Steampunk Culture.....
There are no real rules for steampunk fashion no established set of guidelines. It does however borrow from different styles such as the Gothic Victorian era. For women it includes gowns, corsets, petticoat, bustles, suits with vest, coats, top hats, and military inspired garments. They are usually accented with several technological period accessories: timepieces being the most popular, parasols, flying/driving goggles, and guns. But like I said there are no real set of rules just a flair for fashion.
My best friend Willow decided that this year it was something that she'd like to see herself in. A steampunk outfit that we could later embellish with other sorts of gadgetry. So after settling on this pattern I got to work.
My best friend Willow decided that this year it was something that she'd like to see herself in. A steampunk outfit that we could later embellish with other sorts of gadgetry. So after settling on this pattern I got to work.
Simplicity 2172
She rather fancied the costume on the right, especially the colors which I agree are very romantic. So we bought the fabric at my local swamp meet which as a mixture of hard satin and taffeta. I was very pleased to only spend $21 for an otherwise complex costume. I love Joanns but you can't beat $2 a yard I'm sorry. That's where I get most my fabric from any ways unless I have coupons or Joanns has an incredible fabric sale.
Day 1
I had the pattern pieces already pre-cut so I got to work on my fabric. I was able to finish getting the shell of the jacket together before I got hungry and distracted. I have a midterm and a paper due so I have to split my attention different ways. Especially as I'm only one person....sigh not enough hours in the week. So this is what I have thus far.... I forgot to take a picture of the back but I'll have more shots as the costume progresses. I just need to buy some buttons for the front but other than that its looking good.
Day 2
So I've finished the coat. It's fully lined with black taffeta. The outer shell is really nice hard satin which look very vibrant close up. Sorry for the mess and distraction. I'll post better pictures once the costume is complete.
This picture has the bodice, my friend decided to stay true to the picture of the pattern and this was the closet fabric I found. Some scraps from a left over pirate costume I did for my sister last year.
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
So the jacket itself has a lot of potential. I mean you can do a lot of things with it besides steampunk fashion. Which I'm dying to try so I'm really happy how it worked out. The Corset still I rather draft my own pattern I liked it don't get me wrong but I have my own way of doing things.
Pattern Sizing:
This was a size 12, and that's only because my model is bustier.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it looked exactly like the picture.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes I mean for the most part what I did follow it was easy. But I ended up doing some changes just because I'm an experience seamstress and well I wanted to do things my way.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything. I mean I am a hell of a lot bustier so I wish the pattern when up to my size but all that I can fix myself as far as sizing.
Fabric Used:
I used hard satin for the coat, and the corset. I still need to make the skirt. I used Taffeta to line the inside which I think it did nicely.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
My friend has broad shoulders so she decided to omit the flare things from the shoulders which didn't really bother me but when i do mine I will add those in.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I love the pattern and will sew again.
Conclusion:
It's such a great wardrobe starter I think and I love it So I will do it again so wait for new pictures soon.
So the jacket itself has a lot of potential. I mean you can do a lot of things with it besides steampunk fashion. Which I'm dying to try so I'm really happy how it worked out. The Corset still I rather draft my own pattern I liked it don't get me wrong but I have my own way of doing things.
Pattern Sizing:
This was a size 12, and that's only because my model is bustier.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it looked exactly like the picture.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes I mean for the most part what I did follow it was easy. But I ended up doing some changes just because I'm an experience seamstress and well I wanted to do things my way.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything. I mean I am a hell of a lot bustier so I wish the pattern when up to my size but all that I can fix myself as far as sizing.
Fabric Used:
I used hard satin for the coat, and the corset. I still need to make the skirt. I used Taffeta to line the inside which I think it did nicely.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
My friend has broad shoulders so she decided to omit the flare things from the shoulders which didn't really bother me but when i do mine I will add those in.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I love the pattern and will sew again.
Conclusion:
It's such a great wardrobe starter I think and I love it So I will do it again so wait for new pictures soon.