The Ball | The Location | The Menu | The Dances | The Music | The Costume | The Auction 

Dinner, Dancing and Diversions. Live music. Silent Auction for Costume Items and Photograph Portraits Pre-Ball English Country Dance Workshop (location TBA) Event Sponsored by the David Cole Queen Anne Victorian Mansion Current schedule subject to change. call 503.622.0266 for details

Take a picture of yourself, with friends, family members in Regency costume, in the most AUTHENTIC manner possible. Be it posed in a sitting room with Queen-Anne furniture and paneled walls, or outdoors in a very English-looking countryside walking with a friend; at an 1812 war officers dinner, chatting at a ball, or even in a habit by a horse.... whatever scene you decide to create. It must look like a moment torn from the early 1800s.

Then also write a 'mini-story' for the photo; a little diddy of 400 words or less, in the style of Jane Austen telling a story about the picture. Create your own mini-romance, your own tragedy, your own history in as few words possible; yes it can be done!

Submit the image and the story to this thread on the RSA forum as a reply (you will need to register). Submissions will be due by December 31, 2008. Submissions also will require the full name of the submitter, and your town and state.

Select Submissions will be then made into a Print-On-Demand colour paperback, full colour booklet through for purchase (through something like MyPublisher or similar). The stories will be carefully edited, the book compiled into a nice presentation, and made available for purchase. Any funds made beyond the cost of the booklet can go to the Jane Austen Society or any other suggested group or charity. A link to the purchase of the book will be provided upon publication.

The Judging:
A Thread on the RSA Community Forum will be created once the submission date has expired with a poll. Those submissions will be voted on by this board's membership.

The Prizes:
First place:
A cap and custom stovepipe bonnet with matching reticule by me.
Second Place:
A cap and custom soft-poke bonnet by me.
Third place:
A custom soft-poke bonnet and the pattern for my stovepipe bonnet.

For this contest and booklet to work, though, we need lots of participants... so pass the word to your costuming friends.
 
The thread for this contest is on the Regency Society of America Community Forum.

The ORS held a small picnic at the Berry Botanic Garden in Portland on Sunday.  The garden is a private location, and it's sort of  wild and full of native plants and rhododendrons.  There was a patch of lawn where we all spread out our picnic goods.  The day had started fairly grey so some people were concerned about it possibly raining, but instead, the clouds parted and we were offered a day of cool breezes and breaks of bright, searing sunlight.   Thank goodness for parasols.

This is the first picnic where we had the opportunity to play 'Graces' a regency-period game for the ladies; and also Pétanque, which is much like Bocci or Bowls.  It was a relaxing event, with even time for a quick game of whist, some drawing, reading, and a nice picnic to enjoy.  Folks came from all the way from Eugene to attend.  It was a wonderful time and we hope not the last event of the summer.  We don't get enough opportunities to sport our daywear. :)

Current Mood: cheerful

I'm a bonnet fiend.  It started with my first bumbling attempt at a bonnet (pictured below)



This evolved into my first try at a stovepipe.... pictured below:



...and now I sell them on etsy.  Finally, after being encouraged by Hats by Leko to make a pattern so she can make buckram frames, I have drafted my pattern for the Mt. Hood Creations Stovepipe Bonnet.

The pattern can be found here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14175944

This bonnet is the first product of that pattern (based on View "A").  I've tested View "B" in postercard, and it looks very cute.



I'll post the picture of the lastest bonnet once it's finished.

 

Was it a dream?

Was it a vision?

 ...did we glimpse a faerie?

...even the queen of the faeries herself?

Perchance did we spot a spirit, a satyr, a sprite?

...the forest's spirits will never tell.

We dined, and laughed and danced

until the sky was covered in stars.

Current Mood: jubilant

A kind lady named Barbara Wright of Brightjoy productions had attended our first regency costume event last August. I had forgotten about it. She'd brought a camera and equipment and had filmed the whole to-do. The whole thing just slipped my mind.

Imagine my surprise when I got a DVD in the mail only last week. I was delighted. It took me some time to figure out how to capture from a DVD and turn it into a youtube-friendly format; and the only software that worked cost $30 and so I chose only to use their limited free download version to do it.

The capture was only 7ish minutes of the full 16 minute movie; and the letterbox totally got squished; but still, it's a good film, even just half of it, so I decided to post it nonetheless.

As we approach the Midsummer Night's Dream Masquerade event at the Ainsworth House & Gardens this August, it seems appropriate to post this movie to mark the first 'anniversary' of ORS events. Despite the ORS having been around a bit longer, August does mark month where we first actually did something.

Some snippets of dance from that event.

Contact Chateau de Valois for details.
If you do not have a default mail program, or you use web mail, and the above link does not work for you, please use use email address:

 

A Regency Picnic at Pittock Mansion

Join us for a picnic in costume (if you’re brave) at the Pittock Mansion in Portland on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at noon. It’s a BYOS (Bring Your Own Stuff) event. What you pack in, must be packed out. The grounds are lovely for photos, and the mansion interior is also a classic venue to take pictures as well. The interior is decorated beautifully. The exterior has lovely balconies and paths to explore. The use of the grounds is free (as it is a public park), however tours of the mansion require a small fee: 

• Adults $7.00
• Seniors (65+) $6.00
• Youth (6-18) $4.00

 There is also a lovely gift shop on site.

 Bring your picnic basket, your bonnet, your camera and your family. 

We will hold some games; as well as another raffle, so bring a few dollars for tickets.

Be aware, this is a public park, so you will be in costume among park-goers. :)

Please RSVP your interest in attending, and please try to carpool; parking at the Mansion is limited.

Directions

Early Notice (information subject to change)

Regency Costume & Masquerade Masks Recommended.
Light dinner, refreshments, Regency dancing and many diversions.

Sponsored by the Ainsworth House & Gardens
Ticket information and further details TBA 

A Regency Picnic 
at the Berry Botanic Gardens
Sunday, August 17, 2008 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Because this is a private event at a private location, we ask that attendees pay $5 per person upon arrival, which is the standard admission fee for the botanic gardens.

Bring a picnic basket, a nice throw for the ground,, a parasol, refreshments; games, whatever you'd like.  Also bring a bit of cash, because we're holding another raffle for Regency goods as well as a prize for best costume.

 Regency costume is of course encouraged, so bring out your daywear--and bonnets are always a right remedy against the sun.

What you pack in must be packed out.
We also encourage all picnickers to carpool if possible, parking is limited! 
Only 15ish spaces!

No RSVP required, however if you drive a roomy minivan or SUV and are able to offer another member a ride; or if you are seeking a lift to the picnic, go to Carpool Match NW; and register.  Other members can find one another through the service.

I've been insanely busy lately.  It's like everything else (including my job) takes second place to the ORS these days.  I've been trying to line up the remaining events for the year so I don't have to worry too much about it; get the announcements up, etc, so I can concentrate on making costumes for myself and for others.

We've got a location for the Winter Ball pretty much covered; and we're arranging for a Summer Masquerade too, which I think will be much fun!

Meanwhile, I've got a bonnet workshop to prepare for, plus I'd like ot make myself a new ballgown and I have to make one for my BFF too (luckily she's tiny and adorable and her gowns will likely go to pattern).  I have my eye on a gown style I saw on a Danish museum website, but I'm not sure if I'm experienced enough to pull it off.

We shall see.

Anyway, that's where we are.  Oregonians... check out our site, there will be new events soon.

/S

 We've set up two picnics this summer; one in a public park that happens to be on the land of a stately Portland mansion, and the other in a private botanic garden.

I'm determined to have a nice picnic basket for this event; PLUS I want to make a parasol.  This is my new screwy project; and if you talk to Cosmo, I am the Queen of screwy projects.  I've seen project sites where some lady uses the 'skeleton' of an umbrella to create her own work of art.  She of course added scads of fringe and all sorts of other stuff to it, but I'd like to keep it simple; some eyelet/whitework cotton perhaps, with a nice finished edge to cut the wedges from... Then find some turned wood for a handle and a nice finial.

I have 'till July to do this.  I have a spencer to finish, plus a petticoat, and a set of short stays and shift for a friend.  Then it's onto my ballgown for the Winter ball; and possibly a gown for that same friend as well.  I'm keeping msyelf busy that's for sure.  That and the April Bonnet workshop...

Ack!

It's funny how you find the energy when it's for something you love.

I figured I'd follow the trend and do the little quiz.  It's not exactly ORS related but some days I just want to be introspective without having to create a whole new LJ account.  Je suis la lune... appropriate. 

I've been working on a new regency gown to finish for next month's tea.  I'm doing it pretty much sans pattern, and I am as usual, working too quickly and not planning enough.  That leads to lots of seam ripping and do-overs.  C'est la vie, I guess.  Luckily I have Cosmoblue and Dawn Luckham from the RSA boards and LJ to rein me in and yank me back down to reality.  I love my house in the boondocks but at times like these I wish I lived closer to other women who do this so I can hang out and sew with them.

I've been on a bonnet-making binge too, and I've decided that if I'm making so many for raffle for the ORS, I need to make one for myself.  I will probably use the silk from my pelisse to cover it. I'm not sure yet.  I got some really nice feathers too.  I'll post pics to the RSA board when I get a chance... no sense in duplication.

The ORS has been taking up more and more of my life, and I'm not having any problem with that.  I enjoy the chance to hang out with people who love this as much as I do.  I've been setting up teas and picnics for the coming year.  I wish I could do this full time. ::sigh::

Enough rambling.

Steph

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Current Mood: weird

Tickets:
$20 adults ~ Children under 14 $10.00
ORS Premium Members: 25% off all tickets fees.

English Country Dance and Whist lessons.

Regency Costume Recommended;
see the ORS Resources page for costume sources and references.

About a year and a half ago, I (Stephanie) was sitting in my home by the little fireplace.  I'd just put down my frayed, dog-eared copy of "Persuasion" and I decided to do a stint through the weekend and watch all my adaptations (at least as many I as I could cram in while my husband was away). 

I came through Monday with baggy eyes and a dreamy head.  Jane just does that to me. She always has.  I sat at my computer at work having visions of Darcies and Brandons dancing in my head.  I thought to myself, "am I the only one as obsessed as this?"

I started googling.  And lo and behold, I found not only the JASNA groups, but also some groups that did reenactment all over the country.  I was jealous.  At that point, I had no idea what English Country Dance was, or Regency dance... these were all things I discovered along the way.  I decided to start a group in Oregon.  I bought the domain, and then spent hours setting up the website.  A couple of weeks later, I was planning the ball.  I found an ECD instructor, and things sort of went from there.

I have to admit, I had no idea how amazing it would be.  The first event last August at the Ainsworth House, I got RSVPs for about 25 people, I really only expected maybe 15-20.  40 people showed up and 90% of them were in costume.  It was far beyond what I imagined.  Far beyond.  And the people who indicated an interest in helping with the coordination of the group were even more surprising in their dedication.

Today, the ORS has a membership roster that includes about 137 people.  These people are literally from every walk of life.  We have the classic reenactors to costumers, ECD enthusiasts, homeschoolers, teachers, professors, doctors, attorneys, nurses, authors, history buffs, Jane Austen fans (Janeites), and so much more.  What's more surprising is the number of beautiful young people who show up at our events, and what a wonderful common ground we all share.  The Regency period is perfect for this.  It is a time of politeness and etiquette, of social graces~ and no matter what the background is of the person who comes to the group, they fit right in, all because we seek the same ambience and environment.  I can't think of very many things that will bring together people of such varying backgrounds, religions and political views.  It is amazing. 

At the November ball, I think it really struck me how far people will go to seek out the atmosphere we all commonly adore.  People congregated in Astoria from all points, some driving hours, and two people actually flying in to participate.   Only two people could not be in costume, and that was because they'd only discovered us a few days before the ball.  Everyone had worked double-hard to not only be there, have fun, but also to look the part.

I can see only growth and improvement with this group.  As we the organizers get our acts together this coming year, hopefully we can create the precedents and a reliable pattern of events that we need to keep this group active and relevant.

In the meantime we invite you to participate too.  If you're too far away, take part by joining the RSA.

 

Although I've posted this link before, I'd like to post it again.  It's a community forum board for Regency period chat; which ranges from costume to Napoleon.  It's fairly new, and has few members, but it needs to grow.  Please visit and sign up!

http://regencysa.proboards59.com/

 It's one of those dreary mornings where one would much rather be huddled on the sofa under a blanket, with the fire going; enjoying a nice marathon of period television shows and films, rather than huddled in front of a computer during lunch at work, coughing one's lungs out and sipping tepid green tea.  But so it is.  My cough is so awful, my co-workers are leaning away from me and walking a radius around me to avoid being contaminated by the diseased creature that I am.

My boss, however did find time to swing by in his yellow FJ to hand out copies he had made of some old photographs he secured along with some other purchases from an estate sale.  He had this image of a group of women in late Victorian/Edwardian gowns having a race across a meadow and climbing a fence. The image was so wide I had to cut off the two ends a bit; it includes two more men who are helping the women get over the fence.

The gowns are what struck me.  I just love the different treatments and fabrics.  I wish the image were clearer.  Look how tiny the waists are on some of the women; I can't imagine it was easy to climb a fence in a corset.  Anyway, it's not my 'period of choice' but I love costumes, so I thought I'd share.  It looks like an American image; which it  probably is... But I could be wrong about everything. :)

[Edit] It turns out that this is an image from Oregon City during its formative years.