Sunday, December 28, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
The GBACG Victorian Tea at the Palace Hotel 2014
Friday afternoon we rode up to San Francisco on BART with 2 suitcases (one full of our costumes, the other the rest of the incidentals). We got seats, a very good thing. My dear husband isn't always steady on his feet. We got off at the Montgomery Street station, exited at the New Montgomery exit and Voila! right in front of the Palace Hotel Door!
We had a room for the first night and Jen and Robert were in the same room for tonight. That arrangement meant we had a room to get dressed for the tea and then undressed and dressed for the ride home. We had a great evening in SF and even get to bed very early.
I took some pictures but my camera doesn't take good pictures unless the light is just right, but better than none......
Once we walked in to the Palace Hotel opulence was evident!
And then we went out and checked out all the BIG Christmas trees that seemed to be everywhere!
This morning Jen and Robert and friend Jeannie all arrived after very crowded rides in to the City. People from all over were coming in to San Francisco for shopping and to see the Christmas sights before they disappear again.
Jeannie and Jen were in their glory and Robert, our Mountie was putting his gauntlets on.
And I just started taking snapshots. Such beautiful outfits!
More photos tomorrow!
We had a room for the first night and Jen and Robert were in the same room for tonight. That arrangement meant we had a room to get dressed for the tea and then undressed and dressed for the ride home. We had a great evening in SF and even get to bed very early.
I took some pictures but my camera doesn't take good pictures unless the light is just right, but better than none......
Once we walked in to the Palace Hotel opulence was evident!
And then we went out and checked out all the BIG Christmas trees that seemed to be everywhere!
We saw a lot and still managed to get to bed at the hotel early.
But once they all arrived we went up to the room and got dressed for the tea! When we finally went down to meet everyone at 1:30 it looked like the Palace Hotel had gone back in time over a hundred years. And everyone started taking pictures!
 |
| This lovely dress had antique lace. |
 |
And I just started taking snapshots. Such beautiful outfits!
Friday, December 26, 2014
All ready to go!
We had a wonderful Christmas, hope you did too!
One of the things we did was get dressed up in our outfits for the tea and our grandson did a photo shoot! We were in a hurry because the sun was getting ready to go down. We timed it at 45 min to get dressed as quick as we could, and we really didn't take time to do our hair. All those ties and buttons on the bustles and petticoats take a quite a time to do. Then I have all the infamous hooks and eyes on my bodice, I think 18 of them. Then I got one off in the rush and had a heck of a time getting them hooked up right. Don't try it when you are in a hurry!
Packed and ready to go up to San Francisco to the Palace Hotel later! The Victorian Tea is tomorrow!
Will be putting photos on when we get home!!
One of the things we did was get dressed up in our outfits for the tea and our grandson did a photo shoot! We were in a hurry because the sun was getting ready to go down. We timed it at 45 min to get dressed as quick as we could, and we really didn't take time to do our hair. All those ties and buttons on the bustles and petticoats take a quite a time to do. Then I have all the infamous hooks and eyes on my bodice, I think 18 of them. Then I got one off in the rush and had a heck of a time getting them hooked up right. Don't try it when you are in a hurry!
Packed and ready to go up to San Francisco to the Palace Hotel later! The Victorian Tea is tomorrow!
Will be putting photos on when we get home!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
And have you been good?
I do believe, I do believe! There REALLY is a Father Christmas!
Have a Merry Christmas All, and let's all make 2015 a happy and fun year!
Have a Merry Christmas All, and let's all make 2015 a happy and fun year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
New Projects for the New Year!
I am thinking about just what I am going to do with this!
And I also have this coming after Christmas. . .
Hummm . . . . Just what to make!
Monday, December 22, 2014
Christmas Stockings Done! and a BEN UPDATE
My girls can not give up the Christmas stockings! They don't have to be hung by the chimney with care, they just have to be there!
So, today I did it. All done.
BEN UPDATE:
A several weeks ago I wrote that the IVIG treatment had finally been approved by Anthem/Blue Cross because LAM research HR stepped in. Well, the treatment is approved but they denied the "at home" company the doctors recommended BUT only if it is done by the company Anthem/Blue Cross wants. And, then they didn't have time available before the Christmas Holidays and the holidays were an awful time for the family to tackle the whole thing. So it won't be started until the new year.
There will be applications of the IVIG usually before the body starts reacting to the treatment. It is rather complicated but the bottom line is that it is a way to build up his immunity. Usually there is a very bad bout of headaches afterwards so medication is given beforehand to hopefully overcome that.
Ben has "PANDAS" which is a long name for basically a strep infection that has gotten into the brain, goes dormant until his immune system gets a little low, then comes out and creates havoc with symptoms like OCD, tics, pacing, zoning out, and more. He has missed tons of school through the years he has had it. It took years for a diagnosis. Although more is being learned about PANDAS all the time and more and more kids seem to be suffering from it, there is a lot that is mysterious about it.
Ben has been accepted into a study at Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital under Dr. Frankovich and Dr. Chen. And here is where it gets really crazy. Although the doctors and tests show that he has a brain infection that can very probably be helped by IVIG, we don't dare mention PANDAS because the insurance companies will deny treatment. Anyhow I can go on a rant forever on that.
But . . . the sleep studies results came in. He gets as much as 6 hrs of sleep. When a person goes into REM sleep, the body goes into a sort of paralyzed state. Whenever Ben goes into REM sleep his legs still are continually moving which the doctors indicate that this shows brain infection. Another indication that he needs the IVIG treatments. Let's hope there is a date open soon.
The doctors have put him on daily antibiotics since August to help him fight infections till he gets the treatment and he has improved more since then than we have seen in the last few years so we are so hopeful.
This is an amazing picture of him because he was so totally "with it"! We want him like this ALL the time!!
So, today I did it. All done.
BEN UPDATE:
A several weeks ago I wrote that the IVIG treatment had finally been approved by Anthem/Blue Cross because LAM research HR stepped in. Well, the treatment is approved but they denied the "at home" company the doctors recommended BUT only if it is done by the company Anthem/Blue Cross wants. And, then they didn't have time available before the Christmas Holidays and the holidays were an awful time for the family to tackle the whole thing. So it won't be started until the new year.
There will be applications of the IVIG usually before the body starts reacting to the treatment. It is rather complicated but the bottom line is that it is a way to build up his immunity. Usually there is a very bad bout of headaches afterwards so medication is given beforehand to hopefully overcome that.
Ben has "PANDAS" which is a long name for basically a strep infection that has gotten into the brain, goes dormant until his immune system gets a little low, then comes out and creates havoc with symptoms like OCD, tics, pacing, zoning out, and more. He has missed tons of school through the years he has had it. It took years for a diagnosis. Although more is being learned about PANDAS all the time and more and more kids seem to be suffering from it, there is a lot that is mysterious about it.
Ben has been accepted into a study at Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital under Dr. Frankovich and Dr. Chen. And here is where it gets really crazy. Although the doctors and tests show that he has a brain infection that can very probably be helped by IVIG, we don't dare mention PANDAS because the insurance companies will deny treatment. Anyhow I can go on a rant forever on that.
But . . . the sleep studies results came in. He gets as much as 6 hrs of sleep. When a person goes into REM sleep, the body goes into a sort of paralyzed state. Whenever Ben goes into REM sleep his legs still are continually moving which the doctors indicate that this shows brain infection. Another indication that he needs the IVIG treatments. Let's hope there is a date open soon.
The doctors have put him on daily antibiotics since August to help him fight infections till he gets the treatment and he has improved more since then than we have seen in the last few years so we are so hopeful.
This is an amazing picture of him because he was so totally "with it"! We want him like this ALL the time!!
Today I have special things to do!
I have to run out early and get all the stocking stuffers! My girls think the stockings are the most important Christmas traditions. I tried to do away with them a few years ago, but boy, I ran into a lot of flak. So they are back to stay.....but I have to go out and get the stuff!
Then, my sister will be at our daughter's so I want to get over there, too.
And I have to go get stuff for the Christmas buffet so I need to make the list.
And I have to make sure I don't forget anything when we go up to San Francisco for the tea. It should be interesting going on BART with suitcases. Well, we won't be the only ones. Several people had theirs last night.
Oh, I did say I was going to share a picture of my new fabric!
Someone was kind enough to post on Facebook this fabric that was on sale. I bought 7 yds so there will be a project in the future! It is linen and wool, medium weight. A 1989 walking dress, maybe or maybe an afternoon dress. Any suggestions??
Then, my sister will be at our daughter's so I want to get over there, too.
And I have to go get stuff for the Christmas buffet so I need to make the list.
And I have to make sure I don't forget anything when we go up to San Francisco for the tea. It should be interesting going on BART with suitcases. Well, we won't be the only ones. Several people had theirs last night.
Oh, I did say I was going to share a picture of my new fabric!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
San Francisco! So Beautiful!
We took BART up to the city last night to experience a bit of Big City Christmas. There sure were a lot of shoppers! And all the lights and decorations were so beautiful, and the singers in the firetrucks and just everything.
Just a few photos to give you an idea. My camera does not like to work well in the dark so some are fuzzy. I was so excited, most of the time I forgot to take pictures!
Meet Ben! He was so excited when we got to SF. Later he wore down and was not as alert. I will give you an update tomorrow on his treatment.
There were lots of decorated windows lit up, but this won took the prize. They sure don't know the work simplicity! An "A type" person must be their buyer!
It is hard to see but there is a bench with "hear no evil..... monkeys. Tim decided to join them.
Tim loves drains, pipes, holes, grates and has to check each one out.
Luke and Evan were doing photo shoots everywhere! We had our own paparazzi.
We watched the Menorah lighting ceremony.
Photos with the Winter Angel.
Another grate!
The photographers on the way home. See the cameras on the belts. They look rather cool don't they.
Just a few photos to give you an idea. My camera does not like to work well in the dark so some are fuzzy. I was so excited, most of the time I forgot to take pictures!
Meet Ben! He was so excited when we got to SF. Later he wore down and was not as alert. I will give you an update tomorrow on his treatment.
There were lots of decorated windows lit up, but this won took the prize. They sure don't know the work simplicity! An "A type" person must be their buyer!
Tim loves drains, pipes, holes, grates and has to check each one out.
Luke and Evan were doing photo shoots everywhere! We had our own paparazzi.
We watched the Menorah lighting ceremony.
Photos with the Winter Angel.
Another grate!
The photographers on the way home. See the cameras on the belts. They look rather cool don't they.
We had so much fun!
Did I share with you my new neat fabric???? Well, if I haven't, I will tomorrow!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
San Francisco to see the Big City Lights!
Tonight I am going up to San Francisco with a group to check out the store Christmas windows and lights and excitement. We have been having lots of days of nice steady rain but it is supposed to be nice and clear tonight with temps around 60 degrees F. I am really looking forward to it and hopefully I will get some nice pics to post!
Hope all of you are done with your shopping and haven't eaten too many cookies to this point!
Hope all of you are done with your shopping and haven't eaten too many cookies to this point!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
What to do when it rains!
Believe it or not it has been raining from this afternoon on!! Not really hard but just a nice steady shower. This could become a habit. It is making me want to get out in the garden, one that I have been avoiding for several years because there was so much suffering and death out there through the drought. Are we done with the drought??? We can't think so yet but it is getting more hopeful we won't be living in a desert after all!
So what did we do this afternoon, we headed over to our favorite indoor theater, one with great big seats and feet of room in each aisle! We saw " The Theory of Everything" about the early life of Stephen Hawkins. Very interesting and moving. I have softened my opinion of him somewhat. His huge ego really put me off.
I have started thinking about my 2015 trip. We will be doing a reunion thing in Oregon in the Summer. My Dearest does not like to travel and it is his side of the family. I think I am going to have to fly, ugh. A road trip, which I would love, would take us 2 days traveling up and it would kill him!
I received some fabric recently and it is tugging at the back of my mind on what I am going to do with it. A 1900 Walking Suit?
So what did we do this afternoon, we headed over to our favorite indoor theater, one with great big seats and feet of room in each aisle! We saw " The Theory of Everything" about the early life of Stephen Hawkins. Very interesting and moving. I have softened my opinion of him somewhat. His huge ego really put me off.
I have started thinking about my 2015 trip. We will be doing a reunion thing in Oregon in the Summer. My Dearest does not like to travel and it is his side of the family. I think I am going to have to fly, ugh. A road trip, which I would love, would take us 2 days traveling up and it would kill him!
I received some fabric recently and it is tugging at the back of my mind on what I am going to do with it. A 1900 Walking Suit?
The last days of Ardenwood's Patterson House Season 2014 are coming up!
Ardenwood's Patterson House's last 2014 open days are December 20 and 21, tour times: 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM.
After December 21, the house will be closed until April 2015.
After December 21, the house will be closed until April 2015.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Helpful Sites for Victorian Costuming
This
is just a group of bookmarks I have collected over a period of
time. A lot of them are just interesting to visit so don't be put
off if they look WAY over your head and beyond your skill. There are
lots of people out there that have taken all kinds of cothing design
classes and do costuming for the films, then there are just those
that want to have fun and learn something on the way. Just start
where you are and go forward!
Start
with a very inexpensive fabric and make a mock up. Took me years to
accept that. I never wanted to take the time. Sometimes I end up
using the mock up as the lining to the real thing.
Victorians
lined almost every thing and boned, a lot! Corset and boned bodice
gives the correct look. Even loose blouses had a tight boned bodice.
History of Fashion
http://www.fashion-era.com/
http://www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/freepatterns/index.html#Victorian
https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalFashionSociety
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1880s_in_Western_fashion#Style_gallery_1885.E2.80.931889
http://www.historicalfashionsociety.org/
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/blog/talking-trim.html
http://www.songsmyth.com/fabric.html
**Fabric history
http://www.vintag.es/2014/05/edwardian-street-style-in-london.html
search
youtub.com for:
Fashion
- Victorian 2 (Crinoline, Bustle, Sisi dresses) by PiepMiau04
How
to get dressed:
Historical
Lingerie & Corset Dressing Sequence - Lace Embrace - by The
Lingerie Addict
Patterns
http://www.trulyvictorian.com/
http://www.pastpatterns.com/master.html
http://www.amazondrygoods.com/catalog/
http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/html/warm/main.htm
http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/
http://www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/freepatterns/index.html#Victorian
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/
ADVANCED!
http://dressmakingresearch.com/index.htm
A Pattern Review -
http://www.gbacg.org/
Vintage Clothing Links -
http://www.knowlesville.com/vintage/vintage-fashion-links.html
http://www.pinterest.com/ example -
http://www.pinterest.com/jenrosbrugh/bustle-era-1870-1889/
Lessons & Tips
http://historicalsewing.com/
She offers a free newsletter, tips
pattern reviews and for fee online classes, sewing workbooks.
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/blog/so-you-dont-sew-episode-1.html
http://wearinghistoryblog.com/2012/04/tutorials-basic-lace-insertion-by-machine/
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html
Dress Forms &
Fitting Info
http://fabulousfit.com/
https://annaintechnicolor.wordpress.com/tutorials/
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/blog/fitting-a-victorian-bodice.html
http://brownpaperpattern.blogspot.com/2013/04/butterick-5627-fitting-shell-dress-form.html
FABRIC
https://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/
http://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/index.aspx
http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/
https://www.fabric.com
http://www.bangkokthaisilk.com/
http://www.puresilks.us/
Fabric, lace, notions,
etc.F
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/blog/talking-trim.html
Amazon.com
http://www.enchantedlace.com/Index.html
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/22717/how-to-make-ribbon-trim/page/all
http://www.pacifictrimming.com/
*great for buttons when Joanns Fab
doesn't carry enough or the right ones.
LACE MUSEUM -
http://us7.campaignarchive1.com/u=083d1c8f62872473f9587ca9b&id=06b8946e8b&e=6deec72b80#
http://www.cheeptrims.com/
Corsets
http://www.richardthethread.com/
http://www.corsetmaking.com/
Period Shoes
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/p/shoe-shop.html
http://www.zappos.com/trotters-jamie-white-pearlized-leather?zlfid=2
Hats
http://www.victoriana.com/Victorian-Hats/victorianhat-1899.html
Challenges, Tips,
Photos, Questions answered
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HistoricalSewFortnightly/
Gentlemen's Info
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Vintage/Vintage_Etiquette.htm
http://www.walternelson.com/dr/gentleman
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/
Ready Made and
Accessories - For Ladies and Gentlemen
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/
Costume Organizations
Greater Bay Area Costume Guild
PEERS
Art Deco Society of California
Dreams!
http://www.magna-carta.co.uk/custom-made-cruises/dowton-abbey-cruise/
Friday Evening at the Patterson House
Christmas is in the air! The rain held off Friday night, thank you. But it did start getting cold! Especially near the front door which was open almost the whole time for arriving guests. I was in the Guest Parlor so my hands were cold.
I took a few pictures during times there were no guests in the Guest Parlor area. My camera has not been performing that well in darkened areas, but for what it's worth. . .
We had a little scavenger hunt for each room: a monarch butterfly and something particular to each room. Can you see the monarch butterfly in the Guest Parlor!
The theme of the Foyer is wildland. And they did a great job of decorating.
A view from downstairs to upstairs.
The woodwork in the foyer. I love it.
Lots of fun and about 250 guests through the house.
ss
I took a few pictures during times there were no guests in the Guest Parlor area. My camera has not been performing that well in darkened areas, but for what it's worth. . .
The theme of the Foyer is wildland. And they did a great job of decorating.
A view from downstairs to upstairs.
The woodwork in the foyer. I love it.
Lots of fun and about 250 guests through the house.
ss
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