Through the years...

To close out the Maid Marian online event, I want to take a look at the evolution of Maid Marian through the years. The picture above is from around 1880. Robin Hood and Maid Marian first became somewhat of an item in the 16th century. Their legend and love have been portrayed by many actress throughout the years. They have been in books, television and movies. They have spanned all categories including everything from comedies, dramas, cartoons and of course lots of adventure. I am going to share just a few of my favorite Maid Marians.

First is Olivia de Havilland, she played Marian in the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robin Hood. There is just something about old black and white movies and the actors and actresses of that time. I do not know how to describe it other than sophisticated, witty and elegant. I mean, come on, look at her dress! Gorgeous!!

I grew up watching Disney, so of course this version of Marian has made my list. I love that Disney portrayed the character's as different animals. This 1973 Marian is voiced by Monica Evans. This was, I believe my first introduction to Robin Hood and I have loved it ever since.

Next on my list is one of the most talented actresses of all time, Audrey Hepburn! Her name says it all. She has played so many fantastic roles throughout her career, and this is one of them. This is from the 1976 Robin and Marian where she co-starred with Sean Connery.

In the last few decades there has been a resurgence of Robin Hood retellings. The first, being the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Where Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio played Marian alongside Kevin Costner as Robin Hood. There was also a short lived Robin Hood series in 1991, staring Uma Thurman as Marian. I have yet to see it or be able to even find it anywhere to watch. If you know where let me know.

In the Robin Hood: Men in Tights spoof Marian was played by Amy Yasback. I love this comedy version. While it is a spoof and definitely not accurate it is good for a great laugh.

Of course, Lucy Griffiths from Robin Hood on BBC makes the list since this online event is focused around her.

Next year the newest Robin Hood movie will be released. Cate Blanchett will play Marian and Russell Crowe will play Robin. I haven't seen any pictures of Blanchett as Marian but the pics of Crowe have sparked my interest. I am excited to see more since Blanchett has portrayed my favorite Tudor figure, Queen Elizabeth.

Maid Marian Event

Today kicked of an online Maid Marian event and I almost forgot about it. I can't believe it. Anyways, I wanted to share my two favorite costumes that Lucy Griffiths wore while she played Marian on the BBC version of Robin Hood. She wore so many that I loved it was hard to choose, but I did narrow it down to only two.

This is the gray off shoulder dress with reddish orange accents. This is my second favorite. I love the waist corset, because it gives her such a great shape.

I think the color peeking out of the skirt and the lacing is fantastic. It adds great visual interest to the bottom of the dress.

This next costume is my favorite. This was the easiest one to pick out.

It's her Night Watchman costume. Come on, who doesn't like a strong independent women who dresses up in leather at night and kicks butt. Hmm...maybe that didn't quite come across as I intended it. Anyways, This is my favorite! I love love love the jacket. I'm pretty sure it has to do with the asymmetrical cut of the front and the fact that it is made of leather. I am kinda wanting to make an even more modern take on this for myself. Just a sort of fall jacket.

While sadly the show is now over, I am just grateful it is on DVD for me to watch over and over again. These are some of the runners up for my favorites. I think I have a thing for the red costumes she wore though. Enjoy these parting shots

Ren Fest Pictures.

It has taken me almost a week to get these posted. These some pics from this past Sunday at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. These are just a few of my favorites that I took at some of the different shops.

While this couple is wearing costumes that I would not wear to a renaissance festival because I am kind of a period snob their costumes were very interesting. You can't really tell from this picture but this guys armor is made of wood. Up close it look phenomenal. I can't even begin to fathom how he constructed it.

I am a dork. I am holding a Keyblade in this picture. If you know what a Keyblade is you are a dork too and I love it! This is a reproduction of a weapon that is used in the Kingdom Hearts game series. It is a mix of Final Fantasy and Disney. They are some of my favorite games to play. Unfortunately I was not able to purchase this and I really wanted to.

This is Eric and I posing. I never have many pictures with me in them and I really did try to make and effort this year to get more. If you notice, Eric is wearing a hat! It was kind of a shocker that morning when he said he would wear it. I think it works just fine for him. I still need a hat though. I have my heart set on getting a hat from The Blonde Swan. There hats are fantastic.

I love love love this corset. It is leather with a map on it. The map has locations with names that are bodily accurate. The chest area has Treasure Chest across it. The lower center front says Uncharted and I believe the center back says something about Pirate Booty.

Sadly I did have a wardrobe malfunction. While watching the joust my hoop skirt came untied. Yes, that would be Demaree up my skirt. She had to retie it for me and the boys felt this was something that they must catch on camera. I believe this may be the last year for this hoop skirt. It has had a long life and needs to retire. Farewell trusty hoop skirt.

This is Jeremy, Christy and the little guy is their son. I made all of their costumes. This year we just alter Christy's to give her a better fit than last year. Check out her bag. She made it from the left over scraps. I think that she did a pretty awesome job!

The little guy is the only one who got an entirely new costume. But he is just a toddler so he will be getting a new one next year as well. This is the first time I have sewed anything for a child let alone a toddler. It was very easy and so freaking cute. Check out his sword. This is the only toy that I have seen him hold onto for longer than an hour straight. However, he did lose it the fair when no one was looking. Eric and I couldn't just let that happen, so we bought him another for next year.

Tomorrow I am going to post some of my costume pet peeves. Like I said I am a costume snob. I really want to make costumes that are period appropriate. Stay tuned for more.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

In T minus 6 hours we will be leaving. As per norm, I am still awake taking care of last minute details. Although I have to say I feel the most prepared this year than I have any other year. I just did a few last minute repairs to my costume that I hadn't noticed until now. Of course! If anyone will be in the Harveysburg, OH area later on come to the Ohio Renaissance Festival and say "Hi" to me and my entourage. That's right I said entourage. This year our group has doubled from 6 to 12. Whew! Not everyone will be in costume this year but that is ok. Next year! Next year everyone will have costumes. Surprisingly, the only person to get a costume made this year is Isaac. He is now big enough to fit the toddler costumes. Pictures will definately be coming later on! If you want to say hi I will be wearing the Peacock Dress, it's the one I am wearing in my profile pic.

I know I have not updated in quite awhile. Eeks! It has been crazy busy at work this last month. I will post my September review soon too.