Dancing 'til Dawn

…okay, so it wasn't quite dawn, more like 11:45 or so. Amy & I are now officially hooked on English Country Dancing.

…with our friends Elizabeth & Kate (recognize their dresses?:)

Here's Nicki and me

Kate & me

He was a phenomenal (though rather short) dancer.

Jason & the girls

Design Sketches

Hello everyone!! Life has been crazy for me recently! I promise I'll get around to posting pictures from London very, very soon!

In school this year we are making 2 dresses - and mine are both wedding dresses! I wanted to share my first sketches with you. The shorter version is going to end up with a one-shoulder design instead of being totally strapless. I don't prefer strapless gowns myself, but I wanted to get the experience of working with the modern strapless foundation.

The Long, Long Trailer

Nicholas Collini: Been married long?

Park Keeper: About 31 years.

Nicholas Collini: Have many fights?

Park Keeper: Nope.

Nicholas Collini: Then take my advice: don't buy a trailer.

The Long, Long Trailer is a hilarious movie that the whole family will enjoy–and the costumes are simply irresistible!

an awesome find

I found this 1960's dress at a church sale in August.

Isn't it cute?

A Medieval Fashion Event!

Mark your calenders!!  AmandaBeth Online is having a Fashion event dedicated to Maid Marian and her amazing wardrobe!  It will be running October 23-26, and Julia and I will be participating!

Finished dress!!

So Julia had the brilliant idea to do my face like a doll…

……and this is the result of that brilliant idea!

(I was personally thinking more of a vintage look originally)

But it was fun!

And you can see the ruffle nicely here……

Pretty flowers match my dress!!

Make it over or do without……

In this case, a new-with-tags converse dress and a vintage tablecloth from the thrift store.  I tried the dress on, and it fit me to a T, but I the skirt was a little too short.  So, while I would usually not pay $10 for a dress from the thrift store, I felt justified.  

I also found some adorable linens, including this printed tablecloth. I got home and was pulling my things out to show mom - eureka!! Combine the $0.90 tablecloth with the $10 dress!

Pictures of the finished product coming soon!!

gypsy girls at dusk

I know, it's about time…

Here's a sort of summary of our big trip in pictures:

We had an awesome time at the Summit Student Conference in Colorado…

We learned a LOT (over 70 hours in classroom!),

went paintballing in the mountains,

and met many new friends.

Afterwards, Mom and Lydia flew in to Denver, and we met up with the extended family in Glenwood Springs:

Going rafting,

riding up the tram and into Glenwood caverns…

…then driving west to our grandparents' house.  Lydia loved helping Gramps pull weeds out from between the rocks in their yard.

We got to spend some time with our cousin Codie and our Aunt Betty.  

They took us riding,

and we did henna together…

And we went to Olive Garden and Cold Stone Creamery on our last evening there…which was also my birthday :)

On the way home, we took a slight detour to drive through the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park on the way home.  It was a wonderful trip!

Fashion Week……

It's fashion week over on AmandaBeth Online!

I, for one, am excited to see the great modest styles she's featuring - it's so encouraging! There are great articles, as well as inspiring photos. One of my favorites is Boho Style, and the Giveaway 3 - ELIZA Magazine!!! - check it out!!