More steampunk updates! Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress bowler hat, I’m sharing the build on the arm bracers. In my steampunk research, I found that all or most accessories are usually leather. I’m not particularly great at leatherworking, and I felt like fabric accessories would be more appropriate for a steampunk seamstress (and way more comfortable).
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Honoring the principle that all steampunk accoutrements be functional, I made sure that (almost) all sewing items were attached to the hat and bracers remain useable if needed in a mending emergency. Being right handed, I built my left arm bracer for quick-use large items, and my right arm bracer exclusively for the tomato pin cushion that I made with felt squares, embroidery thread, buttons, and ground up wine corks (as stuffing).
Felt squares: flic-flac 44PCS 4 x 4 inches (10 x10cm) Assorted Color Felt Fabric Sheets Patchwork Sewing DIY Craft 1mm Thick
I didn’t use a pattern for the right arm bracer, instead I measured around my wrist, added seam allowance, and cut two rectangles of black herringbone fabric wide enough to display the tomato (which I hot glued to a large tartan covered button). I used 2 part eyelets and grosgrain ribbon to lace it onto my wrist. And of course covered every available space with natural buttons.
Eyelets: Dritz 103-1 2-Part Eyelets, 5/32-Inch, Black, 35 Count
Grosgrain ribbon: VATIN Solid 3/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon, 50-Yard, Black
Coconut shell buttons: 100 Pcs Natural Coconut Shell 4 Hole Buttons DIY Crochet Clothe Scrapbooking Sewing Accessories Decorative and Craft Supplies (20mm)
Shell buttons: New Upick 11/13/15/23mm 100pcs Shell Buttons Sewing Craft Buttons 2 Holes (13mm)
For the left arm bracer, I used an arm cuff pattern in a viking bundle but I added a couple inches to the length to accomodate my scissors. I installed the scissors with two leather strips and bronze snaps going through the top of the bracer, and the sharp edge shoved into a leather sheath covered in tartan. This way the scissors, which were a gift from a friend, can be removed and used at home when the bracer isn’t worn. Using leather cording laced through eyelets, I tied an old measuring tape to one side of the scissors. And on the other side of the scissors, I laced leather cording through eyelets and mini craft thread spools in a zig-zag (see Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier for how I crafted the thread spools). I closed this bracer with eyelets, grosgrain ribbon, and of course decorated with a row of buttons on each side, because I love buttons so much!
Pattern: BUTTERICK PATTERNS B5371 Wrist Bracers, Corset, Belt And Pouches
Leather cording: Realeather Crafts Deerskin Lace, 0.125-Inch Wide 50-feet Spool, Black
Up next is the utility belt with fan holder, parasol holder, and belt bag…and the rest of the outfit. 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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