An afternoon of Downton Abbey and tea

What a fabulous way to spend a Sunday afternoon: watching a sneak peak of season 4, episode 1 of Downton Abbey followed by a delightful tea. Even better? The episode was shown at the lovely IU Cinema.

With Amanda at the IU Cinema, awaiting Downton Abbey

Period dress was encouraged, so Amanda and I wore costumes we had sewn. Yes, this is my dress from Gen Con. Amanda sewed hers in the last three weeks, finishing yesterday.

In our costumes

A gift with our tea: Downton Abbey breakfast tea to enjoy at home

 Tea consisted of tea, of course, plus cucumber sandwiches and toast with asparagus or salmon mousse. There were also a selection of sweet breads and lemon squares.

Cucumber tea sandwiches, asparagus and salmon mousse on toast

 Part of the program included a presentation on period dress from the Elizabeth Sage Collection and a presentation on afternoon tea.

Gloves, shoes and fans from the Sage Collection

A period dress from the Sage Collection

A period driving coat from the Sage Collection

Oh, and that season 4 episode? No spoilers here, but... Of course there was a moment that made me cry. And moments that made me want to talk back to characters. And I can't wait to see the rest of the season!

Cosplaying Lady Sybil

I love Downton Abbey. (Who doesn't?) 

How do geeks show their love of things? Well, some of us by cosplaying. 

So I decided to make a Downton Abbey style costume for Gen Con. I'm sort of cosplaying Lady Sybil, although I don't have the mad skillz to make a costume like one of the outfits from the show. 

My skill level requires a pattern, preferably an easy one. Finding early 1920s style patterns was a bust (the few I found were authentic, thus beyond my skill level). Searching for first season era (1912-1914) I had more luck. Working with Simplicity pattern 8399, I made this:

My Edwardian style dress.

I chose the colors and fabrics based on what I could find and colors that suit me, but I also liked that the colors and the ribbon evoke, at least for me, Lady Sybil's harem pants, one of my favorite of her outfits.

Since I had plenty of fabric left over, I decided to make a reticule. I'll need to carry my wallet and phone around the convention all, and this is the appropriate way to do so.

A reticule, to carry my stuff.

 I can't wear high heels anymore, so period style shoes were out. I seriously considered just wearing my running shoes, opting for comfort, until I found these on sale, inexpensive, and comfortable shoes.

Comfort is important when you'll be on your feet all day.

 And, with my current short 'do, I needed something a little longer. I found a $10 wig at the local costume shop and styled it. Here is my husband modeling it. He allowed me to use his head while he played an online game. I'm quite pleased with how the styling turned out.

A very Sybil-esque style, I think.

I'll take pictures in full costume next Saturday at Gen Con.