Debuting new garb at a festival is always frought with what-ifs. Is the length ok? Will the bodice ride up or down? What about the weight of the garment? After repeatedly stressing over how hot we were going to be in our new multi-layer linen dresses, the weather turned out cool enough to warrant extra layers. And the fit of the dress turned out just fine.

But, everyone agreed we turned out looking awesome!

(Kate here) I was actually a little sorry we ended up wearing the full outfit all day. I hope in following years, we get to show off the dresses underneath more. And, while the dresses were great, I have to add that we seemed to have found the limit of our cheap hoop skirts. Both of us were popping hoops by the end. 

For Ryan's new doublet, I literally traced over his most recent one - the green and brown doublet from the fall before - and added a few inches where necessary. The diagonal design comes from a costumed festival goer we had encountered in KC the season before, but the pants are being re used from another outfit.

I know, I know. I should have taken progress pictures of Ryan's doublet and the baby outfit. I ran out of time/inspiration.

Ryan's sleeves were from an earlier pattern as well, and I just replaced the centers with strips of ribbon. The underarm is still out of blue linen. The whole doublet is lined in the same stuff as the frock coat. And I ordered buttons to cover with blue linen, which Ryan thought was very close to magic.

The baby shift is secretly traced from a button up shirt I had for Easter, which will be in a few weeks. Almost every other baby shirt I could have traced was knit, which wouldn't do well if there was a sudden growth spurt. And in learning a lesson from my last baby outfit, I made knit side vents, which turned out to be unnecessary in this case.

(Kate again) We always seem to add things to our garb from the faire. This time, I found blue leather rabbit-trimmed fingerless gloves, and Rachel found tan velvet pouches that we strung from our bodice lacing. Perfect for hiding those modern things that you want to keep hidden but close to you, like a cell phone and wallet. Most importantly for tired feet, we added walking sticks. You'll have to imagine all these things until we can get a good picture up that includes these!

As a whole, the ensemble was a hit at the Festival! We ended up wearing the costumes both days, instead of switching out like we planned. I truly do not have any new outfits for myself planned for the Wichita Ren Fest this fall, but if time opens up this summer I may finish some costumes that have portions that have literally been in the making for around for 15 years.

My obsession with miniatures is no secret. After completing a large dollhouse that won grand champion at the county fair and is now on permanent display at my library, I discovered Japanese kits for room arrangements. These kits are usually around 1/24th scale and everything is glued down as you go. Still, it does scratch the creative itch and a manageable price and scope of project.

I try to document each one as I create it. Problem is, one slipped through the cracks, so to speak. Amazon had shown me a lightning deal on a wishlist dollhouse item and I didn't take advantage of the sale. :( That got me thinking: what kits did I have waiting for me?

When I checked my storage closet I found a kit that I remember really wanting, but I don't remember purchasing. Even worse: it was already assembled. Sigh. I must have been doing some stress crafting. The kit was purchased nearly two years ago, and probably assembled shortly after. It would have been at a time BC (Before Child) and when Ryan was gone most of the summer on trips for work.

Without further ado, here is the kit all assembled:

And here are a few more detail views for the curious. The outside corners aren't decorated, so I'm not uploading pictures of blank craft wood.