of Peoria

What a great civilian event! I had looked forward to this event for a year, and while it had a few bumps, it did not disappoint. My husband is not a reeanctor; he attends certain events to please me, I think, but even he enjoyed the weekend immensely.

The event was organized by Karen Donathen Duffy through her company Grand Civilian Events. It was held in conjunction with the 100th birthday celebration of the Belle of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. We had three boat rides and a ball over the course of the weekend.

Since I had the time, I decided to drive out to the event. I really like road trips and had fun on this one, even with the rain. I left on Wednesday and arrived Thursday afternoon. My husband's flight was delayed several times so he met me at the hotel. There were two event hotels, the Brown and the Galt House; we chose to stay at the Brown as did many of my friends. The Brown is a great hotel and a member of Historic Hotels of America. I really enjoyed my time there. It was built in the 1920s and still had much of that feel. The staff were friendly and helpful. Although it was a mile from the pier it was within a few blocks of the ball location. Additional photos of the Hotel can be found here.

Thursday night was a get together that included some shopping opportunities and a general overview of the weekend plans. The event officially began Friday with a ride on the Spirit of Peoria.

We decided to walk down to the pier this first day, as did others from the hotel. When we arrived at the river, our boat was waiting and the pier was full of reenactors.

 

 And "the dress" made its debut. I didn't have time to redo the bonnet originally planned for this but I think my blue silk drawn bonnet did just fine.

The Spirit of Peoria was a nice boat; I think my favorite of the three we rode over the weekend. We spoke with one of the deck hands and they took five days coming down to the event. He said it was amazing. They slept on the boat for the trip although it does not have cabins.

There was seating outside and inside.

And since it was such a beautiful day we chose to sit out on the deck.

The premise of the trip was a race against the River Queen.

And even though the Peoria is actually powered by her paddle wheel (the River Queen's paddle is just for show)...

we still won the race, who would have thunk :)

Once the ride was over, Steven and I walked back to the hotel and admired some of the architecture on the way.











More pictures here. On to the ball!

Cage Crinoline Workshop

Last month (just before Steamboats) I attended Carolann Schmitt's cage crinoline class in Gettysburg. I have attended Carolann's conference in Harrisburg but have not been able to attend too many of her weekend workshops. Now that I am in Pennsylvania, the weekend workshops are doable. Previously I attended the sleeve workshop and had a blast. My old cage was held together with duct tape so decided I needed the cage workshop before Steamboats even if it was the weekend before. Plus it gave me another weekend in Gettysburg.

There were several events going on in the area that weekend so hotel rooms were at a premium. I managed to get a room at the Western Inn. All I can say is DON'T!!!! It was the most disgusting motel I have ever been to and the guy at the front desk kept changing his story. Did manage to get my money back and found another room in town.

My first order of business was to stop by N.J. Sekela to be measured for a new pair of shoes. I chose red velvet with black foxing, lacing up the inside. I can't wait for them to be done. I then went to dinner at Cashtown Inn.

Prior to the class, we selected which cage kit we wanted and the size. The "old" kit is less authentic but much more durable....

while the "new" kit looks really nice but is a bit more fragile.

Since I am a klutz, I chose the "old" kit at 108 inches. But each kit is basically constructed the same other than the way they are fastened.

Carolann's classes start with a lecture on the class topic. Then down to work.

The first step was to cut the tapes and wires the necessary length. Carolann provides the correct dimensions based on your cage size in her handouts. The waistband is constructed and the tapes pinned in at the correct locations. The tapes have small inserts into which the wires can be inserted.

Wires continue to be inserted until you reach the top. The front of the cage is left open for lacing.

The front wires are cut flush and a binding is attached. The new kits use leather.

The wires are secured with brass brads; the new kits use a different type of fasteners.

Once all wires are secured, eyelets are placed into the front binding and laces added.

The laces are tied too tight in this photo. A buckle is added to the waist band and you're done. Following are some photos of completed or almost completed cages.

This class was a lot of fun and I'm so glad I went. If you get a chance to go to one of Carolann's workshops, you need to! Next on my list is the corset class in April!

Heads up

Yes, I'm still here :). Been a busy couple of months with sewing, events, and family. This is just a check in to let you know that I will be adding some event blogs in the next few days. So stay tuned...

Steamboats dress, bonnet, and West Chester public event

I know it's been some time since I've written and since the dress has been done. Took awhile to get the pictures. The bonnet is also done. Here ya go!

 Not sure I'm happy with the bonnet. I need to play with it a bit to get it to sit right. Also need to take in my corset as the bodice is not fitting right today.

Now I'm working on my ballgown; a few teasers. Will post pictures of the gown after the Steamboat event.

 

Today was my first dress up day in Pennsylvania and the first time since Remembrance Day last year that I got to wear warm clothes. 

The event was to honor the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. Many members came from the West Chester area.

It was a beautiful day; temperatures were in the low 60s, with a light breeze.

The 97th Pennsylvania living history group set up camp for the event. 

They also participated in the ceremonies. 

A local high school band played period music and did a fantastic job!

 

The Brandywine Base Ball Club, a vintage team that plays by 1864 rules, also set up at the park.

And after the event members of the 97th joined them in a game.

It was a fun day!

Undersleeves

Today I took a little break from my dress and finished up the undersleeves I started at the Sleeve workshop in Gettysburg. Over that weekend I picked up some whistle buttons; I don't think this is a period term, but what is being used today to describe these buttons.

I decided to use them on my undersleeves. I just love them!!