My first foray into steampunk started with boots and a corset. And as I worked my way through items and supplies I already had, patterns I could download and print at home, and playing dress-up on the mannequin, my Steampunk Seamstress was born. Here’s how the outfit came together, with links to previous posts on specific accessories made.
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In a way, I built the outfit around a steampunk corset from Corset Story and the Bernhardt boots from American Duchess, and both were intended to be featured. I initially planned to incorporate elements from my Missy costume from Doctor Who, but the only item that translated was the cameo brooch. There’d be a lot of real estate between neck and corset, so I added a dark brown and black velvet ribbon neck tie. I also replaced the cheap plastic buttons on my cheap Amazon shirt with natural shell buttons.
Shirt: PrettyGuide Women Stand-Up Collar Lotus Ruffle Shirts Blouse L Ivory
Earlier this spring I made a Victorian ball gown, including this camel cotton petticoat using the Truly Victorian 170 (1880s). I like multi-use pieces, so I added cinching channels and grosgrain ribbon beneath the two front seams so they can be adjusted to any height. I definitely want to show off my new boots, but not my entire legs!
So I used the same pattern with some super cheap blue/black poly taffeta fabric that I bought years ago for $2/yard. I love the layered look of both petticoats, and I like the option to untie the cinching ribbon and wear the skirts to the floor if I want to.
Leading up to this post, I shared the builds on the accessories above, and I’m so pleased with how everything turned out! If you hadn’t noticed…I love buttons!
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bowler Hat
Steampunk Seamstress: Arm Bracers
Steampunk Seamstress: The Utility Belt, etc.
I tried (almost) everything on one morning while doing my Quarantine Costuming: Working From Home Outfits of the Day just to make sure it all fit and flowed. Worn above but not included in previous posts are the fingerless lace gloves (so I can use my phone, duh), a brass chatelaine hook, seam ripper, thread cutter, and sewing machine pocket watch. Not pictured are some really cool vintage 1930s reading glasses that I snagged on Etsy.
Lace gloves: Panba 2019 Lace Gloves Women Wedding Tea Party Glove for Evening Sexy Prom Gloves Black2
Chatelaine hook: Hotop 3 Pack Solid Brass U Key Loop Hook Pocket Clip, Brass Key Ring Belt Clip,Key Clip Hook,Key Hook for Men Women
Seam ripper: Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper
Thread cutter: CLOVER Thread Cutter Pendant, Antique Gold
Sewing machine watch: 81stgeneration Women’s Analogue Quartz Vintage Style Sewing Machine Pocket Watch Brass Pendant Necklace, 78 cm
Future plans are to finish the glue gun that I started to steampunkify, and my husband’s steampunk navigator. We’d like to wear these to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston this December if it doesn’t get canceled (there’s a pandemic going on) but may have to wait until next year. I’ll post here if/when that happens. Cheerio!
More Steampunk Seamstress costume posts on Red Shoes. Red Wine.
Steampunk Seamstress: The Utility Belt, etc.
Steampunk Seamstress: Arm Bracers
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bowler Hat
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier
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