Sew Much Fun

This past week I decided to start a new sewing project. The outfit consists of a shirt, skirt, and shorts set, but I decided to make them into three separate pieces. This (Simplicity) pattern didn't have a date on it, but judging from the look of it, it seems to be a little newer than the 40s dress I did; I'm guessing it was from the 50s. The shorts were actually the easiest thing to make so far and are so comfortable I've worn them almost every day since I've made them :P The opening is held together by snaps except for the top which is a hook and I added this awesome button that my granny gave me to decoration. (I still have a little fixing up to do with that corner, but I wanted to show the button so excuse the messiness of my sewing.)

These pictures are taken in my Granny's back yard. She had a little storage shed made and decorated it to look like a small house; it's so cute. The sign that says Florence Nicholas on it is her actual beauty parlor sign from when she lived up in Pennsylvania! It was made back in the day when they used to hand paint signs and it is an amazing work of craftsmanship.

This is the skirt that I made. I love the big pockets and all the gathering. I'm still practicing my button hole stitching, so currently it's being held up by safety pins, but I wanted to show it nonetheless.

I really wanted to show the shirt also, but unfortunately I started to get eaten alive by mosquitos again by this point, so it will have to wait. I still have the buttons to go on that one too. Anyway, that's all I have for today!

Holding On By A Thread

I had bought a crinoline skirt awhile back, and since I had nothing to match it, I thought it would be worth an effort to try and make my own matching sweater. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and out of all the yarns they had, was able to find one that matched the perfect blend of magenta and red from my skirt. And to keep it old fashioned, I am trying the cable stitch, from a pattern that I found on the Vixen Vintage blog. It's awfully stressful trying not to miss a single loop. This is my second attempt and I'm doing okay so far! I work on it a little bit each day, but hey no rush...I have several months til I can wear it anyway, right? ;)

Vintage Flat Brimmed Hat

Oh and since this has nothing to do with the Renaissance, I decided to give it its own post. I have been looking everywhere for a vintage hat. I don't know how many antique stores I've been to and not been able to find "the right one." Either its much too expensive, damaged, or oddly shaped. But a few weeks ago, I found this one which was just right and goes really well with this dress, I think. Of course all my outfits can't be green, sooo lets just say this is the first of many hats to come. 0:)

Renaissance, Man

I haven't had the camera in quite awhile, but my friend took me to a Renaissance Festival the other day in Wisconsin and it was so fantastic, I took pictures even though I know my phone is terrible.

This was my very first Renaissance Festival and it was a lot to take in! At first I thought everyone was a little crazy, but after a few hours, you really get sucked into the world they create and feel like you are a part of it. By the end of the day, I was surprised that we left for our car and not to our little peasant cottage somewhere to wake up next morning and mingle again. Above is a picture of a procession for the queen and some aristocratic women. They had such beautiful dresses...(but I imagine it was pretty hot under all those layers!)

This was an armor store, auctioning off a replica of Sauron's suit (from Lord of the Rings).

Here is the sign with ye old jousting schedule. 

And here is our knight at the joust. My friend was chosen to be his lady. Unfortunately his pride got the best of him, which we all know, is not a characteristic of an honorable knight. 

Oh and of course The Doctor was there. I wonder what sort of alien mischief went on in the 1500s?