Photos from Dorian's Parlor (Sept. 11, 2010)

My husband and I decided, rather last minute, to go to Dorian's Parlor on the 11th of September. We had a number of friends who were possibly attending and we thought it might be nice (as long as my back could handle it). We were right. Quite fun. We were hoping to go to the next one on Oct 16th or so, but I'm not sure. Sept and Oct seem to be pretty busy!

Btw, a bustle underskirt (the one that is directly under the bustle skirt but not as flouncy) makes a great maternity skirt when worn backwards and without the bustle pad! *laughs* The outfit wasn't bad given it was last minute and I had a huge baby bump to contend with. :-)

Anyways, here's a couple photos. (Me, my husband, and me with the fab Jeff Mach.)

Photos from SPWF

Just found the photos that a photographer (dvraptor) took of my husband, one of our friends, and I at the SPWF. I didn't find a couple months back when I originally was searching, but somehow stumbled on it this time. :-)

Presenting the booty:


Please do take some. I love to share. :-)


From left to right: Me, my husband, and our friend.

I honestly didn't realize how nice my outfit looked. The images here are a little small, but hopefully if you click on them, it will link to a larger version.

I also didn't realize how great I looked in that outfit! And how thin (not that I'm much of a stickler for losing weight as much as I am about being healthier). Right before I found out I was pregnant, I lost a decent amount of weight due to a few minor changes to my diet (only one or two cans of soda a week, if that, and so on). Even without the corset in the first few months of pregnancy, I looked pretty small. Then again, I also lost some weight in the first trimester because I was always feeling ill. But I would say that the outfit was a win... I just didn't have all the gizmos and guns that others were carrying around. I nice scholarly pirate lady type steampunk outfit.

Article mentioned in previous post

I have a few thoughts regarding this article, which are located after the article. The bolded areas are the parts where my husband was quoted (and actually given credit for the information).

* * * * *

Piscataway event celebrates the Victorian era
By CHRIS JORDAN • STAFF WRITER • May 14, 2010

Grab your goggles, bustle skirts and safari jackets, jump on the next passing airship and head on over to Piscataway this weekend.

It's the Steampunk World's Fair, and it's taking place at the township's Radisson Hotel. What is Steampunk? It's a new movement which celebrates the optimism, fashion and science fiction of the Victorian era.

"I like the visual aesthetics of it,'' said (my husband), 44, of (location removed). "It harkens back to the Victorian and Edwardian styles, but it also has an understanding of science fiction when the idea of technology was a wonderful thing and it would benefit all of mankind, which kind of disappeared after World War I.''

It disappeared after 15 million were killed in World War I, thanks to all the new wonderful technology. But we digress.

The term Steampunk was first used in the late 1970s by science-fiction writer K.W. Jeter. Devotees enjoy Victorian science fiction … H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and the like … and wear the era's clothes with accessories set off by generous amounts of brass and leather along with assorted finery for the ladies.

"There are a lot of airship pirates and captains and military themes … mad scientists are big (for the guys),'' said Sarah Moody, 19, of HighlandPark. "Basically things that are sort of kooky.''
The gals wear corsets, bustle skirts and boots, along with their share of goggles, too. Moody was still deciding what to wear to the Fair when we spoke to her last month.

"I think I'm going to be a Steampunk school girl,'' said Moody, a native of Madison.

Recent movies such as "Sherlock Holmes'' and "Alice in Wonderland'' had a Steampunk air about them.

"I got involved in Steampunk a year ago, but I've been aware of aspects of it, though I never put my thumb on what was the Steampunk genre,'' (my husband) said. "For some people, the attraction is not being constantly plugged into the Internet and constantly tapping into information, but I don't see that as being a huge thing. Look at New York City in the Victorian age … they had vacuum tubes between offices for communication and they had ticker tape … it was their own version spreading information.''

(My husband) and his wife, (me), 31, will attend the Fair, which will feature music, games, vendors and Legos … Steampunks love to play with Legos … over the weekend.

Fair producer Jeff Mach of Hackensack expects more than 3,000 attendees over the weekend. He's especially keen on the world premiere of a Steampunk rock opera, "Absinthe Heroes.''

"It's a work of stunning genius,'' Mach said. "I'd like it even if I didn't write it.''

* * * * *

Now to address the issues I have with this article (and mainly Chris Jordon). There were a number of little incerpts he added that were directly from what my husband told him. This guy didn't know most of the information he gave, but then stated these items as if he did, even to the point of making it sound like he was putting down some of what my husband said. One key example is where Mr. Jordon wrote, "It disappeared after 15 million were killed in World War I, thanks to all the new wonderful technology. But we digress." He cut off my husband's quote where he actually said that the reason WW1 changed the views of technology because of how atrocious that war was, the amount of injuries and death. But by cutting off what my husband said at that point, Mr. Jordon was able to throw in that tidbit, as if it was his own... and in a manner that made my husband look naive, even though my husband is far from it (he has a Masters in History, with a primary focus on WW1 and WW2). Even the "background info" that Mr. Jordon gives, about literature, movies, and visual aesthetics aer almost word for word what my husband told him.

Also, not all steampunkers "love to play with legos", thank you very much.

Steampunk Events

I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted here... and that I never updated about the steampunk events I attended at the time. So here's a quick update.

The Wicked Renaissance Festival (Feb. 20) was fun. I decided to wear my Olivia outfit. The treasure chest bustle topper was a hit, and I had plenty of chocolate coins. You know something is a hit when people walking by start snapping pictures of it while you are talking to others. I also got to meet some really great people, one of whom I've been keeping in decent contact with since.

After this event, I started work on an assymetric bustle skirt, but that project ended up being set aside when I learned I was pregnant. I do plan to start work on it again, when I get back to it when I'm able to wear my corset again.

About a month or so before the Steampunk Worlds Faire, my husband and I attended the second to last Clockwork event (then called Big Brass Ball). I believe this was in April. A reporter and photographer came to interview people there and take snap shots. Unfortunately, attendance was low that night, due to last minute rescheduling of the day (from Tuesday to Thursday) and some icy weather. It's too bad, because I think the photographer and reporter would have had more luck otherwise. Regardless, it was a nice evening and we got to hang out with some friends that we don't get to see very often. The reporter also took my husband's and my names and contact information to interview us later. I was feeling a bit sick when he actually called, so my husband was the only one of us two that ended up being interviewed. It was also shortly before this Clockwork event that I found out I was pregnant with my second child, so my outfit reflects that last minute change in attire... something simple, cool with the option of a jacket, and something that allowed the corset to be tied a little looser. I still had trouble catching my breath, so I decided that was the last event I'd wear my corset until after my second child was born and my body healed up. Sadly, we were unable to attend the final Big Brass Ball.



In May, there was the Steampunk Worlds Faire. Because of my lack of corset and my lack of energy, my outfit was very basic. Very few people noticed the treasure chest bustle topper, but that's not surprising, given all the nifty gadgets that everyone was trying to see (usually in the form of goggles, gizmos, and modded nerf guns... all of which were not on the back saide of a woman. *laughs*). We had a good time and met up with some of my old classmates from highschool. We've been somewhat in touch since, though we haven't hung out yet... though we hope to. It was their first Steampunk adventure, so my husband and I were basically their guides into what made steampunk... well... steampunk. My outfit had the base Olivia pieces, with a fitted vest, dark blue velvet sash (aroudn the waist) and polka dot clown pants. Hey... I gotta be playful even if it's only for me! For part of the time, I also wore a gold tone leather eye patch (with the an artistic eye hole to allow proper vision). Unfortunately, we didn't get more than just a couple pictures, and they are mainly close ups with my buddies, like the one below.

That's the last real steampunk event that my husband and I attended. We've been busy or exhausted... but we hope to attend at least one of the new monthly events in PA called something like "Dorian's Closet".

We also have started working on a new LARP, which is temporarily names "Steampunk LARP" (until we decide on something better). We've had a playtest with good results, but still have more work to do on the rules and props and such. The main thing is that we have to keep it very affordable, within legal parameters (for the parks), and get the rules scrubbed and sparkly. My husband has been working on most of that (and I really do view the LARP as his, with me as a creative influence). My main role is to come up with storylines and creatures ideas and to also help with any hurdles my husband finds himself in regarding the rules mechanics and descriptions. I'm also trying to help keep the rules simple, because honestly, I like simple formulas and such for games. Perhaps that makes me a lazy gamer... but only on the mechanics side!

Clockwork III: Clue!

I've been meaning to post about the Clockwork Ball III, but haven't had a chance. Bad me, I know. (Link to more photos are at the bottom of this entry.)

So, on to the costuming details. I'm overly pleased with this outfit thus far. I say "thus far" because it's still not finished. Yay!!! I'm contemplating keeping the striped harem pants as bloomers, since it matches the underskirt and gives them a purpose that they haven't had since I stopped going to renfests as much. The striped socks are also probably going to be part of the outfit going forward. I will make more proper under garments for Brimsteam, but Clockwork deserves a level of whimsy, no?

The clean lines of the outfit worked very well, and I love the top hat. I was going for a Mad Hatter / Magician / Gentlemanly Lady look, and the outfit did just that, me thinks.

What do I plan to work on to further this outfit? I'm so glad you asked! Okay... you didn't ask... But here it is anyways...

I am working on an assymetric bustle skirt. The top layer of it is cut out mostly, and I need only preshrink and cut the lining to get it rolling. I was originally going to make the lining a dark reddish-purple like the underskirt, but my husband rather liked how a dark blue lining would look with the black patterned bustle, black overskirt, and red-purple underskirt. We'll see if I made a mistake in going with the blue. I will not get this done for the event this weekend.

A petticoat is also in the works from last Wicked Faire, which was never quite finished. I hope to finish it this week, but if I don't, that's fine. All I have left to do is hem it, add the waistband and add the drawstring to the waistband. That shouldn't take to long... if I buckle down to do it.

I am trying to get my treasure chest purse altered to sit on my bustle pad, with treats in it. The bustle skirt was gonna be a nice "pillow" for the purse, but It's not necessary. If I feel it really needs it, I can throw a temporary together for Wicked.

Eventually, I will also be making a couple waistcoats to wear under (or in lieu of) the jacket. I have material and lining for a couple versions. One black, one red (with black accents), and one olive green. I'm a little hesitant to make these right now, as I've been losing weight and might have to get a new corset. Of course, if I had a buckle in the back to allow it to be adjustable for weight gain and loss, that might work fine. I'll decide that later.

I'd also like to do some more work on my top hat, adding some fabric flowers, my veil, and so forth. I also hope to get a walking cane and gloves. Finances are tight though, so the last two might take a bit of time.

More photos from Clockwork III can be found on my flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36062640@N04/sets/72157623343563834/

Thoughts: Olivia Concept and Olivia Outfit (previously known as "Victorian Mourning Outfit")

Well, me dearies, I think it's time to call a spade a spade and admit that the desire on continuing the Victorian Mourning Outfit has wanned too much for me to deny any further. Indeed, I must set the concept aside and move forward, with the understanding that I will likely take up this project again some time down the road...

The concept of my Brimsteam outfit has been going through a metamorphosis as time passed by. When I wore the base outfit to Clockwork, I just didn't feel it was "right". It wasn't what I wanted and the character concept for Olivia didn't quite work in the way I wanted. Granted, I wasn't "playing" her at Clockwork, but it did give me an idea of how it would feel being in some of her gear and how the perceptions would be... and it wasn't fleshed out enough and not as interesting as I'd like. I'm sure I could play her as I originally pictured her, but the question is, "Would I want to?"

Olivia Outfit progress...

*A couple weeks ago, I redrew the outfit, which I need to scan and post. I really like it a lot.

*Last Monday, I started draping the bustle skirt material to figure out how I want it to look and how I should cut it. Now I need to decide if I want to line it. A lined bustle skirt would definitely drape better... however, it would also be extra time and money, both of which are in short supply for me right now. I'm also viewing this bustle skirt as a "light weight" summer version, though it's definitely heavy as it is. I'll write down some of my bustle skirt design ideas in another entry.

* * * * *

The week after the last Clockwork event, I found the perfect top hat at Artifacts Boutique. It was a touch eccentric, a little worn looking, and fit just right. (I'm wearing it in the picture.) I also broke down and nabbed the "Hat Hatter" necklace I was practically drooling over. The owner of the store gave them to me as payment for some side work I did for the store (photo shoot, photo resizing and clean up, created a facebook fan page for the store, and sent along a bunch of suggestions for avenues to look into for sale increases).

I also didn't mention that I found the perfect shoes for my outfit too. They are very appropriate and comfortable (and were severely marked down), so I got two sets (and might go for a brown set eventually). I don't have pictures of them yet, but perhaps at the next Clockwork event... which is this Tuesday!!!

This next event's theme is "Clue!" A number of Brimsteam players might attend and I'll be bringing one of my bestest buddies with too if all works out.

* * * * *

As for my new outfit/character concept... I started thinking she was going to look inspired by a more gentile "Mad Hatter", but it still didn't feel right. I drew down the new outfit idea, still using the base skirts and bustle pad, but altering a few items and details. Finally, after several weeks, it came to me... She's more like a Victorian/Steampunk Scholar specializing in the occultic and taboo aspects of different cultures (which also means she studies a mixture of cultural anthropology, sociology, psychology, kinesics, and maybe a touch of theology), but who also in intrigued in magic tricks and how they play into these beliefs. Almost like Houdini, but with less emphasis on being a magician herself or trying to debunk psychics and belief systems and more emphasis in trying in understanding. She's also an eclectic spiritual evolutionist, which should be interesting. Most of her history is going to be intact, which some alterations for believability, playability, and so on.


* * * * *

I also started work on a commision for a painting. I sketched out the design (a family portrait) with each person and the placement and got an enthusiastic thumbs-up from my client. We will be going to look at canvas sizes tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about this project and can't wait to get it really rolling. :-)

Victorian Mourning Outfit: Thoughts

After trying the dress, as it is so far, out at Clockwork, I started thinking that it just doesn't suit me. The skirts are fine thus far, as are the shoes (pictures soon). The top just isn't right for me and the color scheme feels awkward. I'm not going for a "steamgoth" look, but think it leaves that impression. But with the change in the outfit, the feel of the character I was making it for is also bound to change.

I might end up trying to sell the shirt online. I have a different one that I feel suits me and the look I'm going for much better.

I plan on starting work on the bustle skirt this weekend. I also recently got a top hat from Artifacts Boutique, which I might mod or not. We'll see if that happens.

Clockwork!!!

Victorian Mourning Outfit: progress update

Movement on the outfit has been fairly slow. Holidays, illness, and typical family life tends to do that. But progress is still progress, no matter how quick or slow.

My husband and I took some photos to help us figure out a few things with our characters' outfits, which was fun and interesting. I searched for shoes that would work for use with my outfit, when LARPing or going to less physically taxing events. I also did research on how to make a bustle skirt, a mini hat, embellishments (kanzashi flowers being a main direction I plan to go in), and a new bustle based on a travelling bustle from the late 1800s.

The tough part is getting the outfit far enough to wear to Clockwork this Tuesday! I had this past week off, but with various celebrations and health issues, I didn't get a chance to go beyond research. I do, however, have the early part of tomorrow and the late part of Monday to work on getting things far enough along. I figure, all I really *need* is my black blouse, skirt (which needs both layers hemmed now that I have the right shoes), wide belt, bustle, bustle skirt (or something that could substitute), and my shoes. A new ruffled cravat would be great too. Out of all that, only two or three real tasks. (Getting a comment here from the guy heading the event was a real motivational push... though I didn't see it until a month after he sent it.)

I don't want to rush this outfit and end up with something I hate, but I'd really love to wear this outfit to something. If push comes to shove, I can just wear the blouse, a vest, nice slacks, and some accessories for a nice steampunk look that's a bit more laid back. We'll see what happens.

Steampunk Harley Quinn: Sketched

As my previous post said, "On a moment of divine inspiration (and after enjoying my harlequin outfit so immensely), I decided to do a scrapper steampunk-ish version of 'Harley Quinn' from the Batman cartoons." My husband and I thought that it would make sense for Harley and the Joker to get dressed up to enjoy some Wicked (Festival) fun at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

I sketched out a few ideas and this is the result of several attempts and alterations. I wanted something that captured the feel of Harley Quinn, sexy but without losing the extremely cute and naive feel, while being more Victorian or steampunk in nature.

Main Outfit:
Fitted long overcoat; Halter or sleeveless top; High-waisted bloomers (as the pants) with ruffled bottoms and short suspenders or straps (as part of the bloomers) to hold them up.

Accessories:
Diamond shaped fake 'tattoos' to be applied to the skin; Lace pieces to be applied to skin for the mask; Mini-jester hat with white pom-poms; Four-sided 'cravat' consisting of three layers of ruffle on each 'flap'; Gloves with attached ruffles; Appropriate shoes or shoe covers; bi-colored stockings, tights, leggings, or long socks.

Any other accessories will be added later, if desired or necessary and time allows.

My husband's outfit will likely be much more a "dapper" style outfit, which will counter my scrapper style well, me thinks. I'm not really sure if he's finished his sketch yet.

The downside to having the sketch done is that I want to start work on the outfit, but really shouldn't unless I do it in small pieces at a time. I need to work on my Victorian Mourning Outfit some more, and I am already getting inspiration on the next part to make on that project.

Projects and Victorian Mourning Outfit Update

Oh why does inspiration strike as a flood rather than a trickle? Not that I'm complaining. It's actually great to feel the draw of doing more than speculating on tasks and actually starting the projects... and completing them again.

I've drawn a new idea for an outfit to use at the Wicked Renaissance Faire: Mad Hatter Tea Party this February. On a moment of divine inspiration (and after enjoying my harlequin outfit so immensely), I decided to do a scrapper steampunk-ish version of "Harley Quinn" from the Batman cartoons. She's incredibly cute, but I haven't seen many people pull off a stylized version of her successfully. They always seem to miss the mark, either making her too cutesy or too sexy, and not finding the balance between the two that the cartoon managed to capture. So this is my challenge to myself for that event. I've drawn up the sketch, but haven't inked or colored it yet.

My husband decided to follow the theme and make a dapper Joker outfit, inspired by the Batman comics as well. I think this should be interesting.

Unfortunately, as I was gearing myself up for the Harley Quinn outfit, my hubby reminded me that I still have yet to finish my Olivia (Victorian Mourning) outfit. Oi! Definitely heard the brakes screeching to a halt with that reminder! There was a chance that Brimsteam would have a game this month, but it was tenative at best. Still uncertain if that will happen or when the next game will be, which makes me less than motivated to start work on this outfit... though I really ought to get a few more bits done given how much needs to be accomplished with it. I can definitely have enough done to make it wearable regardless.

I also have a family portrait I'm being commissioned to work on, which I will start sketching out soon.

Lastly, I hope to be able to perform in the the 2010 Rakkasah Caravan (which I believe is in May). Call-in starts sometime in February, and it's a pot shot in the dark if we'll actually get in. Would be great though. My husband and I plan on doing a comedy type bellydance skit. He'd be a steampunk inventor and I'd be his cutesy dancing doll. I have some ideas sketched out for the outfit, though I'm still not satisfied, and we are working on ideas for music, props, and choreography. If we don't get in, we'll try for the next event which would be a month later in Long Island.

As a side note, there is apparently a Clockwork Ball that is starting up in Piscataway, NJ. The plan is that it will be held one Tuesday of every month for $15 per person. I'm seriously thinking about that too... and my Olivia outfit should possibly work for a few times! Hm... guess that might help inspire me.

So much to do... so much to do... :-)

Halloween 2009: Baby Harlequin Update

My son's outfit is mostly cut out. All I have left to cut is his hat and the neck ruffle. I used an animal/devil/angel pattern that I altered to have the appropriate bagginess. We plan to have snap opennings along the inseam of the legs for easy diaper changes and the outfit should be baggy enough to allow him to wear warm clothing underneath.

I hope to have the body of the outfit done tonight (except maybe the snaps) and the rest done by tomorrow night. Then I can start my outfit, which I'm far less concerned about since I can through something appropriate together from the renfest costumes I've gathered over the years. I'd rather not, but I do feel that the costumes for my husband and my son are far more important.


On a side note: Joann's has a fairly nice sale going on until Monday. Simplicity patterns are $0.99, interfacing is 50% off, and so on. I fell into temptation and got some patterns, interfacing, and several rolls of 'salvage bin' cloth cuts (under 1 yard... but enough to make small things with... like a baby blanket, an apron, etc). My husband also got three of the four books he ordered from Amazon on Victorian and Edwardian fashions. I can't wait to look at them. :-)

Victorian Mourning Outfit: petticoat and skirt progress pictures

Photos of the outfit thus far. I need to add three ruffles to the bottom of the skirt and perhaps some ruffles to the petticoat.

I honestly am a little distracted by Halloween costume ideas and preparations. I'll write about those as well, as progress continues. I told my husband how I find it funny... for a while we didn't really work on anything and our days were pretty laid back. Now it feels like we are constantly on the move creatively.

Victorian Mourning Outfit: Updated Project List

Since I have more time to work on this project, I figured I might as well put together an updated list of project pieces I'd like to make for this outfit (by semi-priority). I'm also going to start working on other projects that will need to be done, like my family's Halloween costumes and the Pre-Trick O' Treat Party items. When the date for the next Brimsteam event is set, I'll start buckling down again. In the meantime, I will go at a slower rate, and work on it as I get the desire and/or time.

There are some Steampunk events that my husband and I are thinking about attending, which is more of a reason to flesh out our outfits.

Here's the updated list of what I need or want to make and/or buy, which is subject to change.

1. Blouse: Done. (Might make another, improving on the pattern.)
2. Skirt and Petticoat Combo: In Progress.
3. Bustle Pad. (Smaller than the one I made last February.)
4. Corset? (Debating, since I have one, but it's not a period shape.)
5. Vest.
6. Tie.
7. Gun(s) and Boffer weapon(s): In Progress.
8. Bloomers.
9. Hat, possibly with slight veil.
10. Camisole.
11. Short Jacket or Bolero.
12. Long Jacket or Coat.
13. Muff and/or Gloves.
14. Apron.
15. Stockings.
16. Parasol.
17. Traveling Desk/Pack, with journal/sketchbook and pen/quill.
18. Wig.
19. Sunglasses: Bought.

I hope to put pictures up of my husband's progress on his outfit too... With the mad dash rush to get things done by this Saturday, I didn't have the chance, but perhaps now one of us will be able to.

Victorian Mourning Outfit: Skirt and Petticoat

I got word today that Saturday's Brimsteam event was cancelled. They are looking into another date, possibly in November, for the next game, which on one hand has me concerned, but on the other hand is a relief. That gives me more time to flesh out the outfit and not go crazy trying to get the basic stuff done.

Work on the outfit has been moving along slowly. The skirt and petticoat are almost done. I decided to attach them to the same waistband, which means that even though I can't use them in different combinations, I have less to worry about when it comes to layers. Layers can be great when it comes to gaming, but it can also be a problem... especially with so many layers.

At this point, for the base of the skirt/petticoat, I need to add the last button hole to the waistband, sew the two buttons on, and hem the bottoms. Later, I plan to add ruffles, like the original sketch showed. I plan, however, to take photos before then, if for no other reason than to get a feel of how the outfit is coming along.

My next entry will be an updated list of what I want to make to complete this outfit...

Victoria Mourning Outfit: Blouse (Complete)

Last night, I finished the Victorian Blouse for my Brimsteam costume. It turned out really well, especially for my first attempt. The collar is very high, the ruffles around the neck and wrists are small and dainty. The points don't land right in the middle of my hand, but my husband and I both agreed that it added a nice touch to the blouse, so I'm leaving it that way. The sleeves are also a little long, but that also seems very fitting for the character. When I checked how the sleeves would look if the I shortened them, I didn't like it nearly as much, so I'm keeping the sleeves as they are.*

I did learn something new. Buttonholes. I've never done them before and I LOVE them. My husband showed me really quickly and gave me a 'heads up' on one problem my machine has with them. Now, most people with enough sewing experience will tell you that each sewing machine has its own personality. Since I'm used to my machine's 'issues', I was able to figure out how to get the buttonholes to turn out perfectly by the third buttonhole. :-)

I'm currently debating if I should make a tie like the design I drew shows or if I should make a cravat instead. I have experience with making cravats, and it would look very appropriate. Perhaps I'll just make both if I have the time. I really ought to just make the tie.

The funny thing is how young I look in the blouse, as if the high collar makes my face look more youthful. Really, I look like I could pass for a teenager. It also makes me look like I'm wearing make up with is pretty amusing too. I was a little concerned that the high collar and the plain front might make my face look too fully or my head look too big, even though that seemed to be the desired affect back then. A friend to me recently mentioned that she avoided high, closed front collars because of this. Well... I think it suits me and I'm glad I tried it.

There are a few changes I would make to the design if (when) I make another shirt in this style. The basic layout of the shirt is nice, but I'd want to tinker with the cut to make it a bit more flattering, especially on an hourglass figure. I would shorten the space between the shoulder and neck and I'd probably make the armseye (armhole) smaller and the shoulder of the sleeve smaller as well... maybe add a gusset instead. This would make for better movement, though I'm not sure how that would affect the overall look. The sleeves would be more tailored as well, perhaps with button closures n the wrists. (I do like me some wrist buttons.)

Above are pictures of the materials I plan on using. Obviously, the shirt material is already used at this point, but I figure I might as well (finally) post the images I took. The color scheme is very appropriate for a mourning outfit in the second or third stage of mourning. Next item to try to finish, the skirt and underskirt (petticoat).

As a side note, the gun in the pictures is one of the Nerf guns my husband is modifying for the games. So far, as you can see, it's looking pretty awesome. :-)

* I like to keep a more fluid outlook when I'm sewing. It's something I learned over the years, especially in art school. Sometimes, it's best to stay rigid with a concept, but sometimes it's best to be flexible. I tend to lean towards flexibility. My husband tends to lean towards rigidity. We balance nicely.

Victorian Mourning Outfit: Blouse

The work on the blouse is coming along. I had to make several changes to the base patterns I chose to use, including the handling of certain pieces (including leaving the lower sleeve and the under part of the sleeve puff as one consistent piece).

The neck and wrist trim is going to be puffed ruffles made of the same black broadcloth as the rest of the shirt. This will hopefully add a hint of femininity, but not to the same extent as lace. I am not going to cover the front seams of the blouse with trim, which is what is done in the pattern design (below).


At this point, the blouse is probably about 50% done. My serger's settings were off, so it took a huge chunk of time and energy to get it back to some semblence of where I wanted it to be (thankfully, my husband helped out when I finally admitted a temporary defeat). What's left for the blouse are: 1. stay stitch the tops of the sleeves together, 2. stitch the seam of the sleeves, 3. attach the sleeves to the blouse, 4. attach the puffed ruffles to the bottom of the sleeves and the collar, 5. attach the collar to the blouse, 6. hem the bottom of the blouse. Hopefully after all of that, I will be able to take completed pictures of the blouse, unless I decide it needs something more. Then I get to figure out what I need to do to finish the skirt and possibly what I want to do for a petticoat.

Victorian Mourning Outfit: Design and Prepping

I finished the outfit design last night. I also did more research on Victorian mourning attire and traditions. The fabrics I have will be fun to try for this outfit.

Before I explain the outfit, I want to note how humorous I found the choice of date for the Brimsteam game. 1889 is during the last hoorah of the bustle, where they were bigger than before (making women look like they are semi-centaurs). A few years later, huge mutton sleeves were the rage, and the huge bustles set aside for "simpler" skirts. Oh, what to do? Well the image is how I am handling a possible "in between" late 1880's to early 1890's inspired Steampunk larp outfit base.

The top image with just the vest was the original vest design I was going to try. It has an assymetrical front closure, but I decided to change it to a plain front, due to time constraints. I do hope to make this vest too; eventually.

The full front figure shows most of the outfit, except the short jacket (or bolero) seen in the center and last sketches on the top row. The bottom of the sleeves, however, are going to likely be different, ending in a point rather than a blunt hem. The dress may or may not use a bustle or a small bustle pillow. Still undecided.

The colors are appropriate to later mourning attire; deep blacks and dark purples. The fabrics will be mainly cotton and a little velvet-like velour or velveteen. Some trim and frog closures are also at my disposal for this outfit, if appropriate. Photos of the cloth, trims, and pattern bases will be added when I download them off my camera.

The cloths are preshrunk for the most part, and the patterns have been looked through. Priorities are as follows:
1. the shirt
2. the skirt
3. the vest
Anything beyond those before September are icing.

**My husband may also post his progress here too, unless we start a different blog for him.

Brimsteam photo of us! :-)

Here's a great picture of the (partial) NPCs that my husband and I played at Brimsteam during our brief visit. The woman who plays Madlynn took the photo and photoshopped it.

These are not the characters we hope to start with, but more like the protypes of our more light-hearted pair, Daisy and Horus.

More photos of the events can be seen at the Brimsteam website's image gallery.

Victorian Mourning Outfit: New Project

I've been doing research on Victorian fashions a lot of late. I has the desire a few years ago to make a nice Victorian dress, but never got around to it. I think this was because I didn't really have anything to use it for.

Over the last year, my husband and I started getting into the Steampunk subculture, him moreso than I. We went to the Wicked Renaissance Festival in Whippany, NJ, which had a steampunk section. My husband's first outfit turned out very nicely (and he won the prize for Best Men's Outfit). My outfit wasn't bad, but it did lack direction. I just couldn't really figure out what I wanted to do, what sort of persona I was aiming for, and realized that I quickly ran out of time in what I did want to get done. Ah well, 'tis how things are at times.

Last weekend, my husband and I went to Brimsteam, which is a NJ and PA based steampunk LARP. A buddy told me about it a few months ago, and ever since, my husband has been gungho to go. So we decided to go for a couple of hours to get a feel; not NPCing, not playing. Because we were dressed the part (since we didn't want to detract from the atmosphere), we were allowed to "play" for a couple hours for free. I do have to say that I really enjoyed interacting with the people, and like the fact that it seems to have a more mature crowd than what I'm accustomed too. Yay for the possibility of less drama!!!

So, after we left the game, we started working out the kinks in our main characters, Olivia and Nigel, and altered them a bit to fit the "feel" of the game a bit better. We talked about costuming and such, which is something we discussed before, but now felt the strong inspiration to really buckle down. The following day, we picked up cloth to get started.

My cloth is all dark so far and cotton: plain black and black with a dark grey pattern. Olivia is not a goth type character, but is in mourning. I found a website that talks about the various stages of mourning, so I am taking some inspiration from that. Sadly, this is bound to be an expensive outfit given the large amount of materials needed... and I'm not sure I'll have it completed by the next game... which is only 3 weeks away (according to my husband).

We are narrowing down different options for these character outfits and figuring out designs. We are also going to make a list of priority items that we feel we *need* for the upcoming game. My husband is working on the NERF gun modifications, though I know there's a chance that my character might not have hers yet. I will be setting up a blog for him to post his projects on, much like I am doing with this one.

More (on design ideas and possible a sketched design of my own) later.