We had a GREAT time at the Ball Saturday night! I wanted to post as soon as I could so I would remember everything…so here goes.

I did finish all my sewing just in time. I made three men’s vest and a blouse for me. The blouse I made for myself was kind of a combination of two patterns, so it was a little tricky, but it turned out just as I envisioned, which doesn’t always happen. I had made my skirt over a year ago for something…actually my daughter’s skirt. I wore hers rather than my green one. My daughter’s skirt is black and white and the blouse I made is black, kind of a satin material. Technically, I should not have worn black, since I’m not in mourning and only younger women in the 1860’s would have been able to wear black and white if they were in mourning. But, it worked. I made jewelry too which turned out well.

Everyone there, a pretty good sized crowd, came dressed for a certain period of time. There were a lot of Civil War era costumes, about 6 hoop skirted dresses and a couple Officer uniforms. It was like you were transported to a different time. It was so exciting for me because that has always been my favorite time. Gone With the Wind was always my favorite book and movie and my greatest dream was to attend a ball.

The dance instructor was great and very patient with all of us that remembered nothing from gym square dancing days. He even partnered our three year old a couple of times and his wife was very gracious to partner her many times. As a matter of fact, everyone there was very gracious and helpful to her. She had a wonderful time and she was still going strong and wanting to stay at 11:30 when we left. There were still four more dances left at that time. I would have liked to have stayed for the couples waltz…the last dance, but with church the next morning and three children that would have been difficult.

I think what impressed me the most was the attitude and etiquette that went along with the evening. It was like everyone put on the costumes and we were back in that time period.  Everyone was ladies and gentlemen. Gloved hands, curtsies and bows. It was so different than the few dances that I attended back in school days. This was just plain fun!

So, to wrap it all up…it was a wonderful experience! I’ll have wonderful memories and I’m really looking forward to the next one. Because of this ball, I learned of a couple more and I would really like to become a part of the group that attends them on a regular basis. My husband has always wanted to be part of a re-enactment group and I think I would really enjoy that. So, now I’m going to start working on a real ball gown in my spare time so I’ll be ready!

And even though my husband never reads this blog…I just wanted to say thanks for having such a great attitude, knowing how important it was for me. You looked so handsome in your string tie and vest and it was so much fun to dance with you! It wouldn’t have been nearly so special if you had not been there!