So, about two and a half weeks ago, I made the move to Long Beach, CA, where my boyfriend and I are renting a room from a friend of ours. I have to say that I've had a blast thus far, and for the first time, since, well, the beginning of puberty, I feel, and believe I will continue to feel, content with my life. The weather here is mild and beautiful, the people varied and interesting. I've already had four job interviews, and will be working as a server at a somewhat upscale restaurant only five minutes from my house, granted I can pass a menu memorization test. Good thing I've got a knack for memorizing things. Now that I've basically got a part time job set up, I can start focusing on preparing myself for some LA theatre auditions. There's a keyboard set up in our common room, so I can practice to my heart's content. Most importantly, Jayarre and I are starting our life together, which, I must say, has been breathtaking at times. Love is a mysterious and wonderful force.

Well, that's most everything in a nut shell, at least the big details. There are two faires in this area, although, unfortunately both of them don't start up again until next spring. But, when the time comes, I'll definitely be attending these new 'home' festivals. It's a good thing I'm dating a rennie!

Wow, it's been a long time since I last updated. I suppose I should fill everyone in on what I've been doing for the past nine months. Well, hmm. I spent February and March working at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which I absolutely loved. I followed that in April and May with working at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. I have to say, it was probably the prettiest faire site I've seen thus far. I also met Jayarre there, who, on the 12th of September will be my boyfriend of five months!

I've been back in Ohio since the beginning of June. In July, I got hired on for my current job: working as a waitress at Buffalo Wild Wings. I've recently moved twice, and am now living with my friend Kala from work.

Exciting, upcoming events for me include:

This weekend; I'm sure I don't have to tell a few of you that this weekend marks the beginning of the Ohio Renaissance Festival. I'll be attending Sunday and possibly Monday, decked out in my new Italian Renaissance gown, graciously created by my Mother. Yay!

September 9th - 16th; I'll be flying out to California to stay with Jayarre for a week, which will be amazing, considering we haven't seen each other for three months.

I think I'm going to try and do a better job of keeping this blog updated. Heh. We'll see if I actually follow through.

I'm probably going to be using my blog as something of a costume diary every now and then. I'm so excited about my latest (and honestly first) sewing project! This one is going to be a biggie. Here's a little info:

The costume I'm currently working on is modeled after traditional Turkish dress from the 15th and 16th centuries. At the moment, I'm focusing on four main parts:

1. Gömlek, or under tunic. I haven't decided if I'm actually going to make this layer myself, or not. I may just leave it out all together, depending on how the two top layers come out. Or its possible that I might just buy a normal chemise.
2. Shalwar, or pants. I'm planning on using pattern #119 from Folkwear for these. The material will probably end up being some sort of silk.
3. Chirka, or fitted under jacket. This is actually what I'm starting with, as I thought it would be the easier of the two main pieces. I'll be using pattern #108 from Folkwear for this one. I'm using what they describe as the 18th or 19th century entari for my chirka, which I think it is more like anyway.
4. Entari, or fitted long coat. Most likely using pattern #106 from Folkwear for this, with perhaps some slight alteration. This will be made of silk, and I'll likely also be doing some embroidery.

A little aside about the costume: The character I am using this for is a Venetian-Palestinian. While the costume is modeled after traditional Turkish dress, there will likely be some variance from this, such as color, and the amount of layers. I'm still working all the details out, but, I'm definantly going to be adding some personal touches.

On a really great note, I have received the pattern for the chirka, and it looks really awesome. I also purchased fabric today! It is a dupioni silk, and absolutely gorgeous!

Here's the fabric laid out on my bed under dimmer light. It looks a lot darker here.

And here I am holding it close in much better lighting. Hah hah. I do love it so 8D

I'm probably going to get started on this baby tomorrow. I'm sewing everything by hand, so, the project is probably going to take longer than I want it to, but, I'm hoping to at least get the chirka and the pants done before I leave for Arizona at the end of January. I suppose I could always take my work with me...

Hey all!

I figured I should make some sort of introductory post, so, here we are.

Name's Danielle, or, on occasion, you may hear me introduced as Lady Clover Bell (a joke that originated from a costume I wore earlier this year, which, thankfully, I no longer have). This was my second year at Faire, though, my first year actually working there. It was so much fun! I can't wait to get back to it.

So far, I've only been to the Ohio Renaissance Festival, but, I will hopefully be found working at both Arizona and Scarborough in 2008! The proper plans are still being laid.

Well, that's about it. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!