I am seriously thinking of entering YWU contest this year in the steampunk category, which ends on February 4th, 2013, so I should get planing soon. I have been gathering inspiration on Pinterest for a while now and need to think of just how it will all fit together ( Read more... )

1841 Maternity corset
1895 skirt for bicycling (steampunk inspiration)
1907 spreader for dress girdles
1907 Background for photographic measurements. the beginnings of modern systems
1908 undergarment

While at the hardware store the other day I found #6 external locking (or tooth) washers that I will use for the "gear" decoration on Elphaba's dress for the Single Pattern Project over at Your Wardrobe Unlock'd.
Yesterday I measured her back length and scaled the print out I had of the pattern up to fit her. I know the skirt will be too short ( ( Read more... )

Was looking at demode for 1890's dresses, found some that would make lovley steam punk outfits.
Los Angeles County Museum # 62.34.1a-b That bodice screams make me into a corset and bolero coat please!
1895 Jacket from KCI
Manchester galleries 1995.8 1895-7 jacket
Manchester 1895-1900 cycling outfit 1947.2521
Danish suit 1896-8 with pattern

Now these are ( Read more... )

I am looking for gear for Elphaba's dress trimming. I want new manufactured, not smashed pocket watch. I am looking for no bigger than 1/2 probably more like 1/4"

scrapbook supplies might be a good place to start.
these are a bit big
Clock bits, springs, keys

not having a lot of luck searching for "dolly varden" dress so I am just looking at early 1870's dresses.
first stop was demode. I found these:

1870 two piece white cotton dress consisting of bodice/overskirt and skirt. Fabric features series of three stripes of satin weave on plain weave background. University of Alberta museum # 1971.7.7 rather ( Read more... )

making a list of dolly varden images.
Penn Library 1
Penn Library 2
zip zip over at blogspot has a dress diary with research!
google book snippet of English women's costume in 19th century by C.W. Cunnington
Met Museum 1979.346.43a, b
and 1979.346.2a, b
Harpers Bazaar March 1872 house
May 1872 carriage
Cover are also in Stella Blum's Harpers Bazaar book ( Read more... )

looking for a bustle dress (I think I like 1st bustle better) that is nursing friendly, so it has to open at the front or have clever trim placement that could hid acces. I don't really want a high closed neck. Can't be evening, as I need sleeves.

This is a contender. I could have it unbutton on each side to reveal a slit for access. besides that ( Read more... )

Scoundrel's keep has some nice steampunk corsets. flicker album

while at Aunt and Uncle for new years eve, I flipped through some catalogs.

This might make a nice accessory to Cat's steam outfit.

but the description of this chair   makes me wonder what their research is?