Ross Bay Villa Lawn Party
1865 Striped Dress
Last weekend, Constance and her human attended the great lawn party of Ross Bay Villa. This took place at a lovely little Historic house, restored and operated by an incredible group of volunteers, including this elegant lady who is one of the most knowledgeable and friendly people we have ever come across. For the last Several months, the Quimper Hitty human has been helping out with the costuming by sewing by hand hundreds of buttons and buttonholes, and hooks-and-eyes onto period-authentic reproduction 1865 clothing. Constance marvelled at the number and variety of shapes and sizes of fastenings, from this artificial silk-and-velvet outfit, to gentlemen’s jackets and waistcoats, and multiple layers of under things! What a production!!! Everyone who dressed up on behalf of the Villa was authentically dressed from the skin out, including (for the women) chemise, corset. drawers, cage crinoline and petticoats as well as stockings, boots and outer dress fabrics. Everyone looked fantastic!
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Constance Rides
…Constance got to ride in a pocket for a while…
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1865 Plaid Dress
…and admired the plaid taffeta ensemble of this dedicated seamstress who was responsible for the sewing and quality control of practically everything…
Tea and Scones
It was fantastic to see the fruits of our efforts, and also very delightful to sit down for tea afterward…
Click here for Ross Bay Villa’s website
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Quimper Hittys 
What a huge job! Very well done and not a hint of even one zipper!
No Zippers is a sure sign that historical accuracy was taken seriously (so is the presence of hand-worked buttonholes!). All the costumes were as accurate as possible given the materials available today!
What a magnificent labour of love! And Constance also looks divine in her new dress. I am awestruck by the focus and commitment of all the people involved. Congratulations!
Thank you! Ross Bay Villa is a testament to such devoted and delightful people, more people could learn from their process of restoration. Let me know if you are ever in town and want a tour!
What a very lovely experience you all had…before and after. I especially noted Constance’s content and pleased look in that pocket. Thanks for sharing such a lovely day with us.
Constance had been nagging me to photograph the in-progress buttonholes all year, but I never did…she was very charmed to get a little pocket-ride – I think Hittys and Pockets go very well together!
how fascinating to see all the costumes being worn…and how arduous it must have been doing all that sewing on of buttons, hooks, button holes…..again and again! Loved the pic of Constance in the pocket and at tea,
Fortunately, we’ve been working on the project all year, and items of clothing appeared one at a time! There was a little panic at the end, and I spent an entire day on hooks and eyes, but I was glad to do it! The result was very worth it!
Love the costumes – Constance looks so pleased and happy.
She was – it was fun!
Wow, stunning outfits, and what fun that looked to be. Lucky Constance who got to attend as well.
It was great fun preparing for the event, and very satisfying to see the results! Constance and I really enjoyed ourselves!