Bonnets and Clothing at the Jane Austen Festival

This past weekend was a busy one and very British at that. Friday night had us the Ringo Starr concert in Cincinnati. He was absolutely amazing….still bringing down the house at 70 and in better shape than most people I know.

The ladies from the Jane Austen Sewing Society

Saturday found me at the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville. I can’t say enough about the day. It was blazing hot, but we got through it. We went to the tea, which was tasty. The only down side was the tea itself. We walked around the grounds, visiting the shops of Meryton. I purchased a straw bonnet, which I love and a cockade to use for that evening. That evening found us at the Regency Ball, which was great fun and exercise too. The Regency dancing was suprisingly to my liking as I don’t really care for Ball Room dancing.

This was taken at Natalie's house as we were getting ready.

My friend Natalie, the fearless leader of our group, made my outfit. I am so in love with it! The purple and green was a block print fabric from India.

Jenni's Capote Bonnet that she made for the event.

Believe it or not, this is not from a BBC production, but rather outfits that our dear Jenni sewed. Jenni made all four outfits. The men look positively dashing, do they not? I think Colin Firth had better watch his back because these gentlemen could replace him….

What would the Jane Austen festival be without hats and bonnets? You will notice that I did not get my bonnet done. Next year, I would like to do a turban perhaps. I don’t particularly care for bonnets on myself. However I did borrow Natalie’s and I rather liked it. Here are some examples of bonnets and hats:

Natalie in her Regency Bonnet, trimmed with ostrich feathers.

Natalie loaned me her bonnet to wear...which I really liked.

A covered Regency Poke Bonnet

This color bombination is wonderful. Love the purple!

Isn't this delicious?