19th Century Queensland goes a little bit Country

My Victorian reenactment group this year learnt that there was a Historical Fesitval taking place in Highfields, which is just outside of Toowoomba, which included a very big display of historical bicycles.  We're not a group that says no to these sorts of opportunities often, and although there was only 3 of us, we decided to go anyway.

This was a weekend long event, however, we only planned to go on the one day.  It was excessively hot and dusty during the day, and we were on our feet, walking up and down on the slight hill being fabulous.  We were kinda forced into the costume competition (and honestly, I thought we shouldn't since I didn't think it fair being as we are reenactors!).  There was another girl in the comp as well, and I gather that she has previously won, and assumed she would again since she was a local.  She was very friendly.... Until they gave me the prize.  I felt horrible, her face changed from sunny to dark and angry, and I said to the other lady in our group, "you know, this is why I really don't like going into competitions".... And honestly, costuming to me shouldn't be about competition.  Unless you're solely competing with yourself.  Which sadly many people are not.  Don't get me wrong, it's lovely to have my skill acknowledged, but it isn't something I "need" to feel good about myself.

I also managed to find myself a Beau, he attempted to flirt with me every time he saw me, despite me mentioning that I had a husband that i was really rather fond of.  But all in all a lovely day, with many great opportunities for some lovely photos...  Afterwards, when we had stripped down and decided to go into town for dinner, we were treated to a massive thunderstorm, while we were in town.  Which meant of course that we all got a little bit wet, but it was worth it, because we had a tasty fish and chip dinner.

This was an awesome event that we're planning to do again in 2017, and we may even camp onsite, pending the construction of our marquee.

The photos below are by the lovely Donna Howard.. I took none!

March 2016 - A 1920s train ride

Really the first thing on the calendar for me for 2016 costuming wise (other than my birthday), was a ride on a steam train in 1920s.

I have unrequited love for the 1920s. I LOVE the stylings, and I love the clothes. They just don't love me. The styles are mostly not flattering, I had 2 dresses that are largely a success, one in voille, which I have worn ALOT (so much so that I didn't want to wear it for this event), and an evening dress that would not be appropriate for a train ride.

So I thought I'd try something different. A more masculine style that was becoming popular during this era. I pulled stuff out of the stash for it, thinking that if it didn't work, oh well, at least I've used stash!

I decided on some plus-fours. Baggy pants usually work for me, right? Sure! Lets go for some culottes! I had to self-draft the pants, and while execution-wise they worked, on me, they aren't flattering, and they don't sit up on my waist, which on me isn't a great look, since I'm already long in the torso.

The train ride itself, was SO much fun, and while my outfit isn't overly flattering, it's ridiculously comfortable, and I didn't swelter in the heat. Only four of us went along, but we all agreed, that despite that, we had an immensely good time. We rode the teens era steam train out through some scrub, and on our return, we ventured over the road to the pub for a counter lunch. Which was DELISH! Especially since I had an icy cold cider with it... nom nom nom. I took very few pictures, but following are the photos I took.

The new sewing room!

I have been growing out of my sewing room in this house for some time, and there really wasn't any way for me to expand in the room I was already in.  One wall had the built ins, which is very useful, but kinda full. The second wall had a sliding door, and it isn't a pocket door, so you kinda lose space there unfortunately. The other two walls had windows. Great for natural light if you are sewing during the day, but kinda sucks if you want to put up shelves.

My wonder-hubby suggested that perhaps we could switch me out from what WAS my sewing room into what was orginally the computer room. Before deciding on it, we mapped it out. One wall for storage up to the ceiling, two walls for the sewing/cutting bench. Shelves above the bench. Storage options for under the bench. Lots of power, lots of light. We went and priced everything out, and we painted over the top of the original blue feature wall (there's now only the feature wall left in the master bedroom. It's days are numbered also..). So this was happening. Of course I have so much stash that there was no way ALL of it was going to fit into the new room. So I've retained the wardrobe in the back bedroom (originally the sewing room) to keep more of the stash. As I use up what is currently in the sewing room, I'll transfer out of that wardrobe.

But what does it look like now?? Please see the following pics. Of course, right now it looks FAR more lived in than this (read: IT'S A GODAWFUL MESS!), but it's so much more inspiring, and it is far more usable. I can find things! Everything has a place! No more buying things I already have because I can't find it!

So I'll do these in order, a 360 degree from the door so you kinda get the full picture of my room. I love it so much and I'm constantly thankful that I have such a useful husband.. :)