Jane Austen Society Convention



Have you ever had something wonderful thrown in your lap all of the sudden, a God-given opportunity that you never even thought about?

 I was contacted about 2 weeks ago about having a booth for Regency attire at the Jane Austen Society's annual convention. And, since it happens to be this October in Fort Worth, TX, I said yes! The theme this year is 'Sense and Sensibility'. They are having some great workshops/speakers on the topic! I probably won't get to attend most of them, since I will be mainly in the Emporium, but I do hope to attend the ball!

I'm getting so excited already planning what is going to be in my booth, and how I will display it all. For starters, I'll have lots of ready made Regency dresses, corsets, chemises, spencers, etc. for sale of various sizes, then my Regency Dress Designer Kits, and a few other ideas that are currently in the works. I've definately got my sewing cut out for me this summer.....(no pun intended....:^)

Rebecca will be sharing the booth with me, and we are thrilled to have the chance to wear Regency attire for so many days in a row!! This also fits in perfectly with the Double Period Project 2011 contest. Hope to have my contest dress done by the convention!

I would love to hear any ideas you girls might have for the booth! Also, if anyone is going to be at the convention, do let me know, I would love to meet you!

French Bread Recipe

We usually buy French bread when we want to have it with an Italian dish, but last Saturday Mom suggested since we weren't going to be in town, that I found out how to make it so we could take some to a lasagna supper at a friend's house that night. I was very pleased with the recipe I found - super easy and fast! The bread only requires one 20-minute rising. The results were yummy! I have a feeling we won't be buying French bread again....

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups water (70 to 80 degrees F)

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon cornmeal

GLAZE:

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

2 teaspoons sesame seeds + dried Italian herbs

Directions

1.In bowl mix warm/hot water, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add flour and knead.

2. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.

3.Sprinkle a greased baking sheet with cornmeal; place loaves seam side down on prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes.

4.Whisk egg and water; brush over loaves. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds/herbs if desired. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

 

Modified from recipe found here.

My Sewing Space

If you remember, last December I rearranged my bedroom, and promised to show pictures of my sewing area soon as I got it organized as well. Well - here it is.

My sewing machine, main fabric shelf, and armoire where I hang finished garments.

When I'm sewing, there is usually an iron and ironing board nearby (both vintage, of course :)

Behind my sewing machine used to be a huge piled basket of mending and repairs that had been there for years. It was quite in the way - so I finally decided it was time for it to go, and repaired what needed to be repaired and got rid of the rest.

I also reorangized all my fabric in the shelves behind the machine and in the closet and got it neatly folded, organized and rolled up on bolts. It's still not perfect, but at least I know where everything is! :^)

My Singer Featherweight, c. 1941-45. I have two of these machines, each slightly different in date and design. My other machine is somewhat plainer, and is c. 1954-56.

But the older one is my favorite: 

I can't brag on these vintage machines enough - so reliable and hardworking! I've had this one for about five years. It's very very rare that I have to take it in for repairs, most of the upkeep and fixing you can do yourself.

19thc. Reproduction Cottons

As you can probably tell, it's hard for me to pass up a good deal on fabric.

I'll find a use for it all one of the days!

Costume satins and taffetas

And finally, inside my closet lies more shelves filled with pattern storage boxes (very handy for categorizing!)

And - more fabric. :^)

Each pattern box has a category - costumes, 1860s historical, modern, vintage 40s, vintage 50s, etc.

Some day I'd love to have my own 'studio' room (or rooms....) just for sewing, but for now I'm enjoying my newly organized sewing space.

Vintage Pattern Giveaway

Enter to win a set of 5 vintage patterns from the 50s and 60s!

All patterns are cut and complete.

A wonderful way to start off sewing your spring wardrobe!

1960s one piece dress and jacket.

1950s Misses sleeveless, full skirted dress with contrasting detachable collar.

1960s Juniors' and Misses' one piece dress with full pleated skirt, darted bodice and buttons down the front.

1960s Misses raglan sleeved shirt-dress with slim or full pleated skirt

1960s Misses Coat and Dress.

Dress has kimono sleeves and slim skirt.

Full length lined coat with pockets.

How to Enter:

Mandatory entry: Comment on this post inlcluding a way to contact you (blog, email, etc.) - 1 entry

Extra entries:

Paste the above button to your blog sidebar and link it to this post. - 2 entries

Follow this blog (or let me know if you already follow) - 1 entry

Post about the giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter - 1 entry for each

Buy a vintage pattern (or other item) from Bonny Blue Arts during the giveaway week, and write 'giveaway' in notes to seller at checkout - 10 entries

Be sure to leave a comment telling me what extra entries you have done, so I can tally them all up at the end. :^)

Giveaway begins Monday, March 7th, and ends Monday, March 14th.

Winner will be chosen by random number.

Our Swing Dance - Video Clip

A short video clip showing some swing dancing from our recent Retro Themed Homeschool Dance.

We are all having an absolutely wonderful time - as you can probably tell by the smiles on our faces! :^)

Enjoy!