If you always wanted to know the technique for being able to recover a parasol, the historical costuming club, Somewhere in Time, Unlimited (SITU), has held classes over the years for the historical costumer.
This year, SITU is “revisiting” the training of parasol recovery. We noticed that several costumers who had taken the initial Workshop, had not completed their parasol. So, a follow up Workshop was scheduled, the original participants invited to come back, and we are headed for a day-long session!
Stay tuned to view results from the Workshop. If you’d like to learn more about Somewhere in Time, Unlimited, view images, see our upcoming gatherings, visit: www.CostumingInSeattle.com
If you have questions about upcoming Workshops or a Design Studio, feel free to email our Workshop Coordinator: Karen “at” SITUSeattle “dot” com!
In case you thought you could get tickets for the SITU Spring Event, (“Lady Windermere’s Fan” ), you’d be “late” to the party. Although the play happens in May and the due date for the final payment is due in April, SITU has SOLD OUT all the tickets we reserved, 2 FULL MONTHS before the play!
This is fair forewarning that future gatherings and events for SITU, will be posted and advertised well in advance. Don’t be surprised if each of the offerings blow out prior to the final payment date.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop a line to Treasurer “at” SITUSeattle “dot” com
I wanted to know, so I started to research “the look.” The historical costuming club to which I belong, frequently has held, or participated in 1920’s era gatherings. This was special however. My well known twin, Lady Victoria of Essex, was asking me to look into the possibilities of getting something together in time for summer. She was coordinating attendance with The Brits for the All British Field Meet in July of 2018.
This is no minor activity. This is a distinguished showing of classic thru contemporary British motors. Her image was likely to be captured with Bentley, Rolls, Jags and more. Whatever I came up with, needed to be suitable for my famous twin.
With limited sources for fabrics in Seattle, either a trip to California or New York seemed to be looming in the future. NOTHING I had checked on from etsy or ebay had enough yardage for the pieces that need to be created. Now what?
A road trip to Oregon seemed my next best choice. A mutual friend of ours had mentioned a location near the state line. The she and hubby were heading there to shop in preparation to gather fabrics for a King Henry VIII outfit. Good golly, surely a 1920’s outfit would be easier?
So early in the day, I hopped into the carpool for the 3hr ride, arriving to a magnificent warehouse. Oh the delights found indoors! Within the hour, 2 entire garment sets of fabric had been cobbled together – top and matching pants, fabric for a duster, silk dress and matching silk lining with handkerchief bottom hemline, plus another duster. Amazing fabrics. Wonderful colors. Prices not to be found anywhere in the Seattle area. The efforts of our friends and the king outfit… still a work in progress.
The trip was well worth it! When does sewing commence? When an inspiration pattern arrives by mail. Should be soon. I will post efforts as we go along. Can’t wait to see Lady Victoria all decked out as she strolls with her bodyguard at her side. Should make for some stellar images…
Don’t know the difference between a “Windsor” and a “4-In-Hand” type tie knot? Does your neck tie knot look like it could be improved? Do you know how to tie an Ascot or a Bowtie?
Then this Workshop is for you! SITU-University is pleased to present a Workshop with the gentleman’s needs in mind.Vintage Tie Workshop
Yes, it’s that time of year again, when many of us LOVE the great outdoors and the excuses we use to gather therein!
Such is the gathering planned at Jefferson Park on August 17, 2014. Dining al fresco. Several rounds of croquet or bocce ball. It’s a must-come event. You dress up as a fictional character – storybook, superhero, old-school novel, whatever. You bring picnic items to use and a dish to share. Super affordable and kids are free.
Somewhere in Time, Unlimited has been generously offered the costuming estate of one of our members who passed away last year. There will be oodles of “finds” one can use, including… accessories. We will have other vendors there who are members, also selling their garments and accessories. Sound good so far?This is a MUST ATTEND gathering, and it’s FREE to get in! Be sure to set aside the date on your calendars.Additionally, the following weekend, we will be holding a special “tea” where you can bring your finds and/or fabric, to ask a panel of seasoned costumers and folks in attendance, how you might be able to improve on what you bought, re-muddle it, make something terrific out of what you bought, and in general, spend a delightful afternoon with friends! See you soon…. Lady V.
The historical costuming group, Somewhere in Time, Unlimited met up with the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftan for some fun. We enjoyed eating alfresco on the dock under brilliant blue skies, while dressed in 18th century attire. Pirates were welcome.
If you’d like to see images of the day and you are a Facebook enrollee, I invite you to visit the Fan Page for CostumingInSeattle! Enjoy….
It needed it. Something. A little “bling” as it were.
As many of you know, Sir Harry of Essex and I are historical costumers and belong to Somewhere in Time, Unlimited (SITU).
A few years ago, SITU held a Winter Event called “Titanic – The Survivor’s Ball”.There was a 13-piece orchestra, 7-course Edwardian dinner, the lady guests came in beautiful Titanc inspired gowns, while the gentlemen arrived wearing swallow tail tuxes. It was very elegant indeed.
In time for this event, I had designed and put together the same navy blue velvet top that Kate Winslet had worn in the “Flying” scene. Mine is very pretty with the heavy lace center piece, but the collar looked rather naked. I think I’ve solved that problem.
Top of collar with lace flower vine.
The Butterick pattern calls for this contrasting lapel area to be beautifully set apart from all the velvet.
I found some interesting vine patterned stitching which was attached to net backing. Probably intended for a VERY expensive gown (the product was $60 per yard), I chose instead to stitch the vine carefully by hand onto the lapels, removing the the netting as I worked.
In this photo, you can see the lapel top area, as well as the dupioni white silk which I had over laid with heavy bridal lace which I found at JoAnne fabrics. The vine lace, which BTW matching perfectly in tone with the outfit, I found at Nancy’s Sewing Basket (a specialty store for the discriminating seamstress), located on the top of Queen Anne hill in Seattle.
Lapel area at bottom with lace vine.
Why did I want several years before I attached the lace? Well, in the beginning I didn’t have time to get the lace onto the garment in time for the event. I just kept the lace handy so I could put it on later.
Well, “later” finally showed up. Sir Harry and I were invited to a swanky cocktail hour with the French-American Chamber of Commerce. They were holding a Belle Epoque event at the Arctic Hotel in downtown Seattle.
The organizer, Madamoiselle Casey, had seen Sir Harry and I at a Port of Seattle Centennial Celebration, where we appeared in 1910 attire. There, Sir Harry wore a frock coat and Banker’s hat, while I wore a custom designed and made 1910 day attire.
The large blue hat I wore, I personally replicated from an historical photo I had found some time ago. Each of the ivory fabric roses on the hat were hand crafted and sewn into place. There are a few Swarovski crystals which have also been selectively sewn into place on the roses in order to reflect some sunlight when worn in a parade.
These are the same outfits we wore in a documentary movie directed by Vaun Raymond for the Port of Seattle.
Sir Harry and I were requested to arrive “fashionably late” at 7 pm. We did so. Upon our arrival, we stepped off the elevator and were “announced” to the massive crowd who had gathered for the evening’s entertainment.
At the event, we also spotted our local friends, the Baron and Baroness Von Kleinschmidt. We chatted briefly and then began circulating about the room greeting people. Several members of the French Chamber expressed how delighted they were in our appearance at their event, stating how we lent such color and classy flavor. Several of the gentlemen had arrived in tuxedos. The Baron and Sir Harry were both wearing swallow tail tuxes and white tie, along with the obligatory top hat! Very classy event put on by the Chamber!
Here are a couple of photos of my finished “Flying Dress” work-over, an image of Sir Harry, and then one snapped indoors on an iPhone by an attendee of the event. If you’d like to learn more about Lady Victoria and Sir Harry of Essex or Somewhere in Time, Unlimited, please visit the website. We look forward to having you “come dress up with us” soon!!!
It was like a date gone bad. Like you planned your prom dress and your date doesn’t show. I digress. Back to the start of things.
In the beginning, I was a young child and I had a love/hate relationship with the Seattle Seafair Pirates. They would come down the streets of Seattle (and surrounding communities), setting off their cannons on a mighty ship of sorts and those who walked beside the ship, were scraping their swords along the pavement, setting off sparks. I was terrified and yet delighted by the strength of these swashbuckling, handsome men in tricorns and bandanas, plus really aaaaaawesome 18th-century costumes.
The Seattle Seafair Pirates are an icon in the community. They show up on the dot for parades. They go to the local hospitals and visit with kids. They do tons of charity work. They “land” on a beach in Seattle, the same stretch of beach as the historical landing location for Seattle’s Founding Fathers. The pirates have all sorts of mysterious and sometimes tall tales of old in their history, but to most of us, these guys are “Da Bomb”. Literally.
The Pirates manage to move around on a VERY cool, supped up WWII amphibious landing device that can navigate waters and dry land. Did I say it was cool? Yeah. It really is. They have cannons on board, flags, tricked out everything to capture your imagination. It’s called “The Moby Duck”. It can haul backside around corners like you can NOT believe!
Last Spring, I happened to be in a parade and so were the guys. Their Duck let’s say, “had issues” and it was all they could do to duct-tape, chewing-gum-glue and say “Hail Mary” rosaries, just to get The Moby Duck into the parade. Organizers, The Pirates, and the kids in the audience, were all counting on The Duck.
I digress.
Fast forward to Spring 2011. Here I am, dressed in my silk 18th-century attire (complete with 2 long curls and fancy hat), extending my invitation to the Seafair Pirates to come join Somewhere in Time, Unlimited in our 18th-century event over in Port Angeles on May 28th, as we greet The Lady Washington, a tall ship,as she comes into port.
I got an answer back to my request for a date. It’s doubtful they can make it – at all – by anyone. The Moby Duck is injured.You could say she must’ve been “injured in flight” somewhere along the way.
Yes, The Duck is up on blocks, or in the nest, as it were. She needs a drivetrainand power source. (Know anyone who might be a helpful resource?) The Seafair Pirates havea plea on their websiteasking for donations so they can get on the road in time again for this summer. It means that they can’t do parades using the Duck and be visible in the community as usua,l until The Moby Duck can fly again!
So, now what is the next step?
Hop out to theSeattle Seafair Pirateswebsite to help with a donation via PayPal. Yes, it’s tax deductible too.
Tell all your pirate friends and those who enjoy wearing 18th-century attire. We’re going on onThe Lady Washingtonin a mock battle with The Chieftain on the open sea, cannons-a-blazin’.Gonna be a blast…
Historical Costuming - Seattle 
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