The Great Dickens Fair

I've just returned from The Great Dicken's Christmas Fair and am happy to report that a wonderful time was had by all. This is my family, bellied up to the bar. I'm pleased to say I made almost everything in the photo, with the exception of my husband's vest (ran out of time), the lady's hats (can't imagine having the time) and the gentlemen's neck wear (I have to draw the line somewhere and neck wear just isn't my thing.)

The women of the family  wore versions of Simplicity 1818. My daughter is in lilac, Rachel in burgundy and I'm wearing my favorite color--deep dark green.

One of the challenges of wearing hoop skirts is traveling, but somehow we three  hoop-skirt wearers jammed ourselves into the backseat of the vehicle.

It was cozy, but putting on a hoop in the parking lot after arriving seemed gauche, and really, once we got settled, traveling wasn't too bad. I still don't have a clear picture of how we got back out of the car, but somehow we did.

Before leaving for the Fair, we took many photos--good thing because I had flash issues at the event and only got a couple usable photos. 

This is Rachel's dress:

This is me and my beloved:

Me and my son, Sherlock:

According to him, the game is afoot.

Here is Sherlock and his father:

I'm rather pleased my men's wear. The pants are Laughing Moon #106 California pants--historically accurate for the time--and made of wool. The frock coat (unfortunately a bit wrinkled from being packed) and Sherlock's vest are from Simplicity 2895. Next time I make a frock coat, I'm using heavier wool. Sherlock's coat and deer stalker are from Simplicity 2517. Finally, their shirts are Laughing Moon #107 Men's Victorian and Edwardian Shirts:

I had to shorten the shirts--if you follow the pattern, they go almost to the knee.They're worn with studs and have detachable cuffs and collars.

I must confess that one of my favorite moments of the day occurred before the Fair began, when a woman approached and asked where we got our costumes. Why from a little basement sewing room in the middle of Nevada.