http://www.galvestonhistory.org/Dickens_Press13.aspDecember 5th and 6th 2009 in Galveston. Its a great excuse to get laced in and dressed up! Don't know what to wear? Can you sew? Here are links to various commercially available patterns that will work. Any that don't have a note next to the pattern number are costumes for women. All of these are available at various fabric stores, Hobby Lobby and sometimes Walmart.
Butterick (on sale for $1.99 at Joann's on Oct. 29-31, 2009)
http://www.butterick.com/list/costumes/all.htmB5265
B5266
B5232
B5008 - Men's shirt
B4952
B4954 The view "C" skirt is really nice and super easy
B4419
B3648 - Men's outfit
B4210 Hats!
Vogue Patterns (are also on super sale Oct 29-31 for $3.99 at Joann's) They don't really do victorian but their Vintage Vogue line is delicious. Some of the hat patterns would work for Dickens.
http://www.voguepatterns.com/list/vintage_vogue/all.htmSimplicity Patterns
http://www.simplicity.com/c-164-costumes.aspx?pagesize=999999992517 Men's coat
2581
2843 Girls
2881
2887 Gone with the Wind dress
2890 Corset and undies
2895 Men's
3644 kid's pattern (pirates work for Dickens too)
3727
4083 Men's
9769 Corset and undies
McCall's Patterns
http://www.mccallpattern.com/list/costumes/all.htmM5129 Bonnets
M4745 Men's Civil War
M2337 Girls
If you're an experienced costumer, there is always
http://www.agelesspatterns.com/where you can get authentic reproduction patterns. Just beware, they come with the original instructions and are sized for Victorian bodies, not modern ones. You'll need to alter the patterns to fit.
I try to go to Dickens every year. There is useally a discount if you go in costume. Its fun for everyone (kids too!) and there is plenty of shopping and performers to watch.
If you don't sew but still want to play dress up, look for long skirts, lacy long sleeve blouses and hats for ladies. A hat, coat and/or vest and trousers is a good start for men. They don't hold historical accuracy against you so have fun with it.
