Steampunk sewing

[blamebrampton]

The festival of knitting is in full swing, but I have a Steampunk party to cobble an outfit together for. It's in a month, and I have the perfect footwear (actually, I have two perfect sets of boots and one ideal set of shoes, I may have a small issue) and a corset and antique watch and chain ... that's it. Four weeks is enough time to pull together a decent outfit, and I have scads of fabric, so I can manage it without spending any extra cash, but I wonder if costuming is enough to give a truly steampunk approach. In short, help!

[Poll #1589017]

Comments

[chantefable.livejournal.com]

I think I saw runway pictures with great steampunk ideas. *goes off to look for them*

[momebie.livejournal.com]

And what I mean by clicking all of those things is really 'any one of those things'. You don't need to over do it. I'm really weary of goggles now. Everyone has a pair, but goggles alone a dirigible captain do not make. (Also, I have this issue with how not every profession needs goggles, and not EVERYONE can be a captain or a scientist.) The best thing to do is just create your character, decide what they do, and accessorize as necessary. Though, if you modified a riding frock and used your corset and got a sword it might be the cheapest way to go without being accessorized to the hilt.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

This post made me squirm with utter joy! I want pictures when you are finished Brammers!!!

[chantefable.livejournal.com]

I promised pictures with more ideas, right? :)

Basically, the entire Dior fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection is steampunk-appropriate.

I particularly like this lovely jacket & top hat, leather boots & cloak in this awesome colour, and this dress in the meditative colour of green smog.

And the BAMF sleep-walking Lizzie Bennet, of course.

P.S. There's cleavage! And goth short skirts! And bare arms to show off muscles developed beating dystopian techno-demons!

[hollyxu.livejournal.com]

Comfy shoes go without saying in any outfit, but depending on how hot you're going to be, maybe go light on the corset/accessories?

Sorry, currently trying to live through 40C weather, brain is not working well...

[under-an-oak.livejournal.com]

I'm appalled at the low votes 'goggles' got. It's Steampunk as Steampunk is.

Though...how on earth does one have a Steampunk party?

[brumeux77.livejournal.com]

Knowing little to nothing about steampunk myself, I drafted lady_akatari, who has at least written some. So my answers are really hers. For Q3, she commented "any costume of any period is improved by a man with a sword". As for Q2, she dithered back and forth between the sporting wear and men's clothing (with a very brief consideration of a riding habit) and finally refused to commit herself. But the very first thing that caught her eye was Q1's watch. "You can't do anything in steampunk without a good antique watch!"

[jadzialove.livejournal.com]

I am hopelessly out of touch! I have no idea what Steampunk even is...

[mabonwitch.livejournal.com]

I confess, I don't know what steampunk is. My answers to the poll, therefore, are more "I am most amused picturing you wearing..."

[anna-wing.livejournal.com]

You need this:

http://www.grand-illusions.com/acatalog/Pseudoscope.html#a183

Or indeed, anything else from their shop.

[uminohikari.livejournal.com]

I do not think that making the last question with tickies was advisable, since it asks for the best /single/ accessory. *g*

[grey-hunter.livejournal.com]

Haha I have absolutely no idea but. One word: PICTURES! Even if you photoshop out your face but plz!

Huh. What about a pipe? A hat with a veil? A monocle? :D :D :D Yeah, I just pulled it out of my backside. Sorry.

[shu-shu-sleeps.livejournal.com]

My easy accessory options to steam up a gorgeous Victorianesque frock are:
* cog-like jewelry (necklace/fobs)
* octopus inspired jewelry
* incorporate metal bits (keys, cogs, small gadgets) into the trim on your outfit
* create an inspector gadget type parasol
* raid Mr B's armour bag and get him to clean your selection thoroughly before use - pauldron/ elbow cop/gauntlet..... I think random small armour bits could work :)
* if you are wearing a military stylejacket (as per the piccie you added at the top of the comments) - go all JeanPaul Gautier and line up some small daggers in line with all that lovely frogging

Just thinkin' out loud - pick one or none of the above :) Though watching Fifth Element (the Diva's concert scene) may supply some inspiration - or am I being swayed by my absolute adoration of JPG....