Fortunately, the talented Mrs. Chancey at "Sense and Sensibility" (a well-named enterprise, to be sure!) offered a solution in the guise of her 1910 Tea gown pattern. From this template Yours Truly would construct the gown of her dreams!
Although sewing machines were the predominate means of creating dresses in 1912, in 2012, Yours Truly opted to utilize the most basic of tools of her craft: the needle, thread, and her own dimpled, thimbled hand. Why? For the better to be able to sit on the couch and watch Costume Epics, my Friends!
The result of two months of work was a dress Green Satin overlaid with Black Lace and embellished with Caviar Beads and Sequins.
Photographs taken in daylight at The Plantation show details not visible at the Event itself.
We are particularly proud of the Hat trimmed back when We were a mere Schoolgirl. Ah, the chapeau hasn't aged a day, although We Cannot say the same for Ourselves!
As to the Evening Itself, we had a Splendid Time! The meal was a never-ending succession of courses--10 in all--with vintage wines and champagne as accompaniment.
Never was Yours Truly so thoroughly stuffed as, alas, we did not do a very good job of pacing ourselves through the meal. Furthermore, We simply HAD to taste EVERYTHING!