2016 Port Townsend Victorian Festival and Plaid Walking suit.

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the 2016 Port Townsend Victorian Festival for the whole weekend. I was accompanied by my husband and our two sons. We stayed at Manresa Castle. It was lovely!

I brought five different outfits to wear. Oh my! Four were from the 1890s era and one was an 1870s bustle dress. The bustle dress was specifically for the fashion show. Needless to say there was a tremendous lot of packing. I kept my shoe choices simple. For regular wear I use my Frye granny boots. A nice practical 1.5 inch heel and almond shaped toe. I can wear them all day with no issues. For the ball I wore my American Duchess Tango boots. I love them! But alas a 3 inch heel means only a few hours of wear. They are very well balanced and easy to dance in. I do think a person who is more used to heels could get longer wear out of them.

Friday night there was a Sea Shanty sing along. It was a lot of fun even though I was sober and didn't know any of the songs. I wore my red 1890s outfit for the sing along. I received many compliments on it.

The lady in red!

Saturday was a very busy day. I started my morning selling tickets for VicFest. I did that for a couple of hours. I then went to see a lecture on watches and how women wore them. After that I had lunch with another costumer and friend. Then back to the hotel to prepare for the Victorian Fashion Show. I also needed a bit of downtime. I am fairly introverted but can be extroverted when needed. But I also know my limitations. In order to take care of myself I need a bit of quiet to recharge my batteries. 

The fashion show was wonderful. Happily my husband also participated in this event. After the fashion show we had dinner and then it was off to the ball! I wore my black silk taffeta 1890s evening gown. I used Truly Victorian's Ripple Bodice (with modifications) and the fabulous Ripple Skirt. I also changed out the sleeve to her  TV495, large evening poof sleeve. Yes, very poofy!

Sunday the guys went home in the morning and I joined my friends for a tea party at The Commander's Beach house. It was fabulous! Here are some pictures of the full adventure!

 In the bar at Manresa Castle. Cheers!

Practical 1890s walking skirt and blouse. 

At the fashion show with The Countess.

 Myself and the Mr. Mimi

Manresa Castle before the ball. 

At the ball getting ready for the grand march. 

Commander's Beach House after the tea. 

1890s puff sleeve competition. Lady Rebecca is clearly the winner. 

My friend The Fabulous Val. 

My turn for silly!

Truly Victorian's TV297 1898 flared skirt and TV496 Ripple bodice using the collar and sleeve from the Eaton jacket. Probably my favorite sleeve design.

My latest project is an 1850s-ish dress for a May event. I don't normally do anything pre bustle except a modest amount of late 18th century. So I am keeping the dress simple and easy. I am using a pretty teal cotton print and I may make a bonnet. Not sure yet. If I do it will be a dark brown. Teal and dark brown are in my top 5 color combinations.