I'm looking at Worth gowns, and trying to tweak them from straight-ahead Victorian to Steampunk. My usual motif involves trims like buttons and swags of chains... and I decided that the fabrics and accessories would probably be the best way to carry the Steampunk theme.
I don't have the patterns yet, and am headed to Colorado Springs to pick up a set on Friday. (This means that this weekend will be all sewing, all the time.) I'll be using Truly Victorian's 1892 ball gown bodice and 1893 bell skirt; so, a-line skirt with a full train and a pointed bodice with big poufy sleeves. I've done some sketches that look remarkably like Disney princess dresses. Which makes me go "hmmm..."
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| TV490 1892 Ball Gown bodice |
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| TV292 1893 Bell skirt |
I have suitable fabrics in my stash, but as I'm finding not quite enough of any one piece. This will necessitate a trip to Colorado Fabrics to find a couple of suitable complimentary yards. I'll be using the cerise and beige strip that I got from Clare a few months ago, and I have some georgette and ecru/gold embroidered netting for embellishing. Hoping I can find something complimentary to fill out the skirt. I've seen Worth gowns with contrasting gores, so it's not outrageous.
As I was mulling over the design, I started thinking: accessories are where the Steam really happens. I can't do leather belts and holsters and pouches with this one though. But I can do steamy head wear, and pieces for neck and wrist. I think that here is where the Steam happens. (And work on them before I get the patterns!) I have a couple of plaque bracelet to disassemble and then mount the plaques on confections of lace and beads and chain - on for neck and one for right wrist. However, a dive into stash last night revealed lots of Gothique elements, but not enough steamy ones... so another line on my shopping list.
And looking at my project management spread sheet, I was reminded that I have a couple of preliminary things that have to be done - I have a petticoat that needs to be re-assembled with a suitable amount of pouffiness to support the Belle Epoch skirt. Which is good, because I can't start on that dress until I get the patterns on Friday.
