Past Events
~Past Events~
Coffee and Behind the Scenes at Lakewold Gardens
July 16, 2023
Coffee in the Garden
Sunday, July 16, 2023
11 am
Jane Austen Society of North America – Puget Sound Region
Regency House Party was
June 10, 2023
Regency House Party – June 10, 2023
Our friends at Puget Sound JASNA held a Regency House Party on June 10th at the Women’s University Club in Downtown Seattle with a fashion show (starring WRS Members), presentations, games, dinner and a ball in the evening!
SPRING TEA at WILLOWBROOK MANOR DURING the
SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL
was Saturday, April 22, 2023
Many enjoyed looking at tulips and shopping before the tea.
Library Sewing Meet-Up
Saturday, April 1, 2023
[this is not a joke]
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Fern Hill Library
765 S 84th St, Tacoma, WA 98444
Library Sewing Meet-Up
Saturday, March 18, 2023
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Federal Way Library
34200 1st Way South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Sari Shopping Day WAS March 4, 2023
WRS Members-Only Sari Safari – in Renton/Kent!
Frustrated with thick, modern quilting cottons when you are trying to make a diaphanous
Regency gown? Looking for metallic trims to sparkle in candlelight? That perfect shawl?
Join the Washington Regency Society on a Sari Safari!
Sari/saree cotton is similar to the thin, hand woven cotton available in the Regency era
and members have made a number of gowns from fabrics from these shops.
We met at a WRS member’s house in Renton (near IKEA) and carpooled a few
minutes away to Kent where a number of sari shops are located. We provided tips
and tricks for shopping – such as which shops have more trims, shawls or fabric – and
rendezvous after for show and share with tea.
Return of the Twelfth Night Ball!
It happened on January 7, 2023
A Masked Ball
Regency Dance lesson from 3-4:30
Dancing led by Regency Dance Caller Alan Winston
with Music provided by Anita Anderson, Sande Gillette and Betsy Cooper
Dessert bar including traditional Twelfth Night Cakes
more dancing
Dance ended at 10 with final waltz
Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10 a.m. Pacific
Shared projects, happenings, “show and tell” from attendees
Discussed of upcoming WRS Events
THE MASKED BALL – Jan 7, 2023
RETREAT at Camp Casey – Sep 8, 2023
Stroll in the Rose Garden
- Rose Garden
Sunday August 21, 2022
gathered at 2:00 p.m. then strolled at 3:00 p.m.
south end of the Woodland Park Zoo at the corner of Fremont Ave N. and N. 50th St. in Seattle
The stroll was in a public garden
Strolling in Kubota Gardens
Sunday May 22, 2022
11 am Pacific — in person!
This distinctive Northwest/Japanese 20 acre Garden is alive with blooms around this time of year.
WRS Promenade Kubota Garden !
The trails are hard packed gravel so wear appropriate outdoor shoes.
There are only port-o-potties for bathrooms.
Wear your best Regency walking outfit, sturdy walking shoes for gravel paths, parasols and bonnets!
FREE ! (There is no admission fee for this garden, it is a public park.) No need to sign up – see you there!!!
Here is a link to more information about the Kubota Garden.
Saturday, April 23, 2022
1-3 pm Pacific
Focus on the Fichu
Another virtual gathering with time to connect with one another and catch up on members sewing projects.
There will be a brief look at the frippery known as a FICHU.
Sandra will present some information and pictures of the Regency period fichu and how it was worn.
Some fichus were embroidered so an example of that type of work will be reviewed including how to make one for yourself.
sign up here to receive the link to the Focusing on the Fichu virtual meeting
Sunday, March 20, 2022
11 am – 1 pm Pacific
Repurposing to Regency
Cynthia showed us Regency appropriate fabrics, shoes & accessories all from the thrift stores!
She gave us yardages for items to hone your shopping and showed actual items made from thrift store find– including fabrics, gowns , hat forms, shoes & shawls.
Saturday, February 12, 2021
Valentine Theme Stitch-In
Ruth Haring shared a fascinating presentation on Regency Valentines. Information on practices during the Regency as well as showed examples of antique Valentine cards.
There were no boxed sets of Valentines back then, so each card was unique and sometimes even quite elaborate.
December 11, 2021
A WRS ZOOM STITCH-IN
A HOLIDAY DOLL’S TEA PARTY
December 11, 2021
Ruth’s dolls were excited to invite you and your dolls to participate in a Holiday tea party and stitch-in! Dolls were popular during the Regency. Ruth gave a short slide show on dolls of the period.
In the picture above, Cora, Eliza, Georgiana, Isobel, and Jane (left to right), are ready to share a cup of tea and they have their work table all ready to go. These dolls are contemporary recreations designed by doll artist Gail Wilson. The doll in the middle represents a Georgian doll, while the others are recreations of the Hitty and Izannah Walker from later periods.
The dolls of the Regency Period were primarily made of wood. These are known today as Peg Wooden dolls. Ruth showed slides of a few examples of these dolls as well as the more elaborate Georgian dolls which preceded them, and the dolls which Queen Victoria played with at Kensington Palace. After the slide show, there was plenty of work time as well as Show and Tell and sharing what everyone is working on.
BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS
December 11, 2021 at 11 am
The Woodbrook Hunt invited us back to attend the Blessing of the Hounds event on December 11th, 2021 11 am at their club house near Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM).
Past Stitch-Ins for 2021
Your Leadership Board has offered a monthly sewing get together. These virtual get togethers were excellent for learning new skills, being inspired by others work and ideas, and for meeting likeminded people.
Stitch – in (virtual meetups during the pandemic)
Sunday, February 7, 2021 Hosted by Ruth Haring
Sunday, Feb 28, 2021, 10 am Hosted by Cynthia Nordlund
Theme was completing the Soft Topped bonnet.
Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 1 pm Hosted by Sandra Slover
Included a presentation about White on White Embroidery
Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 1 pm — Hosted by Sara P
Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1 pm– Hosted by Sandra Slover
Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10 am — Hosted by Cynthia Nordlund
— summer break —
Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 1 pm — Hosted by Sara P
Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 10 am — Hosted by Cynthia Nordlund
Saturday, November 13, 2021 1-3 p.m. — hosted by Sandra Slover
Sandra gave us information on historical pocketbooks!
Saturday, December 11, 2021
A Doll’s Tea Party — hosted by Ruth
Our first “In Person” event since the Pandemic started was the
WRS Promenade
SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 AT 11 AM – 2 PM
We gathered (appropriately socially distanced and wearing masks) at the Highline Botanical Garden and enjoyed the beauty of the garden. Individual family groupings had picnics while others chose to just promenade and repair elsewhere for refreshments. It was a delightful, and safe, outing.
Soft-top Bonnet Workshop
January 24, 2021
via Zoom
Ruth Haring showed us how to complete a soft topped bonnet with a straw brim. Ruth has been making these for herself and her daughters for years and will share some of her newest tips.
General Membership Meeting
and
Chemisette Presentation
November 8, 2020 via Zoom
We virtually gathered to look back on our year, vote for officers for the next year. and have a brief presentation about Chemisettes and “show and tell” about chemisette patterns and construction by members.
Reticule Presentation and Workshop
Sunday, October 18, 2020 1-3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time
Via Zoom
Click through the images above to get more information.
Virtual Tea Party
Saturday September 19, 2020
1-3 p.m.
Gather via Zoom in your own safe space for tea, talk and maybe a little hand sewing – it’s up to you how far you take the fun. As always, Regency costume is admired but not required.
Tall Ships
August 2020
POSTPONED AS THE LADY WASHINGTON IS NOT SAILING OUTSIDE OF HER HOME HARBOR THIS YEAR
Summer Picnic and Performances
July 25, 2020 virtual
Washington Regency Society’s Summer Virtual Picnic
We all take to our own gardens with our own picnics, where we will meet virtually Via ZOOM !
Set up your tea table, don your Regency Sunday best, re-trim your bonnet! ~ Of course Costumes admired but not required!
Sewing Morning in Dishabille
Sunday morning June, 28, 2020
10 am to 1 pm
Washington Regency Society presents:
Sewing at home together – mixing the Regency sewing circle with modern technology
We can gather in our Morning dress or “dishabille” (or not in costume if you prefer but please keep it “G rated”.) Bring along your hand sewing or set up your computer next to your sewing machine – there are no rules other than our standing rule “Be excellent to each other”.
Sewing Day
Join us for a sewing day
February 2, 2020
Federal Way Library
Twelfth Night Supper and Ball 2020
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Seaside Assembly 2019
WRS returned to Tokeland!
November 8-10, 2019
The Washington Regency Society gathered at The Tokeland Hotel on Willapa Bay, for a Retreat from the modern world,
Buckram Bonnet Workshop – part 2
September 15, 2019
Buckram Bonnet Workshop
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Seaside Assembly 2019
WRS returned to Tokeland!
November 8-10, 2019
The Washington Regency Society gathered at The Tokeland Hotel on Willapa Bay, for a Retreat from the modern world,
Buckram Bonnet Workshop – part 2
September 15, 2019
Buckram Bonnet Workshop
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Tall Ships at Port Orchard
August 17, 2019
The Tall Ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain docked at Port Orchard on August 17, 2019.
Back by popular demand ! This exciting event was “A la Carte” .
We brought our own picnic, tables and chairs, blankets, foods, cutlery, drinks to Picnic at Givens Play Field (1025 Tacoma Ave. Port Orchard 98366 ).
After the sail we did retreat to Bay Street Bistro On the Bay (834 Bay Street) to have dinner. www.baystreetbistro.com
Picnic at Lakewold Gardens
Sunday July 21, 2019
10 am to 4 pm
Lakewold Gardens — 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499
WRS SEWING DAY
Sunday June 30, 2019
We met for a sewing day at the Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th Street, Shoreline, Washington 98155
Washington Regency Society
GENERAL MEETING
Sunday, May 5, 2019 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Queen Anne Library Meeting Room, Seattle
The first part of our meeting was our business meeting with our President’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, and descriptions of how our members can get involved. The second part of the meeting was an educational presentation on fashions during the Regency period. This is intended to help newer (or current) members obtain the necessary information to start their own wardrobes. We also had a program on the Regency fashions at the Museum of Fashion History in Bath England. Two of our members were able to inspect some of the fashions in their collection and will be sharing details and photos of those garments.
A Weekend House Party at Pemberley
April 6, 2019 from 12:30 in the afternoon through a ball in the evening
The Jane Austen Society of North America, Puget Sound Region invited the Washington Regency Society to join them for this festive occasion.
More photos of this event are available here: http://waregency.org/?p=1831
Secret Garden Tea
March 3, 2019
WRS returned to the site of our very first function! We had a delightful tea and played parlor games
WRS Sewing Day
February 3, 2019. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WRS Sewing Day at the Federal Way Library – 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, Washington 98003
Twelfth Night Feast and Ball
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Held at the Wells Hall in Tacoma
Group Sewing Day
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2018 — 2:00-5:30 P.M.
TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY – SWAZEY BRANCH
7001 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
WRS Hunting with Horses and Hounds – November 3, 2018
WRS Sari Safari – October 13, 2018
WRS at the SITU Garage Sale- September 22, 2018
WRS Founders Day Picnic – September 15, 2018
Regency Corset and Stays Workshop
WRS Summer Picnic – July 15, 2018
Sewing a Regency Gown – May 20, 2018
WRS Spring Tea Event – April 14, 2018
Tea at the Empress Hotel – March 10, 2018
Twelfth Night Feast and Ball – January 6, 2018
at Lakewold Gardens – Wagner House
Turban Workshop – September 17, 2017
A workshop in making the Fixed style turban of the late 18th and early 19th Century
Tall Ships at Port Ludlow, Washington – August 26-27, 2017
This year’s sail on the sailing ship Lady Washington was out of beautiful Port Ludlow Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. We met for a stroll on Saturday in historic Port Gamble. This nationally registered town has many old buildings and information on its past history as an early port in Puget Sound. On Sunday, we met for a picnic lunch on the grounds of the Port Ludlow Resort. Participants researched appropriate foods for a Regency Picnic, and even brought their own small tables and chairs for a very elegant repast under the evergreen trees. In the evening, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset sail on the Lady Washington. The all volunteer crew from Historical Seaport out of Aberdeen does a wonderful job of demonstrating how a ship of the period operates and even entertained us with period sailing songs with a volley of cannon blasts to top it all off.
Summer Picnic at Lakewold Gardens – July 23, 2017
- Playing Croquet at Lakewold Gardens
Secret Garden Tea – May 21, 2017
Washington Regency Society had its Spring Tea at the Secret Garden Tearoom in Sumner, Washington this year. It was a lovely day for strolling through their gardens and enjoying afternoon tea. This year we had a Bonnet Competition. Participants researched and created period bonnets which were awarded miniature bonnet prizes. Past Spring Teas have included a talk on Tea during the Regency Period and a presentation on Letter Writing during the Regency.
WRS Spring Retreat at Tokeland – April 28-30, 2017
Many members of the Washington Regency Society met at the Tokeland Hotel, a much loved destination, for a 2 night retreat near the Washington Coast on Willipa Bay! All meals were provided!
We relaxed with hand sewing, resting, conversing, playing games and reading. The weather was wet and chilly so we stayed inside most of the time.
SITU Costumer’s Garage Sale
Saturday, February 25, 2017
WRS had a table at the sale where WRS members sold items to make money for the WRS treasury.
Tea at The Empress Hotel, Victoria British Columbia, Canada – March 4-5, 2017
A few members of the Washington Regency Society made a Spring Getaway to Victoria BC with High (Afternoon) Tea at the World Famous Empress Hotel!
Sewing Day at NYFA – January 29, 2017
Sewing event at the New York Fashion Institute in Seattle.
Nabob’s Twelfth Night Feast – January 8, 2017
Hunt Party Tea ~ November 6, 2016
Tall Ships Experience – Saturday August 27, 2016
Lakewold Gardens Picnic – Sunday, July 10, 2016
Summer Tea – June 26, 2016 – Secret Garden Tea Room
A Seaside Assembly April 29 – May 1, 2016
WRS Sewing day – Sunday April 3, 2016
Cynthia and many others met up to work on their Regency wardrobes for the Seaside Assembly.
Super Sewing Sunday
was on Super Bowl Sunday February 7, 2016 from noon to 4 p.m. at the New York Fashion Academy, 5201 Ballard Ave N.W. (at the corner of N.W. 20th) in Old Town Ballard, Seattle, WA 98107 — we had 9 people there busy cutting out patterns and sewing and fitting. A successful day. Parking was tight as it always is in Ballard on Sundays because of the Farmer’s Market.
Third Annual Twelfth Night Nabob’s Feast – Sunday, January 3, 2016 4 p.m.
Our Nabob Uncle Ebenezer brought back many wonders from the orient. This year he delighted us with the cuisine of Ancient Persia.
Jane Austen’s Birthday and the Holiday Season Tea – December 20, 2015
At the Olive Branch Café Tea Room in Tacoma’s historic Freighthouse Square
- Olive Branch Tea Tower
- Olive Branch Interior
And at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
–
Learn Tea History with the Washington Regency Society!
was Sunday, November 8, 2015 10:00 a.m.
Tea History Class Taught by Roberta Fuhr of Experience Tea
Washington Regency Society aboard the Lady Washington – September 5, 2015
Sadly lightning prohibited us from cruising but we had a good day anyhow with a picnic in the park and some stayed at the dockside hotel bar for cocktails – watch for next year’s sailing schedule — we will try again.
photograph Attribution: “Mike” Michael L. Baird
WRS Picnic at Lakewold Gardens – Sunday July 12, 2015
with a Bastille Day Theme!
this was an absolutely delightful day and will surely be repeated in upcoming summers – keep on eye on this event page for more info
ORS Pittock Mansion Picnic
Sunday July 26, 2015 – ORS Pittock Picnic
although rain threatened many valiant picnickers came out and enjoyed the day. It’s an annual event on the last Sunday in July – so plan for it next year.
WRS Sari Safari to Kent, Washington – May 30, 2015 1-4 p.m.
In Kent, Washington there are a number of shops selling saris and other garments and textiles from the Indian Subcontinent – many of these textiles are appropriate to use in re-creating Regency Era clothing.
The Kent Sari Safari was a huge success and will probably happen again!
Many of you have heard of the legendary British Columbia Sari Safari hosted by the Beyond Reality Costumers Guild in February but we wondered if we could “hunt” a little closer to home.
Queen Charlotte’s Tea – April 26, 2015
at the
Secret Garden Tea Room
4:00 p.m.
We enjoyed a delicious gourmet tea at the Secret Garden Tearoom which is located in a lovely Victorian house in Sumner.
Wearing our best May Day bonnets, and promenading at Windmill Gardens.
Valentine’s Tea and Workshop – February 7, 2015
Nabob’s Twelfth Night Feast – January 3, 2015
Experience Tea with the Washington Regency Society!
Sunday November 9th 2014
Tea Discovery Class Taught by Roberta Fuhr of Experience Tea
Costumer’s Garage Sale!
Sponsored by SITU Saturday, September 13, 2014
Oregon Regency Society – Regency Retreat – September 18-20, 2014
- Regency Retreat 2014
Members of the Washington Regency Society visited the
Oregon Regency Society
Picnic at the Pittock Mansion – July 26, 2014
WRS Botanical Garden Tour – July 13, 2014
In our Regency finery we toured the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Jane Austen Gala – Sunday June 22, 2014
Many members of WRS joined the JASNA group for an
Elegant luncheon and Stimulating Entertainment
Women’s University Club, Seattle
Houses in Jane Austen’s Life and Fiction”
Our group sewing days have been a great success.
June Sewing Day was in a private home of one of our officers in Olympia/Lacey
May Sewing Day was at the New York Fashion Academy
April Sewing Day was at the Monroe Library
March Sewing Day was at the New York Fashion Academy
February Sewing Day was at the Bellevue Library
WRS Easter Bonnet Tea Party – April 6, 2014
Washington Regency Society and Somewhere In Time, Unlimited had a day of antiquing and a tea party on April 6
Location: Antique stores in downtown Sumner and The Secret Garden Tea Room
Nabob’s Twelfth Night Feast – January 4, 2014
WRS Regency Holiday Tea – December 7, 2013
Ruth hosted a beautiful tea party in her home where we all brought items to share for the tea
She was able to share her historic Christmas Creche with us as well.
