We're getting down to the knitty-gritty on Costume Con 27.

In a spirit (alcohol-free spirit on my part, but we are not required to remain that way) of cooperation, I suggest the "Pink Pirate Posse" meet-up at Passionately Pink for the Cure in the Con Suite--since we will, by definition, (Wear something Pink!). Another synchronicity for me is that breast cancer has touched several friends of mine--it may also be true for you-all.

So, I've verbally press-ganged a collection of folks into the Crew of the <i>Rosy Dawn</i>
...who is Woman enough to show her best pink face? All shades of best are possible, from palest blush to screaming fuschia, and we mixes our colors with the best complements, as well!

And is Saturday or Sunday better for everyone? Arrrr! It's time for a poll:

Poll #1378718 What day should the Pink Pirate Posse be Passionately Pink?
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

Have you completed your Pink Pirate outfit (as you vowed when press-ganged into the Crew of the Rosy Dawn?

What day is better for you to wear your Pinkitude?

 

Tags: cc27, pink pirate posse poll
Current Mood: curious

OK, all y'all herded me into it. I had to see what Celtic Animal I would be, and I have to say, I think it's only partially right.

Your Animal is the Goose

You are are a resourceful person who needs a lot of stability in life. You rather save for a rainy day, even if it means on missing out on fun impulses. When you feel secure, you are incredibly creative and artistic. You are also very witty. You like to invest in yourself and for the future. You like to always be learning and gaining skills.

Tags: celtic animal meme, goose
Current Mood: quixotic

This year's Pirate Feast was also Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, my love was not able to accompany me to the festivities, but he saw me off with style and kisses.

Here, our hosts welcome a green pirate.

We had an interestingly mixed turnout with a fair leavening of new faces, since alternate events drew some of the regular crew to Baltimore and Alexandria. However, I saw debbiedoodle  serving at the bar, bauhausfrau and her DH shared my table,ginevra007  came by to chat, as did her DH. aramintamd 's stomacher looks fab with her blue jacket--and her new skirt! tacnukesoul  kindly brought our table some
( photo-worthy powder monkeys )
Keep an eye out for next year: tickets go on sale September 1st, and usually sell out by the 2nd or 3rd.

The rest of my pics are on my flickr page.

Tags: adelphi mill, pirate feast
Current Mood: satisfied
Current Music: The Pyrates Royale

viennabelle snared/yoinked/infected me....but I forgive her.

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
- What I create will be just for you.
- It'll be done in the next 12 months.
- You have no clue what it's going to be.
- I reserve the right to do something unusual.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you have to put this in your journal as well. We all can make stuff!

(and if I don't have your physical address, you'll have to provide it to me by private message)

Tags: ponzi craft make-things gift-pyramid
Current Mood: artistic

It's never too early to mark your calendar:

www.poebicentennial.com says :

The major event after January will be the funeral for Edgar Allan Poe complete with a horse drawn hearse with period coffin and body. This promises to be the big event of the bicentennial. The date will be Saturday, October 10, 2009. Due to the high level of interest two services will be held.

Among the dignitaries giving eulogies will be Rufus Griswold, Sarah Helen Whitman, Nathanial Parker Willis, Charles Bauledaire, the narrator from The Tell Tale Heart, John Ingram and we are awaiting responses from other dignitaries. Famed Broadway producer and winner of three "Edgars", Rupert Holmes will honor us with his appearance. Appropriate funerary music will be performed during the services. John Astin has shown great interest presiding over the funeral.

I also overheard someone say something about "the trial" --anyone have further info about that event?

Tags: poe bicentennial

So, as it turns out, I was the lone costumer at the Sunday performance. Circumstances kept potential fellow time-travellers isabelladangelo  and debbiedoodle busy with their 21st century lives.

But, having enjoyed myself last year, read comments of envy in padawansguide  and bauhausfrau 's journals, and already bought the tickets, I persevered, and drove to Baltimore all by myself. Because it was SOOoooo cold last year, I had determined to tart up the quickie purple melton cloak I threw together last year. So off came the vintage fur collar I'd whipped on (some other project will get the silver fur treatment).

I added navy chenille rick-rack to all the edges, and whipped a child-length cape of the same melton onto the neck edge. This gave me a lovely caped cloak that was very warm. It has a fuschia crepe wool-lined hood, which is a little eccentric, but I think the overall effect is still very period.

And I didn't really need the warmth, becasue the weather cooperated by being in the 50s and sunny for the afternoon.

My other costume addition this year was a pair of improbably auburn side curls made from a sale find at Sally's.I'll have to post pics of my hair separately. I think they were adorable in a mutton-dressed-as-lamb way!

Biggest mistake: Should have brought a bottle of water. I did get a bit dehydrated. At the very end of the evening, they served out 4 sips of sparkling cider for a toast to Poe. I could have chugged a whole bottle!

But the people around me were pleasant to chat with, the performances were good, and I met a woman and her daughter in the autograph line who came down from Long Island for the weekend just to attend the event.( What did I wear? )</div>My purple and teal 1830s day dress, corded petticoat, teal and gold paisley shawl, drawn bonnet, and (not in this pic) purple wool melton cloak. For more pics of the site, see my flickr page.

Tags: baltimore, poe bicentennial
Current Mood: nostalgic

If you are in the DC metropolitan area this weekend, this Costumer/Re-enactor/Miniatures war-gamer estate sale has treasures for hobbyists across the historical spectrum. Lots of fabric, trims, patterns, miniature figures, and men's costumes and accessories of many periods.

• Costumes (medieval, Renaissance, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th century, sci fi) and accessories (shoes, hats, gloves, etc.)
• Repro weapons and armor
• Books, especially history books
• Fabric (lots and lots of fabric)
• Wargaming miniatures and computer programs

For more about David (and to see some of his costumes) We miss him, but we know he'd want his enthusiasm for costuming and history to continue in ours and other's lives, through the sale and continued use of his stuff. Help support the family, and support the hobbies he loved.

Open from 10 am-4 pm, January 17 and 18, 2009. Address: 4301 29th Street, Mount Ranier,  MD. Credit cards will be accepted.

Cross-posted to various groups.

Tags: fabric, re-enactor's estate sale, stuff
Current Mood: contemplative

Most of my crew is going to attend the Poe Birthday Bicentennial celebration in Baltimore on Jan 31--but I have a conflicting commitment. So instead, I am going to attend the Feb 1 events. I'll be going in costume, and I'm fishing for others who'd like to join me.

What is the Poe Birthday Bicentennial Celebration? Well, here's the information. Tickets are still available for the second weekend, so I'm going to gather thoughts and info, and write tomorrow or Saturday to see how many are left.

Last year, we had lots of fun--but, word to the wise, it was frigid weather. A great chance to show off 1830s and 1840s gowns and outerwear, take pics at the grave, and enjoy the "Bawlmer" ambiance.

If you're interested in joining me, email as soon as possible!

Tags: 1830s, 1840s, baltimore, poe bicentennial
Current Mood: quixotic

OK, like I supect most of you costumers, I really don't need any more fabric. I have a stash that has roots in quilting, knitting, and costuming, so I have fibers both spun and woven, natural and invented. I like the possibilities in uncut goods, and I have a designer's eye to imagine them in various blossoms of creative fruitfulness.

I should use the stuff I have. But of course, my eye catches on new stuff, and I conjure textures out of words and photos, and synthesize images with factoids of personalities and memories.

Specifically, one of my local costume-buddies found this item on ebay: "crabapple" pink-peach cotton velvet. The catch is that it comes in chunks of 55 yards, which is more than I'll ever need. Doesn't it look lovely? What could I possibly make out of that much velvet? A coat would likely be 3-6 yards, depending on how heavy I wanted it to be, a gown around the same. But look, it's cheap! And the lovely swirly photo just "feels" like soft cotton velvet, doesn't it?

Up to 900 yards available--in 55 yard bolts. Wouldn't it be funny if everone going to CostumeCon used the same velvet?

*le sigh!*

Tags: bargain, pink, velvet
Current Mood: enthralled

I've met some very good friends in my costuming journeys: some virtually, and some actually; some for brief periods of intense fun, and some on extended sojourns into history, craft and friendship. One good friend in our Tuesday Night sewing circle has moved on from this world, but his memory and his influence lingers with us. Mutual friends including debbiedoodle , have created a website celebrating David's life.
If you knew David, or if you didn't, but are active in the re-enacting, costuming, historical interpretation, or historic dance communities, please take a moment to browse through the photos, and read about a true genetleman and patriot. I miss him, I honor him, and I take his kindness and enthusiasm forward in my life.

Tags: david, in memoriam, life-celebration
Current Mood: touched