And the Winner is...

Last night was the night all Paradise girls, big and small, dream about. It was the night they crowned the new Gold Nugget Queen. This may be the pinnacle of Paradise culture. All the hillbillies leave the mountains and come to town to celebrate. Its a riot if you're a people watcher. It's chaos if you want to drive through town. For years I've avoided this hick celebration, now I embrace this tradition as one of my own. Leaves don't fall far from their trees, they each just fall a different way. My way is to observe and enjoy myself.
Anyhow, lets see those dresses!
First off I'd like you to see my finished dress. Being modeled by Lexi.

When Lexi contacted me, she told me she wanted a ball gown with the biggest skirt and the biggest puffiest sleeves I could make.
I tried my best.
She seems to love it and says she will be wearing it all the time!

We did a little impromptu photo shoot at the historical site of our local decommissioned train station.

These pictures will be happy reminders of this special day, even for me!

Now let see the competition.
This is Lorina in a beautiful cranberry cotton dress made by fellow quilter Becky. This was my personal favorite.

Gabby in a cobalt blue satin.

Courtney in a fabulous bustle with the most exquisite lace!

Abigail in a peach satin. Her hair was perfect!

Nichole in lovely red quilters cottons.

Louise in a quilted prairie dress.

Krista is a dress made by herself. This is a first in all the years I've been involved. It should be more encouraged and I think she should have gotten extra points for it. Just my humble opinion.

Then back to Lexi and her escort Dan.

All the girls were so happy. They may have been a little nervous but they were happy! It's a fun experience and there didn't seem to be any competitive airs going on, which thrilled me. This is meant to be an enjoyable experience that teaches the girls a bit more history of this little town we live in.

So, who won?
We did!
Lexi is the new Gold Nugget Queen!

I felt a rush of pride and excitement as they called her up the receive her cape and gown! This is the most excitement I've had this year!

All the little girls love the show. My little cousin Chloe wanted a picture with this years queen, which I happily arranged. Chloe has a goal of getting her picture with all the queens until she's old enough to become a queen contestant herself. Which was followed by, "Are you up for doing another dress in 9 years?"

Looks like I may have a future in this business. Time to update my resume! LOL

This weekend I'll be taking more pictures of our hick parade. Stay tuned!


Take care, Brandie