Better late than never...

I'm shamefully late on writing about my only summer costuming event! Two weeks ago I attended the 18th century fair in a village called Isokyrö which is about 30-40 minutes drive away from where I live. The event has existed for years but I only managed to go there for the first time last year and decided then that I would return. Together with some costuming, history enthusiast and reenactor friends we had decided to take a booth at the market to sell accessories for the 18th century ladies. This year was also special historically because it marked the 300 year anniversary of the battle of Napue (a place in the area) between Sweden and Russia in the beginning of the 18th century. To commemorate this momentous event there was a big battle reenactment with participants from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Norway, Latvia and Ukraine. It was all very exiting and I had a lovely time even though we didn't really sell that much of our wares. The weather was... well, let's say there was weather. It was generally warm, with spells of pouring rain every day and strange muggy, sticky weather the rest of the time which is very interesting with an outdoors event. At least I didn't have to wear the woollen uniforms that the soldiers sported... :)

I feel that in connection to the event and this post I must point out that I don't consider myself as a reenactor as such. I don't strive for the absolute historical correctness in my clothes or accessories. That being said, from the materials readily available to me I try to look for those that will at least look somewhat authentic, even though they might not be that 100%.

Right. Onwards to the pictures!

At the church door. The old Church of Isokyrö is very unique. It was built in the 16th century and all its inner walls are decorated with fabulous murals from the same era.

The Swedish Caroline soldiers preparing to march off to the battle.

I think these guys were the Ukranian extraction.

On the battle field. There was quite a lot of standing still before anything at all happened.

Kaari Utrio, a well known Finnish author giving a lecture in the church. She writes historical novels, specialising in the Medieval times in Finland. She's also written more lighthearted novels on Helsinki in the 1830s.

The market was packed on Saturday

Sanna of Rococo Atelier, repenting in the stocks. I can tell you, it didn't help :)

Returning from the battle. I loved the fabulous elf hats on these soldiers!

Part of us (that is the booth people) took part in the battle reenactment.

The soldiers' camp in the evening.

Ladies fashion boutique

This was the first day, we then moved the table to the front of the booth to encourage the shy market goers to come and take a look.

Me weaving a heddle ribbon.

The church in the background

Roosting.

Some impromptu mourning

My clothes matched the berries so well that some pictures had to be taken.

No, I didn't dive in :)

In the raspberry thickets

Arranging the garters

"Madam, I do believe your behind could use a bit of extra volume. Here, purchase this handy enhancer direct from Paris!"

With Maija of Couture Mayah

Preparing to dance Le Pistolet. The lads in red are Russian soldiers.

Clap, the gun is loaded.

Oh, I'm slain! *dies*

Random standing around. I had to draw the hem of my anglaise up through the pocket slits because I was wearing so flat shoes that the hem dragged in the mud all the time.

Some posing.

With Sanna, she wore my swallow tail jacket on Sunday.