Project: Victorian Hand-Bag

I had so much in leftover scraps, so why not?

Project: Walking Stick

In the realm of elegant fashion accessories, a walking stick is not only graceful, but an essential self-defence weapon.

That photo-shooty thingy

It did indeed happen!

Sheila and Keith and I met out at the Colorado Railroad Museum on Friday night (Greg came later), all arrayed in Steamy finery. It was Steamy, and it was also steamy; with the temps in the upper, upper 90's, we were pretty hot. And not just sexy. Even when showing off the Best Drawers Ever.

Project: pistol mod from a squirt gun

What's a lady of intrigue without an elegant firearm? The thing I love about this squirt gun is the ornate stock. Yes, it's supposed to be "pirate", but really - almost everything that we think we know about pirates was authored by the Victorians.

Project: Multi-function belt and pistol holster

My first attempt at a multi-function ("utility") belt wasn't all I had hoped.

It had its successes; the wide curved base for instance functioned pretty perfectly as far as not slipping down into my curves. (I have some unfortunate curves that can't really be seen, but they "collect" clothing anyway.) The excessive dangly bits proved less elegant than I would have desired. And the strapping really didn't work like I envisioned it. I'll probably revamp it eventually, but I had another inspiration.

This is Progress

In spite of a miserable weekend (or maybe *because* of it), I accomplished a great deal this weekend, making progress on 5 parts of Nigella's ensemble.  

Regarding authenticity

What is an "authentic" Steampunk ensemble?

Authentic can be defined as genuine, real, entitled to acceptance or belief because of agreement with experience. Although that experience might be due to historical clothing studies, literature, movies, or the influence of others who are costuming in the genre, there's a certain quality that defines an authentic ensemble.

Dress Diary - 1880s drawers

I have needed drawers for a long time, for practicality if not only for the overall authentic [1] effect. My drawers use the traditional open crotch, which is essential if one is wearing a proper corset, or wearing a corset properly. Both. Either. The corset properly fits down over one's waist, making it nigh unto impossible to easily remove underthings to accommodate nature's calls. In the past, I've simply gone "regimental", which I don't find uncomfortable, although I might find it a bit uncomfortable to unexpectedly share the exact state of my undress. By the way, they do not naturally gap open in the back.

They're designed to be worn under skirts of course, but also as flirtatious "shorts" under a bustled overskirt. This first set is naturally white, but a black pair is coming.

Project: Nigella Smethwyck

I'm rising to an opportunity here; we've got a local photo meetup wanting to do a photo shoot of us in a couple of weeks, and so I'm sewing/making frantically, to meet the challenge. My Steampunk wardrobe could use some dramatic improvement. I mean, I wouldn't want to wear just any old thing. Would you?

Cheapside Court

Yes, there's a reason for the particular address.

The "punk" part of steampunk implies a sort of countercultural mindset where it comes to creating, and of that, I think of conjoined concepts - first, that objects are used and combined in unexpected/unconventional ways, and secondly that objects are scrounged and re-purposed or "up-cycled".

Introductions

Allow me to make your introduction. <bows slowly, with measured dignity>

As I have long been in the habit of many forms of dressmaking, millnery, and using sundries and dry goods in the creation of various accoutrement both functional and beautiful, and as I am often enough preoccupied with a Neo-Victorian diversion, I take the liberty to set down for my own use and for the amusement of all manner of readers, a record of enterprises both creative and adventuresome.

Within these letters the gentle reader may find writings both in character and casual language, resources that one finds vulgarily described as "instructables", schemes and designs, and other records of my avocation.

I will esteem it a great favor if you will enjoy my company for a few minutes, and perhaps offer a word or two of commentary, criticism, or suggestion.

Yours, Very Respectfully,

Madame Nigella Smethwyck