Austenland

At the end of April, one of my friends threw an Austen party. She showed the movie Austenland, had dainty little snacks and treats, gave everyone a "dance" card with a gentleman's name from one of Jane Austen's novels (which she used for door prize drawings), and even had raspberry tea (a stockpot of hot water and raspberry jam. Apparently that's how they do it in Russia). Last minute, I decided to make a dress and be among the few who dressed up. I went down to the stash of fabric Emily gave me, found the most Regency-esque fabric, dug through patterns, looked up Regency Era gowns online, and threw this thing together using two patterns that I altered drastically. I felt a little silly, but I'm a sucker for costumes. And it didn't cost me anything. And it was fun.

My fellow Austin ladies. The lady at the top of the stairs is my friend Jen, the mastermind behind the party, and the one just below me is my other friend Tyfani. They were both in our ward before they split it a year and a half ago. I miss seeing these ladies regularly. It's amazing how much of my social life revolves around church functions. Anyway, if anyone has an Regency Era party in the future, let me know. I've already got a dress :)