In which our tradition of Pottering is explained

With the release of the new Harry Potter move, Goblet of Fire on November 18, some thought is going into festivities surrounding that event. We typically celebrate the releases of Harry Potter books and movies, partly because (especially for the books) it's a cause for celebration, and partly because it's an excuse to get dressed up and go out. We call it Pottering.

For the release of the Order of the Phoenix and again for the Halfblood Prince, we went off to the Tattered Cover in Cherry Creek to join their party. Many of the party-goers dress up for the occasion, and so we were not at all out of place. At the first TC party we attended, one of the store's staff pegged us as SCA folks right away. Sheila and Keith were wearing robes based upon t-tunics, and I was wearing a robe based upon a Tudor ropa over a purple taffeta skirt and a black slik blouse. Chris had on a coat that was more Victorian, however, and wore that over a grape-purple jacket in the form of a cassock. We all, of course, sported the requisite pointed wiches' and wizards' hats.

Last summer, for the Halfblood Prince release, we all dressed somewhat more formally. Here is the group of us from the left - Rebecca (Viridian Green), Chris (Agustus Fordham), Melanie (Violet Smethwyk), Keith (Perry), and Sheila (Athena). This seemed to be the popular group picture spot in the store.

We had spent several days in advance sewing clothing for this event. Since I'm on the road alot, some of my work had to be done in Montgomery, AL, in the Embassy Suites that was my home there for three weeks. Being in the South, I was in a great place to look for a hat; even Wal*Mart carried them. I found the black hat you see in the pictures, and added some thin feathers, purple roses and a big black crow. As I was working on the hat, I was amused to recieve all sorts of attention from the rather swishy gentleman who would bring up room service. "You're working it, girl!" he would say to me as I modeled it for him.

Violet's gown is a 1920's flapper style tea gown, with lots of long strings of beads, and beaded trim on the cumberbund and at the neckline. The undergown is of a burned-out floral (quite see-through) pattern, and the overgown is a lovely purple jacquard that I picked up from Denver Fabrics Annex. It's a bit too long and will need to be altered before Goblet of Fire. I'm not sure the boa goes, but I've always wanted to have one.

Agustus is wearing a Victorian styled long coat of black and burgandy brocade, with burgundy velvet cuffs and lapels. There are three gold frogs that clasp the coat together. He wore black and white business attire under it. The top hat does multiple duty as Agustus' hat, a magician's prop, and his vampire character from Halloween.

'Theney choose to model her gown from a Regency style. The fabrics are beautiful, and her hat incindentally came from a Denver Wal*Mart! I've been looking in the wrong places for hats! The gown is layered and moves beautifully. The purse she found thrift-shopping, and is a real gem. I love it and want my own.

Perry wears robes of shocking pink shot with gold, and if memory serves, has a tiny floral pattern. The cravat is lovely, and check out those socks! He looked evey bit the distinguished wizard. 'Theney and Perry even came out for Halloween!

Veridian went for the sultry look. I especially love this picture of her in her green silk dupioni cloak with that feathered standing collar. A little black dress is the foundation of her outfit. Worn with the pillbox hat and tidy black gloves, she's the picture of elegance.

The evening started (as is our custom) with dinner in an interesting resturaunt. We dined at Osaka, and stuffed ourselves on what may be the best sushi in town. We lingered for some time, and then made our way to the Tattered Cover in Cherry Creek.

For much of the evening, we went outside in the courtyard which connects the TC to other stores in the little complex. Being July, it was cooler out there than in the store. We very much enjoyed mingling and people-watching. People kept trying to guess who from the books we were portraying. "No one", we said. "We've created characters from the Harry Potter universe." Nevertheless, Agustus was repeatedly mistaken for Fudge, but I suppose that's due to his no-nonsense character. We also got loads of compliments on our costumes. I started responding, "Costumes? What costumes?"

As midnight approached, we were instructed to line up inside the store. There were long tape lines snaking all over the store, around the bookshelves. The lines ended at the desk where you could finally get your hands on your very own copy. I was hopping a flight the very next day, and so Chris and I purchased two, feeling like we couldn't wait until I got home for one of us to read the book.

The TC did a very smart thing this year; they issued tickets to everyone who pre-reserved a book. This meant that unlike Order of the Phoenix, we got out of the store at 12:20 am, but then had to wait for half an hour to get out of the garage.

And less than a year later, the movie is due. What luck! Getting to go Pottering twice in a year! Plans are similar for November 18. In costume if you like, we'll dine at The Old Spaghetti Factory, and then go to the show. I plan to have tickets purchased in advance, which will insure that we get seats at the time we want. So let me know if you are joining us.

Of course, the question is, "what shall I wear?" I'll not be making anything new for Violet for the movie; I love to make new costumes, but the old ones are so much fun to wear again. There is also the matter of time, and the press of Midwinter to think about. Violet has the older (but warmer) Tudor-style robe in purple brocade, or the tea gown, but this darker character has appeared recently. Chris thinks that NightShade might be a denizen of Diagon Alley. She sure was fun, and it'd be neat to languish on Augustus' arm for the evening.

Chris and I were talking about how fun it'd be to get "dressed" and go out one evening - without Harry Potter for an excuse. I think that the Melting Pot in Littleton is one of the most spooky, mysterious, and unique atmospheres in Denver, but it *is* pricey. One day.