"Steampunk is a genre which originated during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art." (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk)
The whole culture is so fascinating but of course my favorite is the clothing. I think that's one reason why I love it so much. The people who participate really go all out in dressing up!
For the past couple years I have been wanting to design my own Steampunk costume. I just couldn't decide on a design or what character I should be. My head kept swimming with all these great ideas it's impossible to choose!
Since moving to the Seattle area I've heard whispers of a Steampunk con. I looked it up and it was in October, right across the street from where we lived. Talk about convenience! (more details about Steampunk-con... http://www.steamcon.org)
At the Con I purchased a bustle from Blue Moon Designs.(http://www.blue-moon-designs.com/Blue_Moon/home.html)I was first attracted to it because it lit up and I'm a huge sucker for clothing that lights up (more about that another time) and I absolutely loved the color of the one I got...a hard to describe grayish green sage. I was thinking that eventually I will design an outfit to go with the bustle.
In April, I pulled out my brand new sewing machine and sewed a flower girl dress for my daughter. I enjoyed making the dress so much that I wanted to keep sewing. Comic-con San Diego was coming up and I had yet to go in costume. So here was my chance.
I was debating if I should go as a recognizable character or finally make a Steampunk outfit. I decided to go with Steampunk so that I would feel more comfortable since this will be my first time dressing up (plus I don't think very many people would know who Rose Petal was...she was the other choice).
I pulled out the bustle and started sketching ideas. Nothing was good. Then I got out all my Victorian books and patterns and just started piecing possibilities together. I put a picture of the bustle in my iPad and started sketching on top of it (such a handy little device!). And voila! I had a design!
Now that I had my design it was time to go shopping...in my stash. I pulled out everything I had in coordinating colors and textures. And let me tell you, it's not easy shopping from my stash especially when it's in storage in the garage.
I spent several days playing around with fabric combinations, pinning and unpinning them on to my dress form. Decisions could only be made during the day since the colors shifted so much in different lighting.
I have been hard at work patterning, cutting and sewing, gluing and pleating. And of course stabbing myself several times in the process. I can't wait till it's all done. I have been documenting along they way so I will have plenty more to share!
Happy Sewing!
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