Back in the Land of the Living

It's been a long time since I updated this blog, but it's been an insane winter. I haven't had much time to do anything Long Weekend-ish, but it's never been far from my mind.

As I wrap up some work stuff and look forward to working on personal projects, it occurs to me that I have some fun things to share with you.

At the end of this month, some friends of ours will be hosting a party they call "The Adventurers' Club". Here's the announcement that came to my email:

The Adventurers Club is a themed costume party based loosely on the club at Disney World. The setting is a cross between a Gentleman’s Club and a Geographic Society. Set somewhere in the 20’s or 30’s. Costume ideas include period clothing, Vintage military uniforms, Safari gear, or the usual formal wear.

Poplar Hill is a two hundred year old manor house. We will be mainly using the Entry Hall the Dining room and the Drawing room. There is limited space for dancing in the entry Hall. We will be playing vintage music all evening for those who like to dance. If you are a beginner at vintage dancing, there will be many experienced dancers around to show you some steps.

At 6PM the party begins, there will be some food and drink but no sit down dinner. (Think appetizers) Alcohol is BYOB. General merriment, dancing, and partying will hopefully ensue. At 7:30 we will be holding the Balderdash Cup Awards. The party will then continue until 9PM or they kick us out.

The Balderdash Cup Awards is a bit of storytelling meets improv. Each contestant is given a framework for a story randomly generated. Example – ‘please tell us how you traveled to Machu Pichu by Camel to find the Ark of the Covenant’ You then have about three minutes to come up with a five minute story. The Judges will award the Balderdash Cup for the winner to keep until the next meeting. Messer Condray Esq. will be defending the Cup. Please let me know in advance if you wish to compete.

I haven't done anything 30s-themed in quite some time, so I'm at a loss what to wear. And then I found this little gem in my pattern stash:


I bought this pattern years ago (it's out of print now -- Butterick is apparently only doing post-WWII "Retro" patterns now. Ick!). I had some white double-sided satin and dyed a yard for the top teal green. I found that too. The gown is fairly simple to put together and easy to alter to my butt-much-bigger-than waist-and-bust size because of the construction of the dress. Other than setting a zipper (with which I have very little experience *smirk*), this dress should go together in a day. I'll let you know my progress.

And I will be updating this blog more often from now on...