It was quite an adventure getting from Kenya to Manchester, including the last-minute surprise of a child’s expired passport, a long walk through Dubai Airport, and a running dash for the train to Manchester, but we did manage to get here at last. We met up as a group Sunday night for our first get-together and a marvelous evening of Show and Tell, starring Suzi’s gorgeous collection of historical bodices and corsets and some added attractions brought in by special guest Cathy Hay of YourWardrobeUnlockd.com.
My laptop decided to crash on me the day I left, so I’m blogging from my iPad, which is going to keep posts short and sweet this trip, I’m afraid! I can’t align photos as nicely as I can from the laptop, but I’ll try to do photo highlights from each day’s fun the day after. Here are shots from our gathering last night!
One group member examines an 1870s bodice up close.
Cathy Hay arrived in a reproduction Ginger Rogers ensemble–too adorable!
This is a ca. 1900 skirt Cathy picked up for a song at a vintage clothing shop. Look at that gorgeous Chantilly lace! (sorry this one’s a bit blurry–I’ll see if I can find a clearer one later on….)
This set of stays was made by Jean Hunnisett for Ann Margaret to wear in a film. The fabric is original and from the 1780s!
Inside of the stays.
Suzi talks about the significance of each piece in her collection. Everything has a story!
All ears…in spite of jet lag!
Today we toured Quarry Bank Mill, which evokes images right out of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. I’ll do my best to post on that tomorrow!
From Jenny:
Hello Jennie! And Nancy, Suzi, Wendy, and Karen! Looks like you are having a wonderful start to this year’s tour. I am following with interest from afar.
Have a wonderful time!
P.S. Cathy’s outfit is great!
From Elisabeth:
I see some familiar faces! Looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing how everything is going. Sure miss those times with Suzi! Hope everyone is having a great time!
From Bettie:
It is good to see some familiar faces from 2010! Wish I were with you! Enjoy your tour!
From Dawn Luckham:
Have a wonderful, wonderful time! I’ll be watching the blog entries eagerly! Hugs to you all! Dawn
From Katrina - Edelweiss Patterns:
Fabulous! Looks like you all are having fabulous time, and it brings back wonderful memories from the inauguaral S&S tour in 2009.
Have a marvelous trip!
Katrina
From Kathryn Plett:
How fun– enjoy every minute together. Hello to Suzi !
Very special times ahead, I am sure.
LadyKathryn
From ladydetemps:
Looks like your having a good time.
I want the ‘ginger rogers’ dress.
Hope to meet you all at Jane Austen Festival.
From Carol:
Nice to see some familiar faces. Enjoy! I will be watching with interest, too.
Have a wonderful, wonderful time.
Blessings to you all