Night Circus Inspiration has Struck

Yes, it's time to start working on outfits for Teslacon again. (Past time, really.)

This year there is a sub-theme of a traveling circus which comes one night to the western town we will be visiting in the main story line. I confess I am not wildly enthusiastic about the wild west theme, but a night circus is something I can get behind!

I've been inspired by this illustration: 



I just love the juxtaposition of gossamer and sturdy fabrics and the femme-military vibe. Perfect for the Circus!

There will be changes, of course. I want a fluffy bustle with lots of folds and a contrast lining, and I already have a few pieces of sequined fabric (former skirts) which I am planning on using in my frothy layers, but I'll be keeping the solid colored waist and all the military braid!

Steampunk Project 3: A Pair of Knitted Waistcoats

So while my striped fabric is nicely swooshing around in the washer I started poking at another project. Inspired by a lovely double breasted sweater vest from the early 1900's and taking ideas from a lovely sweater recycling project I went shopping last weekend and picked up a couple of sweaters at the Salvation Army store. I'm gonna see what I can do with these...

Teslacon wardrobe project 2, Striped underskirt love!

When I first started looking at the late bustle period for ideas for outfits for Teslacon 3 I fell in love with this outfit from the Brooklyn Museum collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art:

Or at least that wonderful draped overskirt and the overall effect of the striped underskirt with matching striped accents in the balance of the dress.

I recently found the most wonderful striped fabric (on e-bay, of course. I think that's that place to shop when you live in the fabric-less wilds of middle America) and am now embarking on my own outfit with a striped underskirt, asymmetrically draped over-skirt, and bodice with matching accents. I've collected several related outfits from the mid 1880's on a Pinterest board and after consideration I have decided to go with seperates--partly to make a more flexible wardrobe, and partly because I have yet to purchase a coordinating solid fabric--so I'll be making a skirt and waistcoat from the stripe, for starters. I'm basting hems into the yardage tonight and prewashing. such a good girl I am!

Valentine's Day's Secret Plan revealed!

So, what indispensable item of gentlemanly flash can be cobbled together from a few cool bits and bobs bought on e-bay? Well it all started with a necklace ...

With the perfect steamy links...



 And ended up a pocket watch and chain!

We are now on the hunt for the perfect fob, or three, to subtlety hint at the interior life of his steampunk self. Kids, we're going to Teslacon 5! And this year I've sworn not to bring anything that still needs sewing.

Steampunk Bustle, Revised

As it turns out, my fabric is not the bright white I thought it was, nor the grey my Mr. C. feared, but a lovely pale straw gold, grey and black. I love it!

But we need new pictures, of course

























And some more inspirational lmages too!











































Aha! This dress lives at the Los Angeles County Art Museum.

Young Woman's Dress, 1878

http://collectionsonline.lacma.org/mwebcgi/mweb.exe?request=record;id=125173;type=101

Steampunk dinner dress!

Behold my new fabric, 13.5 yards of black, white and grey plaid silk dupioni.



I'm thinking 1870s... bustle... and fringe... and pleats... and lace...




Something kinda like this...



Woohoo!

We're going to Teslacon!

I'm so excited I'm practically bursting!

So many new outfits to plan. So many gadgets to consider.

Hmmm....what *is* the appropriate attire for an exploratory day on the moon?

It's giving me something to think about while I work on my IRCC II outfit!