It was a first for the Bluestockings: the invitations were issued by our friends we met at Jondaryan Heritage Festival. Preparations were a bit of a scramble as we had only two weeks to find or construct our costumes, and I confess to being concerned to present in front of folk who have hosted period balls for years.
Have I mentioned before that I can’t sew? Costume stores, apart from the prohibitive cost of hiring multiple outfits, were out because of the timing of our holidays and the public holidays. So it was off to the op shops.
Miss 12 found this dress (I’m thinking 70′s Bridesmaid?) and it was love at first sight. So with thoughts of pinning the waist higher, and cutting the sleeves short and puffy to suit the Regency period, we took it home.
The Broderie Anglaise sleeves, however, formed a large part of what Miss 12 had fallen in love with. Not even the thought of missing out on wearing opera length gloves would move her. Or more to the point, in my mind, the thought of wearing long, synthetic sleeves mid summer! There was a lot of dress pinning, a brooch to aid the staying power of the pinning, a night with her hair in rags, and a pair of satin ballet slippers to finish the costume.
The Chicklette came across this fluffy pink wonder, and I knew God loved me. (You would have to understand how much the task of sewing can daunt me, to know what a deliverance it was to find a suitable dress.) With the addition of long trailing ribbons, a brooch, gloves, fan, reticule and an upstyle, she was deliciously “Pride and Prejudice”. (Puff sleeves would have been perfect. But I remind you, Bloggy friends – just two weeks to prepare, and I can’t sew for peanuts.)
Mr BB was prepared, under sufferance, to show up at the event, but not to be involved in procuring his costume. I purchased a top hat and gloves on ebay; black pants and jacket from the op shop; and Mr BB’s own black shoes and white shirt sufficed. My mother donated a pair of white support stockings, which on being presented almost sent Mr BB into an apoplectic fit, but I’m sure you’ll agree they looked lovely. 
Mr BB’s jacket had to be turned into tails. I procrastinated for as long as possible (under the guise of waiting for inspiration, but really just hoping the job would do itself) and finally tackled it with the kind of recklessness that is born of being forced to sew under pressure. Or sew at all. (Have I mentioned.. I don’t? )
The pants had to be cut short to just below the knees, and I used the removed pieces to attach to the back of the jacket to make tails. I cut a curve along the front of the jacket to shorten it to waist length and added satin ribbon to cover the raw edges. The bottom of the pants had the same black satin ribbon to draw them to the leg.
The result? The lighting at the Ball was soft and forgiving. That’s all that matters
Along with our gloves and fans, we each carried our own designed and hand-sewn silk reticule. When Grandma (whose house we left from) felt the weight of the Chicklette’s, she exclaimed at what she could be carrying that was so heavy.
It did contain the necessary : a fine linen handkerchief, a lip gloss, a purse-size perfume, and… a pocket knife. Yes, a pocket knife. Grandma was shocked; Mr BB laughed and announced that only the Chicklette would go to a ball “packing”; but the Chicklette was unruffled. A girl needs to be … um.. prepared. That’s it. Prepared. I consoled Grandma with the thought that at least it didn’t contain the torch and compass that normally come with the knife.
It was impossible to find a free pattern for reticules on the ‘net, and the Chicklette assures me (even though slack-at- blogging runs in the family!) that she will be posting our patterns, with a tutorial, for the beneficence of womankind. Stay tuned for that one.
Our hosts had transformed a church hall into a wonderland of candles and flowers. Wrought iron sconces lined the walls, with flowers wreathed about the candles. Matching chandeliers hung from the centre of the room.
Friends, it’s not something I would have thought to do, but the evening was very enjoyable. Our hosts, who are old hands at period balls, started the practice many years ago as an amusement for their young people. Did I mention they are homeschoolers? Of course there is a wealth of research required in preparation, and many skills to experiment with to bring the event to pass.
So, if you are looking for an idea to enhance your history program this might just be the ticket!
Mar 30, 2011 @ 00:25:54
You ladies and gent all look very elegant. I bet a less blurry shot of yourself would have been better suited though.
Mar 30, 2011 @ 08:39:28
Thanks, Eric. The first shot is of friends, so the blurry choice was to preserve their anonymity.
Mar 30, 2011 @ 00:34:47
Ahhh, finally the Regency Ball photos. Very nice Mrs BB – you did fantastically well with costuming (for such a non-sewer as yourself AND a 2 week deadline). Especially love that Mr BB was coerced into support stockings. Heeeee!
What a wonderful occasion. Does it happen every year?
Could be a great idea for a fundraiser me-thinks ….
Fee
Mar 30, 2011 @ 08:44:12
Fee, it does happen every year. Sometimes they have a winter ball, which allows them to choose a period with more elaborate costumes (far too hot in summer for anything dramatic).
Those support stockings… moments after we arrived and were still in the car park, Mr BB was attacked by a mosquito the size of a Black Hawk helicopter. Thoughtlessly, completely obliviously, he smacked it. Enters Mr BB to the ball room with a big, red splotch on the white stockings! (He was very indignant when I suggested he could just shoo it away
)
Mar 31, 2011 @ 21:46:02
Oh thank you … you’ve given me the best laugh I’ve had all week. Snort! Blood covered stockings – how absolutely terriwble Mrs BB.
I would so LOVE to go to a Regency Ball. Perhaps I’ll add it to my bucket list.
Fee
Apr 01, 2011 @ 07:42:39
Fee, your bucket list?
Apr 03, 2011 @ 12:58:09
Yes … my bucket list … the things I want to do before I “kick the bucket”! Attending a Regency Ball has now been added … along with do a tandem sky dive, go for a hot air balloon ride etc.
Apr 05, 2011 @ 14:05:57
Ahhh.. I understand. I don’t have so much a “to do” list (though I’m sure I could come up with one
) but I do have a “go to” list. Ireland, Scotland, Kakadu, the Big Lap…
Mar 30, 2011 @ 15:34:45
Foul! Unfair!
Where is the photo of Mrs. BB?
But it does look like you did a smashing job on the costumes! An inspiration!
Mar 30, 2011 @ 19:33:38
Andrea, it is heartless of you to force me to admit this to the Whole Internet World, but.. I was not looking my best. As you are also a mother, you will understand that mothers are last priority when it comes to these sorts of things. My dress was the last to be acquired, and was a size too big. Also, as I am more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, there were not too many photos of me to choose from. The ones available were (insert grimace) not ones my pride will allow me to share here.
If it is any compensation, there is a second post in drafts that shows the girls when they had their hair done and looked more the part? Does that help?
Mar 31, 2011 @ 03:33:01
and ur picture is blurred – clever
Mar 31, 2011 @ 13:39:51
Hello Vimal,
Something headed your way today
Mar 31, 2011 @ 13:41:18
hmm
wonder what it is
Mar 31, 2011 @ 08:01:02
Hahaa, I love that Chicklette was ‘packed’ to attend the ball. You go girl! It looks and sounds like you had a lovely time, but I’m with the others: you truly need to swallow your pride. Deal with it head on. Deny self and POST A PICCIE!!!! (Hehee, after my rousing spiritual admonishment how could you not post a photo now?)
You are truly clever. I say this as a fellow non sewing mama. I am in awe. Truly. I would have used iron on hemming glue
Mar 31, 2011 @ 13:43:20
(Hehee, after my rousing spiritual admonishment how could you not post a photo now?)
Our Susan, you have clearly under-estimated my capacity for pride
It was you, after all, who taught me that once something is on the internet it is accessible for ever ‘n ever ‘n so on. 
I would have used iron on hemming glue
Ha! Didn’t think of that.
Mar 31, 2011 @ 17:42:25
Humble thyself… I am certain that when we see you, we will see Christ and nothing else. (Col 3)…
Clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility… bear with one another… even if it where true that you looked horrible (which no one here would believe), you can count on us to bear with you
…
Iron? + Hemming glue? = brilliant!
Apr 01, 2011 @ 07:45:33
Madam, I feel an adequate sufficiency of humility each time I read your blog!! There is nothing quite for taking a person to view their abilities humbly, as when their English/French/German speaking friends choose to blog in …. German!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 09:21:04
Ooh Mrs BB – you are a wonder!
Fancy managing all that, with non-sewing tendencies. I am in awe. I hope you managed to have a glorious time in spite of your pride? 
My Meggie will be drooling with envy over your Chicklette’s lovely dress. Beautiful! I cannot wait to see her post.
And your Mr BB looks quite dashing. I am impressed with his, ah, fortitude in going along with it all. My own dh, hmmmm, I dare not think what his response would be!!
Lovely!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 14:04:45
Hello dear Amy,
I did have a glorious time, in spite of my pride (I think I mentioned the ball was only candle lit? Hides a multitude of .. um.. flaws.)
I know Meggie would love a ball. The dresses were pretty after they were all be-ribboned, and with the accessories, but I must say it’s the gloves that made me feel like we were doing something special. There is something about wearing long gloves that smacks of being six and wearing your mother’s most ostentatious, cast off, dress up clothes.
I wonder have you had thoughts of graduation dinners and such? Might be an option for giving a bundle of girls a good reason to dress up. Hmm.. would like to hear what you are planning in that direction.
As for Mr BB – it’s not that he didn’t give me plenty of grief over the whole business – he came close to refusing to go a couple of times. When we stopped at a roadhouse in Oakey on the drive to the ball, he flatly refused to move out of the car. The girls and I went in and had our cups of tea and kitkats without escort.
But I think the stockings were the last straw for him. It didn’t help that the lady next door to Mum’s (who knew we had planned to use the support stockings; I mean, where else can you buy white stockings to fit a man of Mr BB’s dimensions? {second thoughts – let’s not go there
} ) anyway, she came over when we arrived at mum’s, pointed at the stockings, exclaimed, “Support stockings!” and cut up laughing.
Poor Mr BB! it was really his undoing. I’m sure he would have turned around right then and driven home again but that I suspect he knew I would never find my way if he left me to drive the girls!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 16:31:41
“”I wonder have you had thoughts of graduation dinners and such? Might be an option for giving a bundle of girls a good reason to dress up. Hmm.. would like to hear what you are planning in that direction.”"
Oooh, now there’s an idea. PLANNING???????? Although I know my time is limited before such a thing is upon me, it also seems so very far away. However, now that you have been to a ball yourself, you are therefore a pro ……….. and I know you are gifted in the planning department!
Miss Meggie has in fact decided that as she will be turning 16 in the very near future, the occasion warrants something special – she is thinking a garden party, High Tea style, complete with gowns and suits. Her father has grave concerns over this, but for all his gruffness seems powerless against her! The matter of having a very partially renovated house as the backdrop for her Garden Fromal High Tea is just not a matter of concern ………… :0
Apr 01, 2011 @ 07:48:20
(laughing!) It would take a very sturdy and determined character to stand out against your Meggie, once she had decided on a course of action.
A high tea sounds delightful!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 14:54:57
Mrs BB, I am sure that you only got away with Mr BB caving in because he is grossly outnumbered. Had it been my household – WELL! Blundstones and jeans…
I, too, think you did a stirling job with the outfits. I sew, (sometimes) but would still be daunted by such a task as to modify a suit the way you did – well done girl!
I like the blurry photo, too; captured the atmosphere.
Apr 01, 2011 @ 07:53:48
Thank you, Elle, I suspect that along with the outnumbering (which clearly has its advantages), Mr BB thought it the lesser of two evils to go to the ball, when compared with waiting home for news of what bit of Australia I had accidentally managed to drive us to.
Mar 31, 2011 @ 19:51:04
What a hoot! Fantastic job, BB!
Apr 01, 2011 @ 07:54:37
Thanks, Ruby!
Mar 31, 2011 @ 22:46:58
Dear Mrs BB,
I so enjoyed this entry! My head is swimming with ideas of how to host a similar event, and I could come up with all the ideas in the world, as long as someone else implemented them! Your description of the trials and triumphs during the preparation phase is priceless!
Have you ever heard of the term “a candle light beauty”? I’m sure you all would have looked fabulous even in the harsh glare of fluorescent lighting! Mr BB… well he’s one in a million for his patience and courage. He looked brilliant by the way.
Now, about your pride… I have heard you mention it before on here. Do you know, for all my life I was proud of my thick, waist length hair. Too proud and vain about it to boot. So, I had it publicly shaved by the highest bidder, for Shave for a Cure. Twice (because my hair grows like weeds, and my pride and vanity resurfaced). Now… when I say it was self imposed public humiliation… well maybe not quite that bad.. but surely a wee photograph of yourself basking in the forgiving glow of candle light couldn’t be quite so bad could it?
Thank you for sharing your life with us once again. Sometimes I think I live vicariously through Beyond Bluestockings!
Bye for now,
Heidi
Apr 01, 2011 @ 08:05:59
I had it publicly shaved by the highest bidder, for Shave for a Cure. Twice
Heidi!
You clearly don’t enjoy your pride as much as I do!
Truly, now, I wasn’t joking when I said there were not many photos of me. There were none of me taken at the ball, as I was the one taking photos, and then only a handful as I was concerned that the people who didn’t yet know us would feel uncomfortable being photographed by someone they didn’t know. The photos that the children took of me before we left were candids, and I was doing things like trying to arrange the too big dress, or joking with my mama, in which case I tend to pull ridiculous faces, or… stuff like that. Honest.
If there were something even half decent, I would oblige. (In fairness, remember the party last year – I did abandon my sense of the mysterious, and post photos of myself then!)
Thanks for coming to visit!
Apr 01, 2011 @ 13:19:19
LOL… okay, I believe you!
H
Apr 05, 2011 @ 03:09:32
Mr. BB looks exactly as I would if I were forced to wear that….ummmmm….hmmmm….interesting regalia.
Apr 05, 2011 @ 14:13:26
He was, I assure you, a most unhappy character. Poor Mr BB. It was a noble sacrifice.
May 06, 2011 @ 21:17:23
My favorite era in romance novels is Regency. I love the Emma and Pride and Prejudice movies. What a delightful opportunity. Hubby looks positively pained.
Glad you all had the chance and enjoyed the fun.
May 09, 2011 @ 18:34:23
Yousei, I learned a very hard lesson after watching the “Emma” movie: don’t judge a book by the movie’s main character’s hairstyle
Seriously! I remember liking the movie Emma, and in particular the way Gwyneth Paltrow’s hair was styled. But the book was so yawn worthy that I couldn’t finish it. Pride and Prejudice, on the other hand, was a good book, and yet I couldn’t enjoy the movie as it made me cringe each time the family did something embarrassing! (The book was somehow less stressful.)
“Pained” is understating it
Thanks for your visit!