Steampunk and its growing following

[Delireus]

I can vouch that Rani makes sweet jewelry, I got a necklace she made for the gift exchange the boards did last Christmas and I love it!

April, I am absolutely in love with Damsel in this Dress's stuff! However, if you're looking for a little short jacket in a hurry, I've always gotten mine from normal clothing stores. Dillards, Forever 21, Macy's and the like always have them in the business dress up sections you know? I found the perfect long sleeve red bordello jacket for 6$ on sale once! But I tend to like to change my look constantly, so it's handy to buy something cheap that'll do for 1 or 2 weekends as oppose to something more expensive that I'll feel guilty for not wearing to every faire. I'll pay good money for my major items like skirts, corsets, and hats, but I'm constantly changing up my accessories!

BTW, I've got a pirate coat and a wench corset from Damsel out of the black and gold medallion fabric you mentioned and it is so much more amazing than the photo makes it look! Very rich gold and a velvety black. She sent me a little test swatch to make sure I liked it and I was able to make a matching pouch! Good choice

[Adriana Rose]

Rani you are a wealth of information and way too sweet.

Just fyi- this quote from you made me laugh out loud when I was at the point of pulling my hair out while i sat in a corner rocking back and forth

My problem with wearing bright colors across my rear end is that, well... bright colors tend to draw the eye... to my rear end

How do you guys feel about sleeves for steampunk?? long or short?
I am about to start cutting the mock for my steampunk shirt- I want to look as close as possible to victorian period but I'd much rather have a short sleeved shirt than a long sleeved one.
But I don't want to look ridiculous in short sleeves.

I dont know about accuracy but this is what i plan on purchasing for my shirt top.  that way i am comfortable also.

http://www.hipsandcurves.com/plus-size-lingerie/p-10435-plus-size-edwardian-cotton-lace-chemise-lingerie.aspx

they also have a whole little section with steampunk stuff (really more victorian styled)

that is soo cute and shmexy at the same time!

[April Marie]

The cool thing about Steampunk is that it's pure fantasy... so there IS no "accuracy"...    


Bloomers are FUN, though, and fit right into SP/Victorian style very nicely!!!  

That bustle skirt is pretty awesome, though...

I bought the parisan long black skirt and I LOVE it.  I wore it for RenFest last year and also for a mardi gras themed awards banquet that my work did.  you can tie it up with ribbon or leave it long either way it is beautiful.

[Rani Zemirah]

I love that chemise, AND the camisole... and both lengths of the bloomers!  Might have to go shopping sometime soon!   

[Lady Toadflinger]

Has anybody read Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate books? I ask because I have a desire to fit some pockets to a parasol, like the one Alexia has. Any advice will be appreciated! (if you haven't read these books, do so! They are a cross between Steampunk and Vampire/Werewolf novels set in, of course, Victorian England, and a blast!) Gramercy.

[Selkie]

I've read them and they're so much fun to read! I can't offer any tips on how to make that sort of parasol, but I would love to see photos of it once it's made.

[April Marie]

My problem with wearing bright colors across my rear end is that, well... bright colors tend to draw the eye... to my rear end.      


As for the key, here's a decent (and simple to follow) tutorial for making one.  I have some better ideas of how to attach it to your garb than this person does, though, so if you decide to make it let me know, and I'll write out some simple instructions for seating it in a foam board gear cog that you can attach to your belt.  


I really love the stand up collar on that little vestlet... and I think I might have to mod a Turkish vest pattern I have to look slightly similar.  The corset is pretty, also.  

I agree with Taffy about the stockings, although I'd make them thigh high with a garter belt.  Not striped, though... maybe floral patterned lace for this outfit.  Torrid has some great styles, also.  

There are all sorts of tutorials out there for modding water guns and toy guns, so just google it.  Lots cheaper than buying one!  But if you do decide to buy something, you absolutely cannot go wrong with anything from the amazing group of artists with The AirShip Isabella.  All their work is custom and one of a kind, though, so you would either have to commission something, or find them at a venue somewhere (like San Japan Aug. 5-7 in San Antonio).  

For jewelry, well... I feel compelled to mention that I make Steampunk jewelry, and so do several other people here on the boards.    


Oh!  You'll probably want a topper, or a mini-topper, as well... and there are some fairly cute, and cheap, ones on ebay, but they all come from China.  But if you want something really beautiful you should check out Darlene's work at Caveat Emptor Costumes.  She uses vintage hat bases, and will even design something in the colors you specify.  

Unless you're looking for something in leather, and then I would suggest Robert Watson.  I met him at the OK Steampunk Expo this year, and he does the most incredible leather work!  In fact, I met both of these last two artists there, and can't say enough good things about them!  I get nothing for the referrals, either, so I have nothing to gain by suggesting them, other than knowing that everyone who checks out their stuff will see something they just love!  Oh, and Robert does gun mods, also, and really cool mask and SP armor accessories, as well...

Oh... and speaking of REALLY COOL leather accessories... did anyone here know that our very own Auryn does the most INCREDIBLE leather work I've seen in AGES?!?  It's truly beautiful, and I think she might be willing to take commissions, as well...   

Hey Rani!  Where can I find your stuff?  Do you sell on Etsy or Ebay?

[Rani Zemirah]

Hey Rani!  Where can I find your stuff?  Do you sell on Etsy or Ebay?

I don't have a sales site.. I just take commissions at this point, but I do have a couple of previous pieces you can check out on my facebook page. 

Mostly I just design a custom one-of-a-kind piece based on a style and/or color scheme, and I haven't had any complaints so far...     

I posted the above link a couple of days ago, but I guess it wasn't very noticeable... sorry!  There's not much on there because I haven't had a chance to take pics of my recent work, and a few pieces I sent off without getting pics at all!   

I don't really do "ready-to-wear", since I really don't have room for stock here in my place.  I generally just do custom pieces on commission, based on the look the buyer is trying to achieve and the style of clothing or costume it's meant to go with.  Budget is a consideration, as well.  I generally ask several questions, and create something unique based on the answers... 


I already have an idea for something that would set off the outfit you just showed us...     

[April Marie]

Hey Rani!  Where can I find your stuff?  Do you sell on Etsy or Ebay?

I don't have a sales site.. I just take commissions at this point, but I do have a couple of previous pieces you can check out on my facebook page. 

Mostly I just design a custom one-of-a-kind piece based on a style and/or color scheme, and I haven't had any complaints so far...     

I posted the above link a couple of days ago, but I guess it wasn't very noticeable... sorry!  There's not much on there because I haven't had a chance to take pics of my recent work, and a few pieces I sent off without getting pics at all!   

I don't really do "ready-to-wear", since I really don't have room for stock here in my place.  I generally just do custom pieces on commission, based on the look the buyer is trying to achieve and the style of clothing or costume it's meant to go with.  Budget is a consideration, as well.  I generally ask several questions, and create something unique based on the answers... 


I already have an idea for something that would set off the outfit you just showed us...     

I am so sorry about that!  I guess I missed it!  Awesome though about the idea.  PM me and let me know what you are thinking!

[Rani Zemirah]

 

[Auryn]

Finally got to working on the mockup of my blouse for steampunk.
I really like the sleeve, especially the pintucks on the lower half.
The shirt is going to be a bright white with embroidered flowers (the center of the flower is cut out).
I think I am going to stitch the pintucks with bright spring green thread for a little touch of color.
What do you think??
the mock up is just plain muslin- i don't know why it shows up white in one of the pictures
I need to make a couple of adjustments to the connection of the sleeve to the shoulder and the length of the collar.

[April Marie]

That's awesome! Wish I had learned how to sew!!!

[Rani Zemirah]

Oh, very nice!  I wish I had the patience for mock-up... but that's probably why I only sew fairly simple things.  I just can't wrap my head around making something twice that I will only end up with one of... that's wearable, anyway.

Or maybe I'm just lazy...   

[mieljolie]

That's really nice.  Love the style. 

...I just can't wrap my head around making something twice that I will only end up with one of... that's wearable, anyway.

Or maybe I'm just lazy...   

I know, Rani.  I'm the same way.  I just don't like wasting fabric.  But I only buy cheap stuff.  If I invested in nicer material, a mockup would beat ruining your really nice fabrics that you pay a bundle for. 

[Taffy Saltwater]

Count me in the lazy school of sewing, too.  Besides, one of the joys of being MAD! is never knowing quite what you'll end up with!