Welcome Back to Common Ground

For Common Ground 2014, I trekked up from Rhode Island and got up early the next day to get to the Fair right when the gates opened on Saturday. There was a chill breeze, and in addition to many friends and lots of good food I spotted scarves and layers in abundance. 

Unlike previous years, I actually managed to attend several talks and events, such as Chestnut Restoration with the American Chestnut Foundation, Working Hard Pain Free with Jamie Huntsberger, and my favorite part, a very rollicking contra dance. 

As always, the Fair yielded a multifarious bounty of stylish people, and I had great conversations with almost everyone I stopped for a picture. I'll try to include snippets as I post my photos and memories from the day.

Happy October to everyone, and see you next year!

-Hannah

Family Affair

This friendly lady urged me to find and photograph her fashionable daughter. I never did find her daughter, but I can see where she got her style.

Carhartt

As a friend of mine pointed out, there is a great deal more style liberty taken involving Carhartt clothing at the fair than you'll see anywhere else.

Sunny Disposition

When I told her I'd considered dreads, but liked to change my hair a lot, she warned, "Then don't do it!"

Chai Break

It is possible they were drinking coffee, or cider- but there was some mean chai being brewed that day.

Dapper Gentlemen

"Should we smile?"

Bright and Beaming

This gal stood out even in the Common Ground crowd. 

Practical Plaid

Many of our most common clothing choices in Maine are based more on practicality than high fashion. Friends from away have called me out on my flannel and layering before, never quite believing that I learned to wear them because where I lived it was cold; but I know the truth.

Jurassic Era

I appreciated the oddity of this vest.

Sheep and Buttons

Dungarees

I met this gentleman near the sawmill, where a number of denim-clad people were congregating.

And Now a Contra Dance

He hadn't made his skirt, but wanted to get another that "actually looked nice."

Vintage Beauty

This sweet, friendly lady obligingly posed for me and then complimented my outfit in turn. 

Kilted Out

After dancing, I noticed this man replacing his other accoutrements, including a belt and sporran.

Vim and Vigor

This fellow was my most eager subject. He also impressed me with his enthusiasm for contra dancing, even hampered by a small sword.

Patches

"This was a gift from my great uncle. He retired from downhill skiing at age 87."

Leatherworking

The opportunities at the fair to observe people demonstrating skills are varied and boundless. This man demonstrated use of a palm (or as I call it, a hand-thimble) for sewing leather.

Mocs and Buns

Conversation with this fellow revolved around atlatls (primitive projectile weapons) and favorite children's books (the Redwall series by Brian Jacques).

From Romania With Love

My outfit for the day! The blouse was given to me by a kind older man I met at a swing dance in Providence. 

"I am going home to Romania, and as you are a seamstress, perhaps you would like a hand-embroidered blouse from my country?"

I only ever met him three times.

The Genuine Article

This girl braved the chilly, damp air to bring music to the fair. 

Rustic Charm

I was delighted to run into this particular friend of mine, who was a little shy but posed willingly for my camera. 

Stylin'

"I'm taking pictures for the Common Ground Style Blog."

"Oh, and you think we're stylin'?"

The Hat Lady

Mature Taste

This elegant lady was gracious but skeptical when I asked to take her picture. I explained my story, and she said, "I don't like it when people take pictures without asking. Thank you for asking."

Thank you for allowing it!