Jane Austen Evening

Last Saturday we attended the 2011 Jane Austen Evening - as most of you know, I've been sewing for this event for weeks, and the projects inspired me to start blogging. Whew! What fun, but I'm glad that now I get to enjoy my memories instead of worrying about what else I should be sewing!

My dress is from the classic Sensibility pattern, but I've fit and altered the bodice quite extensively. My version has a lower and wider neckline, I added to the bust height so that it can stay down around my ribcage and not ride up, I interlined the sleeves with organza to make them pouf, and updated the back closure to lacing instead of buttons.

Catching a few rays of daylight outside the ball.

 

Closest pictures I have to a front and back view of my dress. 

The back has the spiral lacing I wrote about previously.

I'm pretty sure I got more compliments on my jewelry than my dress. As it should be!

With one of my dearest friends, Ashley. It was her first Regency Ball, and I think she's hooked too!

Adam (Ashley's husband) was a great sport. I think he was my favorite dance partner of the evening - he really got into the spirit, and took every opportunity to strike a dapper pose. :)

I think Chris and I usually look like this when we dance - him teasing me, and me looking mad. ;)

High Tea before the ball.

Sweets - sweet!

The Tea Master at work - all the servers wore period outfits, which was a nice touch.

One fellow setting up his table.

A couple of the nicely decorated tables. I don't want to bother bringing all that china, but on Ashley's suggestion I'm going to bring a tablecloth and centerpiece next year.

I have more pictures of the impressive menswear at the Ball that I'll be sharing soon over at Fashioning Beau Brummell - please check that out too!

I don't have many pictures of the dancing (I was too busy having fun!), but if you want to see more, check out the Jane Austen Evening Facebook page - there is loads more eye candy there!