Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France and Free Patterns

We have the dates for this year's Fête de la Nouvelle-France people: they will be held from August 4 to 8, 2010. It's time to start getting your outfits ready!

Not sure what to wear? Well first of, let me tell you I'm a little disappointed, considering the number of times I've mentioned 18th century clothing. What is generally considered New France period (history is always somewhat opened to interpretation) is from 1608, the year when Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City, and 1763 when the Treaty of Paris ceded New France to Britain. Meaning New France went through kings Louis XIII, XIV and XV, which is important to know when planning the style you intend to wear. Of course, you might want to keep in mind that there were not many (if any) noble ladies in fancy dresses in 1608, but by 1750, Bourgeoisie had settled in.

You knew all that but you meant you did not know what style to choose? Fiou! You had me scared for a second. Fear not: the festival's website has thought of you. In the costuming section, and only in French for some reason, under Confectionnez, you will find a list of nine Free Patterns drawn by Fashion students from the 1997 and 1999 classes of the Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy - École de Mode.

Le jeune bourgeois (The Young Nobleman) by Sonia Ruel, Class of 1997

La Jeune Bourgeoise (The Young Noblewoman) by Sonia Ruel, Class of 1997

Le Bourgeois (The Nobleman) by Davy Gauthier, Lyne Lachance, Nadine Cagné,Catherine Webster & Jennifer Boily, Class of 1997

La Bourgeoise (The Noblewoman) by Isabelle Pouliot, class of 1997

L'habitante de Stadacone (Woman of Stadacona) by Nancy Boissonneault, class of 1999

For those who might not know, Stadacone or Stadacona is the name of the Iroquoian village where Champlain decided to establish the settlement of Quebec.

Isabeau by Marie-Josée Rioux, Class of 1999

La Paysanne (The Peasant) by Yannick Auclair, Class of 1997

Katherine la Paysanne (Katherine the Peasant) by Julie Castonguay, class of 1999

La Servante (The Servant Girl) by Amélie Lacasse, class of 1999

Okay, so some are not terribly historically accurate, but a little fantasy never hurt anyone, I guess. (So says the person who wrote a post about bad LARP garb...) Besides, did I mention they were free?

Costumes for Otakuthon 2010

Last night, the dates for this year's Otakuthon, Montréal's Anime Convention, were announced: August 13 - 15, 2010. The event will once again be held at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. I've been bugging Nancy-Raven about cosplay ideas for Otakuthon for over a week, so I am quite happy to now have a date to work with.

Since Nancy-Raven needs a break, I thought I'd brainstorm a little with my other readers. I have ideas from three different Anime/Manga.

1. Le Chevalier d'Eon (Shuvarie)

Le Chevalier d'Eon by Tow Ubukata

I'm not especially familiar with this Anime/Manga, but I fell in love with the costumes after seeing Kadajo's fanart of Le Chevalier Sphinx.

Le Chevalier Sphinx, Fanart by Kadajo

There is a good number of costumes to choose from, so both Nancy-Raven and I could pick one we like. I also think we should try to get her cousin to join us because he has the fine traits and the long blond ponytail that d'Eon has.

The story is inspired by that of Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Timothée d'Éon de Beaumont (1728 - 1810), known as the Chevalier d'Éon, who was a notable cross-dresser. It is set in Versailles (France) during the reign of Louis XV. This means Pannier dresses. Not only can I do that with my eyes closed, but I love this style. As a bonus, I could (in theory) also wear my costume at the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (which I plan to attend this year too).

On the downside, I don't know what I would make for my Daughter with this theme. She'll be about a year and a half by then, and I bet she'll be running around, but I can't imagine putting her in a big fancy dress yet.

2. The Three Musketeers (Anime san jushi)

This Anime used to play on Saturday mornings when I was a kid. I think it would be fun to make because everyone who sees us will be transported back to their childhood. Also, I have never made a 17th century costume and I am long overdue for one. Once again, there are many choices. If Nancy-Raven decides to join me, I suggested to her that we could go as Queen Anne of Austria and her handmaiden Constance Bonacieux (I would like to cosplay as Constance; I already have the right hair colour and besides, Nancy-Raven is taller than me).

Queen Anne and Constance, The Three Musketeers (1987)

If I go alone with my Daughter, I would choose to cosplay as Milady de Winter instead. I look good in red and I've always wanted an excuse to wear forest green hair.

Milady de Winter, The Three Musketeers (1987)

My Daughter could the cosplay as Pepe, the little monkey.

Milady and Pepe, The Three Musketeers (1987)

Sure she wouldn't fit on my shoulder, but I think it would be cute. I just wonder how I could make her a Galea (Roman helmet)...

3. Cardcaptor Sakura (Kādokyaputā Sakura)

Of course, I could also stick to the idea I had last year: I could go as Sakura and my Daughter could be Kero. This way at least, I know she would be comfortable.

Kinomoto Sakura and Kero, Cardcaptor Sakura

I'm not quite sure how to make Sakura's staff, but I'm sure I can find out. The biggest problem with a Sakura costume is actually choosing the costume. She has so many!

So now you know what was going through my head while my cold kept me awake half the night (every night) last week. As always, I love to get your input. Right now, I'm not sure which one to choose from. Part of my decision will be based on whether or not Nancy-Raven decides to join my Daughter and I for a group costume. (No pressure hon!)

As Andy and Randy Pig (Miss Piggy's dimwitted young nephews) would say, "This job's too hard!".