The medieval fair : up and down of an event

Yesterday my family and I went to the medieval fantasy fair.I choose to not costume myself as I didn't have friendly breastfeeding costume that would fit.It was sunny and hot and was more comfortable in a t-shirt.Anyway , sadly , the fair  was a big disappointment for many reason.

At 40 min of driving , I feel it was in the middle of nowhere and as I heard many people get lost trying to reach the place.The site was a farm.I must admit I wasn't sure our GPS (we call it Charlotte)take the quickest road to go , it take less time to came back.

When we arrive , we are park in a field .We had to take a path in the field and  it continue on a rocky road.Not small flat road , no big rock.It wasn't stroller friendly at all and sometimes it was difficult to push the stroller.

For 2 adults and 1 child (free for baby) it cost 36$ which is expensive for this type of event.We buy a little of food but clearly we should have bring our lunch and a blanket.Table and chair were at full sun but when we leave we found a tent with table hide on the back.It would have been more comfortable.Again if only there was indications.

I was hoping to listen a group I love call Skarazula (medieval music).By the time we arrive the show as already start but never know where the hell it was.I never heard a single note .There was no indication .I also have the impression there was only half the merchant present compare to the list I've seen on the official web site.

 My son next to an inflatable castle.It seem some parents just leave their kids there and go else where.There was no responsible of the fair to watch.It was dangerous because some kids bring object and do trouble in the castle.At some point Gwenyver and I have to ask our child to go out for safety reason.

This bring me to the point of security : you pay before you park but no one check what you bring on the site.A bunch of crazy men could have come with guns no one check what you bring on the site .You pay and pass that's all.The previous festivals  I went ,same kind of , there was security and a gate before you enter on the site.For the price I pay I can expect some security.It was more like a get together between friends but it's not the reality.

My daughter in the stroller.I try to look at the joust but it was too much noise for her.She didn't stop crying so we had to go away.To breastfed her I went behind the castle under the tree and sit on the ground.At least we had a little privacy or illusion of.

And the fun stop here.
I'm tired and have a headache.On the path to reach the car , remember the rocky road, I almost twist my ankle.Hopefully nothing serious arrive.My son fall on some rock and fall hurting  his knee .He did blood on one of his knee and both were cover of mud.We clean it with water and do a pressure to stop the bleeding.Daddy take him on his shoulder because we didn't have walk half the way to the car.I propose to go back on the site but my honey said it wasn't a serious injury .He is a pro for this kind of thing.

I was tired , hungry and have a headache  when we leave.At the fair , I was more worry to be sure my daughter drink enough  and my son to eat enough because we move so much.I didn't think enough of myself.

Ten min after I enter in the car I start feeling bad.I had nausea and well what should  happen  did happen , I throw up in my hat.The second time it was in a plastic bag .The two other times it was at home .I've been unwell for the rest of the day and have a serious huge headache.When I trow up at home it was very violent .I haven't drink enough water and did not eat enough for the energy I spend.The summer and I are not good friend.

Even if I was sick , it was an expensive day for not a lot of fun.I think my son is the only one who had a lot of fun.Next year we are not going if the fair is at the same place and cost the same price.

My friend Gwenyver told me she knew someone who did 3 hours of driving(they get lost at some point) to go to the fair but leave after 1 hour because it was disappointing.So it wasn't just me who feel this.

My previous experience of the exact type of fair had always be more fun and a little  less expensive.I hate to say this but maybe there was a lack of organization and planning for the event.Too bad we are not going back next year.

Medieval fair event

This is not an event Gwenyver or I organise but we thought it would be fun to be in group .This fair as start 1 or 2 years ago , it's medieval fantasy having in mind LARP , Tolkien , Dungeon and Dragon and history. If you want to join us or simply wish to meet us , it will be with pleasure so let us know it.My family and I will be present only saturday ,Gwenyver will go on sunday.I will update this post if it's not the case.

What: Les médiévales de Lanaudières ,  a medieval fantasy fair
Where : 573 Montée Ste-Marie at  L' Assomption ,Quebec , on the site of Seigneurie des patriotes
When : august 22 and 23 from 10h am to 18h pm
$$$ : 6,97+ tx for child , 12,17$ adult  for 1 day at the entrance

You have different option of price for the weekend or if you buy ticket in advance.All the details of this event can be found on the official web site.

Please pray for us for a beautiful and sunny  day , we need it.

The annual costuming picnic

  Event is cancelled

I'm the first to announce it.Again this year we do our annual costuming picnic during the summer.Place and schedule is almost the same but if you are not familiar with here are the detail:

 What: A smooth and relax picnic wearing a costume of your choice , a perfect occasion to chit chat about costume(among other subject) and meet new people.Choose a costume , bring a blanket or two and bring a lunch.

 Where : In the park of the Île des moulins in Terrebonne , Qc , Canada.

When: Saturday july 18 at 11h15am.We met at the entrance of the park and wait 15 min for other people to join us.After 11h30 , search for us in the park.We will be easy to recognize and the park in not so big.In case of rain the event is report to next saturday july 25. I will publish a post in the morning if the event is report to make sure everyone is aware of it.

Parking: As always there is two parkings near the park and on sunny day it become full very early.You will find parking in the street near the site easily.

Specifications:   Kids are more then welcome to join.Remember they are at the responsibility of their parents at every moment .Keep in mind we are near the water , you must have an eye on them .I may bring a tent and tunnel to amuse them if I find a way to pack it properly.

Remember you have the right to refuse to be taken in picture at any time during the event as we are not hired or affiliate in any kind of by the Île des moulins.Some people may ask for it , other won't .Please feel free to refuse if you are not comfortable .Be aware 18th century is very attractive as it match the style of the site and you may be ask more then other people or be confused with the staff present on the site.

I think I need to specify something.This year,like last year , I will be wearing the traditional  saree.So at the entrance if you saw a women wearing a saree(and clearly having no indian origin) with a stroller , a baby and a young boy and probably my honey , it's me.

I know wearing the national women costume of India ,  the saree , make people somehow uncomfortable because they do not want to insult or make discrimination .It seem I looks like credible , probably because of self confidence.

Hope to see many of you at the picnic.

Preparation for the picnic

 

 

I realize I didn't post anything about the costumes preparations for the picnic we done in july.So here we are with close-up and more details of it.

 

For my son

 

A white t-shirt and a pair of gray short I already have.The green scarf I wrap at his waist only for the picture.It was a hot and shiny day so I thought it wasn't a necessity.His hat was a straw I fold to make a tricorn.

 

For my honey

 

He used what he have and just buy a few accessoiries , mostly necklace and an orange scarf wrap at the waist .Hee already have a tricorn so real easy.The truth is he didn't enjoy much costuming.He came with us because he know how much I want him to join us and our son like his daddy to be present.

 

For myself

 

I was in vacation in july and somewhere during the summer it was my birthday.I knew I didn't have time to sew and not much motivation for it.I thought a sari would be a good idea.I found it on ebay for 8,99$.The  seller also have jewelry  so I buy both at the same place to make sure I will receive it at time.

 

 The complete kit of jewelry , red and gold for 40$ .Two necklaces, two bracelets with rings (not show),a pair of earrings , a matha patti (head piece) and a nath (ring nose).Similar kit could be sold for 150$ but if you take time to search you will find less expensive like mine.

 A side view .The earrings have a chain and I assume it have to be attached to the head piece.Anyway I really don't know where else to clip it.The earrings are heavy , attached to the head piece it help to relieve the weight.

 The sari.You know when it's written the color may not be exact as the picture , that's a good example.With time and search I realize in India maroon  is more a red-dark pink then the brown reddish I expect.On the picture it was really  like brown .I was a bit dissapointed but accept it because I receive it one week before the event.I order the petticoat(skirt)to go with it and the choli(blouse or top).It take a month to receive my order so it was too late to complain.The standard petticoat was tight but I could fit in.You really need a petticoat to wear under the sari because some fabric a sheer.

A dark pink art silk is still sheer.You can see my hand under the fabric .When you take the option custom choli , they cut the sari to make it.The lenght of a sari is mostly standard to 6 yards-5.3metres.When you buy a sari , the unstitch blouse mention is only a square of fabric you can use to make the blouse.Many people make the mistake to believe it's a blouse already make you just have to adjust.After cutting my sari , I now have 4,8metres which is a little too short.For a plus size women 5,3 metres could be just enough or not enough depending on how you choose to wrap the sari.The best will be a 9 yards sari but I can tell you they are hard to find and you don't have a lot of choice.

The color wans't the best , it wasn't perfect but we all enjoy the event and we had a shinny day.It is not possible to ask for more.

The costuming picnic

For the picnic we had a beautiful and sunny day.Well , things don't turn exactly like I thought it would be but it's done now it was fun so that's all matter.

 

 

We were ready to leave but our friend  was late.I wasn't able to reach her so I left home later then I should.We didn't knew if this friend will come or not so I bring all the stuff with me and my son.My honey stay behind and wait for her.

 

Both parking next to the park were full because this year there is a public market at the beginning of the park.With one hand I controlled the stroller and with the other hand I bring the heavy basket , yes it was heavy.I have to walk what seem  a long distance under a hot sun.I arrive to the park completely exhausted.

 

My honey and our friend arrive not so far behind me because I spend so much time trying to find a parking place.This year I must admit I didn't take a lot of pictures.I guess I was too tired.

 

Me and my little pirate . As a indian women or bride , I was wearing a sari with most of the wedding  jewelry set.Well I didn't do anything in this costume I buy it for a low price.I do have a beautiful picture of my pirate honey but he ask to not post .My son has a lot of fun with my goddaughter ,she take care of him like he was her brother.

Our goddess friend M. A few of my co-worker saw her from the back and thought it was me because she was with my honey.Her hair is lighter then mine but we mostly have the same size.They all told me how nice my dress was and all the blabla stuff.It's funny to see they don't saw the difference between us.Maybe I could hired her as a twin .

The heavy basket I talk about.With food and a few bottles of water and juices and it become heavy to carry.On saturday morning my arms were hurting badly.Now it's  ok.

The after picnic isn't great.My arms will probably continue to hurt for a few days.My ears are hurting too  because the earrings were heavy .Right now I try to avoid a minor infection .My sari ,which I receive two weeks ago ,  have holes in it which probably happend during the picnic  along with a few dammages I notice on saturday.At the end of the picnic kids and adults were tired.I did go to bed when I arrive at home.

Event announcement : the costuming picnic

Again this year we proudly do our second edition of the costuming picnic .Bring a lunch , a blanket and wear any costume you'd like. It's the perfect occasion  to wear something you haven't wear much.


What: A costuming picnic . You must come in the costume you wish and bring your own lunch and blanket . You can bring games or something to occupy yourself if you wish between the chit chat and eating part of the event.

When : On Saturday july 20  at 11h15am.We met in the entrance of the park  and wait 15 min for people . If for any reason you arrive after that , search for us in the park. We will be very easy to recognise. Don't be shy to join us if you are late. In case of rain the event is report to next Saturday  july 27 and we will announce it in the morning.

Where: In the park of the historical site of Ile des moulins in Terrebonne, Qc ,Canada.

Parking: Some parking is available directly next to the site. If none is available you can search around in the street .

Price: It's totally free.

If you have any questions feel free to ask . I hope to see a lot of people there. Children are welcome and must come with an adult . Please remember that you must bring all your own stuff and not bug other to give you some.

N.B After the experience of last year , please be aware that tourist may ask (or take and do not ask ) for pictures. Everyone have the right of privacy and you must feel free to refuse if you do not wish to be taken in picture specially when children are present. We are not hired by the Ile des moulins as entertainment so you have no obligation of any kind.

The costuming picnic

Finally I can post pictures of the costuming picnic.Where present myself , my honey and my son and Gwenyver with her daughter.If I did wait to post picture it's because when I have a program which need an update(it was the case),I shall wait for my honey to do it .Why?Because I'm not the main user.That sucks.

A picture of me with the complete costume.We found a spot with lot of shadow near the water.The day was perfect , not too hot and a lot of wind.My hat have lace to fasten it.I really need to buy hairpin.

From left to right .Myself , my pretty goddaughter in a pink dress and her mom my friend Gwenyver from Confession of a costumeholic.I think this picture is going to be on my wall of fame.The wall of fame is a spot on the wall of my sewing room on which I put special picture of costuming event .The picture I put there represent  particular moment.A few of them are with Gwenyver.

A noble lady on the bridge looking the horizon.You can see clearly the lace ties on the back of my head.This view is one of the many amazing views we have on the site.

Many people come to see me and my honey to ask question because they thought we were part of the animation.We perfectly fit with the scenery .Many french tourists ask to take pictures of us .Some people ,  not tourists ,  try to take picture of us without asking , guess what we did see you.

We did receive the same comments a few time : the stroller does not fit with our costume.In the futur I may try to make something to cover it but it's not that much important.What's really matter is we had a beautiful day and a fun event.

My dearest son

Last saturday was the costuming picnic and of course I want my son to join us.I wish to make something not too hot and comfortable.

I made a simple cross tunic in a beige knit fabric I had .It's a very light fabric and soft.I call the cross tunic because when you place the pattern on the fabric it looks like a cross.It's the same pattern I did use for my goddaughter but this time I make no embroidery.The visible seams on the tunic and on the cap are brown to make a contrast.My son prefer to play with his cap and most of the time it didn't stay on his head.

If you ask why the head of his daddy is cut , it's because he didn't gave his permission to publish his picture.So I respect his choice and cut his head.I take many pictures of  my son and him ,they are so cute together.It's too bad I can't show that.

A costuming picnic

I did talk of this event but I want to make an official announcement.

A picnic will take place at L' île des moulins(which is an historic site) in the old Terrebonne  on  saturday july 21.In case of rain it will be report next saturday july 28 .If the activity is report it will be annouce before 10:30 in the morning on this blog.Every person who's interest is welcome .You must wear any costume of your choice historical or fantasy  and bring your own lunch and blanket.The activity is free , the goal of it is to spend a good time and met new people .For those who might arrive later , we will be in the park probably somewhere near the water if possible.

Everyone will met at 12:15 at the beginning of the path and we will wait 15 min .If your'e not sure where it is , I think there some kind of bridge over the water and a building on the left .I didn't went to the place since many years so forgive me if I can't be extremely precise.Just look for a group of people in costumes .Don't confuse us with  people in costume making animation on the site .I will be the lady in blue jacket with a  white and black skirt and also  have a stroller.If the day is sunny , be aware that parking might be difficult to find so I suggest you arrive earlier.

If you're interest to come or have any questions , you can let me know by leaving a comment or email me.By this way we will know are many people we should expect.I hope to see many of you.

Nancy-Raven Hellfire

Preparations for the picnic

For the picnic next month , I was looking for a basket.I' m not picky , I just want something with a cover and big enough to fit everything.I search and found nothing .At my second attempt, I found the perfect basket for 25$ but I also found a full equiped blue bag for the same price at Homesens.The bag came with a blanket ,cover for two and is made of two sections one isolated for the food and one for the plate.

I really don't knew which one to choose.The temperature in summer are high and keeping the food cold longer time is best.It's the eternal dilema between modern and period stuff.I add a net (at right) and a mini fan for 1$ each.Maybe I choose the bag because I'm so much more a glamping style.

For the picnic , anyone who wish to come is welcome as long as you are in costume.An official date will be soon announce .It will be a weekend  of july .By the end of the month the date will be post so if you are interest come back to see it or contact me.

Create what you don't have

I must admit , sometimes I'm jealous to see how many costuming group our US neighbour have.So many possibility which mean so many occassions to wear and create new costumes.With the high prize of gas and a young breastfeed baby , I can't go too far from home and the activity must be good .But what choice do you have if you can't find what you want ? Create it .

This summer I want to do a picnic at a place call  île des moulins.It's an historic site from the New France period.The picture is the only one I found on the official web site.I will give more detail about this place when I will come back from it and have lot of pictures.

I will try to modify the inspired blue dress I have or make something new I'm not sure.It will depend of how many times could I possibly have free time.

The international medieval festival

Disclamer: The following pictures have been taken during a public event. If for any reason you see yourself on it and want it to be remove , please contact me and I will fix it.

This festival is really unique here in Quebec.First it last for 3 days  saturday to monday , monday being our labor day .The second and major reason is , as far as I know , this is the only festival in Quebec in which can see knights with their horses  presenting joust and a tournament which include knights from Ontario and the US.

This year the festival have move to Lachute , it was the first time it happend .Because I have to drive at least 45min which is more then usually ,  I was saying to myself it must deserve it.Yes it does.The choice of the site was great.No problem of parking , more of it was available.More campments , more merchants , more space for everything and a lot of available place to increase all of this for the futur.Saturday was the best day because sunday and monday the sky was grey and sometimes bring rain.Even with rain nothing have been cancelled.

In every festival , you can see weird or unexplained thing.My friend Gwenyver didn't came with me this year and I know how much she like to look on the costumes people wore .This year I saw less people in costumes but  more historical choice.

I also saw a group of musketeer.Well I thought I was very good in history class in high school but I didn't remember they were musketeer in the middle age.Their costume looks good but I'm sorry if some read that but it wasn't the right place for you.Wrong period of time guys.

Soon after we arrive , we heard bagpipes and I really like that.We saw this group bellow.I wish they could wear something more historical .I don't know who they are but  I easily forgive them because having a live playing band is really great.

 An exemple of why the choice of the site was geat.For looking the joust , there is a great platform for sitting and there is  a roof.It's nice to have a roof when it rain.This picture have been taken just before the joust start.

 A picture of me sitting on the grass during the lunch.I do wear the vinking costume I present in a previous post which I receive as a gift.The underdress was light and perfect for the weather.It was so hot .Now 3 days after the sunburn on the face I get there , I looks like a little tan.My honey who also accompany me choose to not wear his scottish costume which I like so much.I was a little sad to see him normally dress but I was happy he came with me .I really hope in the futur the festival will offer more then hot dog and hamburger to eat .With only 2 places to eat on the site, there is a huge line up at lunch time.A bigger site should include more toilets specially for ladies .

 Another picture taken during the joust.It was present by 4 knights and last for  + - half an hour .We were sitting in the first row .I want to be sure I will be able to take good picture .Behind the knight , you can see a part of the historical campment which are always present .

A live picture of the joust.It's hard to take a good one.I like joust maybe because I wish to do it after taking my medieval fencing class a few years ago.I have the feeling the little girl in me is just so excited to watch joust it's like  a dream becoming reality.

When talking of reality ,  one of  the 4 knights was a lady.Her horse doesn't seem to cooperate very well. During the joust , she fall down form her horse.It was like something totally unreal.She fall down and stay on the ground without moving during a few minutes.Everyone stop breathing , we thought she might be injured..When she finally move and get up , she receive a hundred of applauses.Ouf ! With the costume and the complete armor , it was probably a real shock to fall and with the high heat of the day it might be terrible.

My honey and I didn't stay to watch the tournament of Lys d'argent  which is a part of the World joust tournament.They were no place to sit and it was in full sun during the afternoon when the heat was the highest.I'm dissapointed by it but I was so tired we can't stay longer.For the first time I'm the one who ask to leave.I was sick during the week before the event so I knew my limits for the day.It was a great event and if you have the chance next year to see it , I highly recommend it.You can find more detail about it directly on the web site (because the festival did not make publicity)at http://www.medievales.ca/ .