JA Festival Report

[tess]

(I wasn't sure where to post this, so please move as needed-thx!)

I'm happy to report our first Jane Austen Festival was a success!

There were vendors with bonnets, fabrics, jewelry, silhouette cuttings, and antiquarian books. We offered a formal English tea on the hour each day that were close to sold out. Joan Ray was the featured speaker (past president of JASNA) and did book signings.
There was a Regency fashion show both days by Betsy Bashore (FABULOUS!) and displays of Gail's (I don't know her last name) hand-sewn clothing. Bea Reid taught a bonnet making workshop each day (covering a buckram frame).
There was a chamber music concert on Sunday night in the ball room of the Locust Grove house (built in early 1800's). The musical selections were those found in Jane Austen's collection, many of which were transcribed by her).

I'm completely hooked. I loved it all and can't wait until Mississinewa! I'm sure I was a giggly girl all weekend. The folks from the Regency Revisited fabric booth were ever so nice to me and have offered me lodging at Mississinewa (in the British camp). Betsy was a wealth of information and gave me some ideas for patterns for my husband (if and when I can convince him that this is a good idea for him!). It was so great to be in the historic home and in period attire.

I might have to start looking at Stephanie's threads about starting a Regency Society here so I can play more often ;D

Link to photo album of the festival: s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj289/Contessa_021/JAfestival2008/

[Miss Credit]

Oh it looks like you had such a splendid good time! I so do wish that I could have gone.
I can honestly say I dont think I have ever seen so many well dressed ladies, and all of those fabrics were to die for! I will definitely have to make a note to go next year.

Really, isnt Betsy just the greatest?! I am so glad that you were able to meet her, she really knows her stuff when it comes to this era.

Thank you so much for sharing those pictures, I just absolutely adore the one of Rob aka Lt. Col. Trumbull.

[Val]

Tess, these are really nice pictures. In fact, very timely for me. I'd just had a guild member asking about fabrics appropriate for Regency dress, and she'd picked out a horrible one. I pointed her to the photo of the Regency Revisited fabrics, and told her to pay attention.
This is also the year of the Regency at Costume College, so we're all gaga for anything Regency.

[Val]

Tess, you mentioned the Regency Revisited fabric company at the festival. Do you know if they have a website?

[tess]

Val,
I'm sorry not to have been more timely in my replies. I'm finishing a summer online course and have been just swamped. I don't even lurk here, as I know there is no such thing a s "quick stop by" the forum site!

The contact info I have is from their business card. They don't have a website but here is what I can give you.
Regency Revisited
Hand Printed Fabric
Huntington, IN
I was going to add the email address, but in looking at the card I just can't make the print out. It is so small and it's a fancy font and there is one letter I'm not sure of. I do have the email and a first name for the "wife" of the pair. I will PM you that rather than post their number online
In addition to fabric, they had lots of neat period sewing notions (bone thimbles and needles, carved needle holders, etc). They sold some nice silk stockings as well.

They were super nice folks and I'm sure would welcome any inquiry. Good luck!

[Val]

Jul 23, 2008 20:39:12 GMT -5 tess said:

I know there is no such thing as a quick stop by at the forum site

I usually just check each day at the bottom of the front page, and look at the latest posts. It speeds up searching for anything new being posted.
And thanks.

[tess]

That is what I do as well, but then I get distracted reading all the previous posts from each new thread (I just went through the entire La Mode pattern review thread!).

I'll try what I think is the email for the fabric folks, and if it doesn't work I'll give them a call. They are the ones that offered me a tent for the next reenactment, so I need to get in touch anyway.

[Val]

Jul 24, 2008 10:36:20 GMT -5 tess said:

I'll try what I think is the email for the fabric folks, and if it doesn't work I'll give them a call. They are the ones that offered me a tent for the next reenactment, so I need to get in touch anyway.

No worries, I would have been more interested in a website, so I can share the fabric photos with my peeps.

[georgielee12]

The even looked wonderful. I wish we had something like that in our area.