This was taken at the Craigdarrock Castle in Victoria, BC.  Craigdarroch was built between 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This legendary Victorian mansion, built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria (Craigdarroch means "rocky, oak place" in Gaelic) announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. He died in 1889 leaving his entire estate to his wife Joan who lived in the Castle until her death in 1908. The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era furnishings.

One of the rooms in the Castle

Craigdarrock Castle, Victoria, BC

Another gown from the Castle. I couldn't get a better photo. There wasn't enough lighting.

Here Comes Santa!!!

Yes, his beard is real!!  This is a co-worker who needed a Santa's outfit.  The outfit has the coat, pants, hat and sack. It was an easy outfit to make except for the trim.  The trim was purchased as a band trim instead of a fabric cut.  The collar is cut on a curve.  I had to piece the trim to show the least amount of seams.  My co-worker was happy with the results and so was I.

Traveling Outfit in Royal Blue

The fabric I used is Microsuede.  It is a wonderful fabric to sew with.  Since I only bought one and a half yard of this fabric, I was able to make three outfits with this material.  One is the skating outfit and the other is also a Renaissance outfit

Traveling Outfit

A close up view of the front. The edges of the bonnet, tabs and peplum are embroidered with silver thread in a scroll design.
The bodice has silver eyelets and is closed with matching blue suede.

Another Traveling Outfit in Royal Blue

This shows the side view and the marabou feathers on her bonnet.  You can also see some of the detailing on the tabs and peplum of the vest and the edge of her skirt

Traveling Outfit

The Traveling Outfit in a purple color with black trim