I’ve always wanted to go to a Dickens Festival and could never make it up to San Francisco to work let alone visit the annual event that is still put on by the same folks behind the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire. I do not even remember how I found it — I may have been searching Steam Punk — but I found one that in held in Riverside, CA and in February. Since it was only just a weekend event, I thought I might be able to get pastoral dispensation and work it, so I volunteered. Then, I realized that I literally did not have a thing to wear, except for a pair of brown tights.
Here is my list:
My patterns are split between two companies: Past Patterns, whose patterns I’ve worked with before and will need to grade up a couple of sizes, and Laughing Moon Mercantile for the first time. Their patterns go up to size 34, which is larger than I actually need.
Chemise: Past Patterns: # 717 — Tucked Chemise, circa 1850-1860, purchased via amazon.com. I found some really awesome paisley eyelet fabric for the body at joann.com and some interesting eyelet trim from Korea on etsy.com. The fabric washed up beautifully and is both delightfully semi-sheer and soft.
Petticoat and Drawers: Past Patterns: # 706 — Mid-19th Century Petticoat & Drawers, circa 1860-1870, purchased via amazon.com. I found some very reasonably priced border eyelet fabric on fabric.com in white for both and denim blue for the top petticoat.
Corset: Bijoux Pattern Co. (they’re a division of Laughing Moon Mercantile) Ladies’ Victorian Corset #1. I picked this one because it’s got more seams and should be easier to make the necessary sizing adjustments. I’m also going to make this in a light khaki-color 5.3 oz linen that I have in my stash.
Day Dress (wrapper style): Laughing Moon Mercantile 120# — Pleated Wrapper/ Word Dress. I found a cream background reproduction print for it at twobeesfabric.com
I also have a ballgown pattern and hoops and bustle pattern, but since I won’t be going to the ball, I won’t be making them for this go-round.