Romantics Era 1830's Picnic - Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild - At Ardenwood Farm

Picnic day with The Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild at Ardenwood Farm arrived! Everyone looked magnificent in their 1830’s finery!

Vivian (aka @freshfrippery on Instagram)

I am really impressed by the quality and handwork that everyone put into their costumes. I love the sleeves on Molly’s dress (above) and the fabric she chose was a mauve micro striped silk. Vivian’s dress and whole look was delightful as well.

Mena (aka @makethishistoricallook on Instagram)

Mena wore an outstanding lace bonnet and organdy canezou/pelerine/ruff. I had never heard that term before. Apparently it’s a blouse that covers a dress or a fabric Fichu that covers the neck. Everyone seemed to have some version of this and I felt a little like I didn’t get the memo or do enough research. There is always next time!

One Word - Majestic! This costumer had me impressed from head to toe. No detail was missed, down to an antique watch she carried on a chain.

I loved that everyone’s costume was different and also that there were men at the event. Only 3 men, but so nice that they were there. You might recognize the Hannah(s) from the 2019 Sacramento Tweed Ride. It was really fun to see them both again.

All hail the big sleeves! Poised for a “Who has the Biggest Sleeves” contest, the competitive ladies lined up to be measured.

The sleeves went on for miles. and everyone looked so good together!

Breanna (aka @portraitofaseamstress on Instagram) and Jeff were quite the handsome couple. Breanna is a costumer for the SF Opera and such a kind and welcoming person. Her Silk dress and bonnet were definitely one of my favorite ensembles of the day. And, her stunningly dressed partner, Jeff, is quite the antique uniform collector. This Uniform dates to the 1840’s, he told me.

Another favorite was this pink silk striped gown worn by Jean, who you can see posed in front of the home on the property. As part of the picnic festivities, we were treated to a tour of the Patterson House on the grounds of the farm. It’s a notable Queen Ann Style home situated on the center of the property, surrounded by lovely gardens and preserved for the public.

Our tour guide, led us through the home, starting in the Guest Parlor and then upstairs to the bedrooms.

On display in one bedroom were several vintage and reproduction wedding gowns. The room is kept fairly dark to preserve the integrity of the fabrics.

We were then directed down the hall into the master bedroom (with the fireplace) that was attached to another bedroom, presumably a nursery, but made up to be a young boys room. That room led into a bathroom that even had a raised baby tub. So practical.

Which then led to a sunroom, made up as a playroom. You can see above, the tiny stove, which is actually a salesmen’s sample and not a toy.

A place setting made ready for the 4th of July!

From the playroom, we were led down the stairs and through the kitchen. Then came the dining room, smoking room, sewing room, library and eventually the homes Parlor or living area, which was more casually appointed than the guest parlor.