Lilliput Libraries

What are Lilliput Libraries?

They are part of global movement spurred by Little Free Libraries. Basically these are mini libraries (about the size of a large dollhouse) in neighbourhoods, usually located on their 'Guardian’s' fence, and passers-by are welcome to 'take a book now, leave a book later.'

In Dunedin Lilliput Libraries are the brain-child of Ruth Arnison, who's also coordinator for the popular Poems in the Waiting Room.  

Part of the success of these libraries is a constant supply of good-quality book donations. If you're in Dunedin, Otago, and would like to help please bring books to the Dunedin Resene store at 172 Crawford Street.

You can also Donate money at their Lilliput Libraries Givealittle page (I have! Be like me, I'm cool). Donations go towards the cost of constructing more Lilliput Libraries.

You can follow the progress of Lilliput Libraries popping up in Dunedin neighbourhoods via the Lilliput Libraries Blog and also on Facebook

I'm certainly going to try and be involved myself, other than wanting one in my neighbourhood, I really really want to paint one!

Images of the Past Dunedin

The Historical Sewing Group I belong to "Images of the Past Dunedin" are looking for new members.

If you're located in the Otago region of New Zealand, like to sew & want to try something a bit different, that will also raise funds for the Children's Ward please visit their website http://bit.ly/1J0Z2Iv and share this message with friends who might be interested. Thanks!

1863 Outfit to Mark the Dunedin Botanical Gardens 150th

Made it! Just not on the actual day...

This is only my second ever Victorian Costuming Project.
I drafted the spoon bonnet pattern myself, an earlier version seen here. The skirt is simply 4 plus metres of panels that have been box-pleated at the front and sides, and cartridge pleated at the back. It's worn over my cage crinoline petticoat hybrid. The jacket is based on the Spring Paletot pattern a free pattern available through resources provided by The Ladies Treasury

Now what to do with my 1863 outfit? As luck would have it, Otago Boys High School are also celebrating their 150th this year. I wonder if they'll have a fete open to the public? If not, maybe I'll go pose outside the gate. It's all about the photo-op after all. ;p

Happy costuming everyone, and Happy 150th Dunedin Botanical Gardens! My, you are old!

A weekend in Steam, but not a steamy weekend

Over the weekend I attended several of the Steam Festival events with the Dunedin Steampunk group.

At the festival opening, held at the Dunedin Railway station (poured with rain, typical) my no-sew bustle pad was put to good use as I dressed up as my character: Cadet Peasgoode, Misinformation Corps.

Not quite Victoria's secret: The no-sew bustle pad in action

The Steampunks weren't the only ones taking the opportunity to show off. The rayguns and goggles had competition for the limelight with another bunch of pretty frocks, a group who go by the name of "Images of the Past" and who enjoy making and wearing Victorian/Edwardian Fashion. I feel I shall have to investigate them further, possibly consider switching of teams...

Dunedin Steampunk attend the opening of the Steam Fest 2012

The punks won the show-off showdown however, their group photo graced the pages of the local newspaper the following day (So if you're keeping score that's Rayguns: One, Parasols: nil.)

Another day, another outfit: On Saturday the steam train Ka 942 brought down to Dunners especially for the festival, ferried passengers on a round trip from the central city to Sawyer's bay. I ventured out as: The Widow Peasgoode, (a golf widow, mother to Cadet Peasgoode) who is rather controversially an anti-suffragette, proclaiming as NZ was the first country to receive the women's vote, we should be the first to give it back...

The Widow Peasgoode and chums ride the Steam train

Despite the dreary weather, the train running out of fuel both the Widow and I had a good, slightly surreal time, especially when being photographed by tourists. Nice to think me and my big fake bum are doing our part in promoting lovely Dunedin in our own unique way.

For a more detailed account on what the festival was actually about, please read this blog post by my friend JT Webster, perhaps soon to be the embodiment of Queen Victoria?

Crafty Adventures at the Gasworks

 Over the weekend as part of the up-coming Steamfest, I helped out with the "Children's Model Airship" Workshop, run by the Dunedin Steampunk group and hosted at the Gasworks Museum. Needless to say, hot-glue gun burns aside, much crafting fun was had.