Dapper Hoppers

Not only is steampunk trends infecting wardrobes but also music. I am a lover of all types of music and always appreciate it when an artist can crossover or recreate a genre. I like this particular video because it pays homage to some of my favorite hip hop songs.

Mr. B Gentleman Rapper- Chap Hop History

Here are a couple more artists I have found recently.

Abney Park- White Wedding

anonymous covering Avenged Sevenfold Bat Country

Mardi Gras- Steampunk Style

WOW! has it really been almost a month since I was on here?? Ughh Well, I will try to remedy that as I have lots to write about lately as well as a good many sewing projects on my agenda 'til the Phoenix Comic Con, Memorial Day Weekend.

This past Saturday was the 2nd annual Downtown Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade. My fellow cohorts in the Arizona Steampunk Society and I were invited to roll in it. A few of us put our noses to the grindstone for 3 weeks in preparation of floats, throws and a huge cthulu mascot. Because I was so busy on the parade prep my costume sort of went on the back burner till the last moment. Luckily I already had some pieces I was able to throw together. My favorite piece of my costume was the wind up key.

My steampunk wind up doll costume

The key was the very last piece of my outfit and I stumbled on its construction with fear and anticipation. Luckily my friend Noe, who is brilliant with design work, helped me with the correct proportions making my gear out of cardboard. I used a template for the teeth and it worked out perfectly in sync. 

Next, I needed to make my key out of cardboard; which I didn't actually measure spot on but I think it came out pretty good, I laid out two bowls side by side and inverted them so the rims laid on the cardboard. I traced the bowls onto the cardboard. I did the same in the center with a set of smaller bowls, cut everything out in one piece. I made a slit into the center of the gear so the key would slide in. At the bottom of the key I folded the rectangular (bottom) so it went back and forth, I slid that part into the slot on the gear then cut that portion in half. I hot glued the two pieces like wings to give the key support and stay in place. 

For the final addition, I looped white jewelry wire through the slot so I could attach it to my back and shoulders incognito.

Now, I have a wind up key and gear for those times when you never know you will need one!

Cold and Flu Season

Etsy has several tools to help you become a good seller but there is also a lot of teams to help you get to know other seller and their shops. I used to feel like I was competing with other sellers and shops when I saw people with similar items I had- I learned to get past that and embrace the love everyone has for all things vintage. One of the ways I became more open to this is joining teams on Etsy. I tried out a few before I found one that fit me and I am so glad I found them. The X Factor Team(s). I have made some good online friendships and learned to network and promote and others network and promote my shop and items as well.

I have not been feeling all that great past few days- suffering from typical January cold and flu symptoms. Sometimes I get inspiration from daily life and this was no exception. I made a treasury, which is a collection of items for sell on Etsy - you make a theme and then you promote it. I made one last night looking for things that might make you feel better during the cold and flu season. Here is the collection I made:

A Is For Apron Pt 2

As I mentioned before in a previous post; I have an affinity for vintage patterns, textiles and notions; namely, vintage apron patterns. I also love aprons. I came across a couple of sellers on Etsy who are making aprons similar to the types I like. I also found a couple of sellers that make fantasy related aprons; mostly of the Doctor Who variety.

I take great pride in my work and would never sell a handmade item without careful and tedious details maintained. I am notorious for ripping seams and restting my seams or even, most serious cases, recut the pattern piece altogether. Unfortunately some of the handmade aprons I am finding on Etsy don't show the attention to detail I put into mine. However, I did find inspiration to make my own TARDIS apron.

I made this from 100% cotton blue fabric with a modern apron pattern of a vintage apron style. I love how the ruffle goes all the around the to the tie in the back.

Once I had the actual apron finished I began my prep on the custom pieces to resemble parts of a police box. I could have put alot more flair on the apron but I thought a simple, cleaner approach would be best. It was suggested to use fabric paint and write "Police (phone call) Box" on the top of the black stripe but I didn't trust my handwriting to look so good.

I used a very thin 100% cotton white fabric for the windows. I didn't realize how thin the fabric was until I tried placing the pieces on the apron- I decided to use a fusible interfacing to give it more weight and not bunch up after washing. I also sewed 2 rows of stitches around the pieces and the pieces are quite secure.

The final touch I added a small white grosgrain bow to resemble the light at the top but I don't really know how I feel about it. I am thinking I will get some yellow ribbon and see if I like it better.

I think this apron took about 1 1/4 yards of fabric and 1/4 yard of contrast fabric and maybe 10 inches of the ribbon- all total I think this cost around $10.00 to make.

UPDATE:

Joann's has added licensed BBC fabrics to their stores and I got my hands on a few yards of differnt styles. I have made some aprons with these materials in my Etsy shop.

Handmade Doctor Who Daleks Half Apron

Handmade Doctor Who Full Apron with Exploding Tardis Trim

Handmade Doctor Who Multi Pocket Apron

It's Getting Hot In Here

Yeah- that is all the words I know to that song. Is that even the name of the song? I don't know. But I thought it was a clever title. One of the reasons I like writing this blog- I can be creative and whimsy and sometimes snarky. But let me ask you...what do you do when you want to blog but can't think of anything and you made a deal with yourself you would write EVERY day??? I still don't know the answer but I thought in place of words I would entertain with videos!

Here are some really great videos of beautiful girls getting all steamed up!

I love the whole process of make up and hair for this exotic aviator

I didn't know there was an actual clothing line called Steampunk Couture. This video is for their 2011 line and it is all handmade- 

And I will leave you my reader with some music. A band I just got familiar with called The Melting Pot. I like the song and the video is ok- don't know what "Fred and Ginger" style dancing have to do with Steampunk but; for a glimpse, I thought I saw Vampira!

Time Lord Wardrobe

The Brits don't really have traditional closets like we have over here on this side of the pond. What we might call an armoire, they call a wardrobe. But mostly a wardrobe is a pile of clothes we use to mix and match everyday to make outfits.

For as long as I have watched Doctor Who (which I started watching in the 70s); I learned that with each regeneration of The Doctor, his personality changes as does his wardrobe. Despite Doctor Who being a sci fi production the appearance of The Doctor is human and hip and modern. In the late 60s the 3rd doctor Jon Pertwee dressed in Victorian Revival regalia complete with crushed velvet jacket and lacy cravets.

The doctors of the past decade still have a modern look that is hard to determine certain "style" you can see personality differences but their style can fit in with any of the past 10 years.

My favorite doctor to date is portrayed by David Tennant; the 10th Doctor

How many synonyms are there for the word HOT!?!?

David's doctor's ensemble consists of a brown wool suit with blue pin stripes. His collar and tie are sometimes askew. He is sometimes seen wearing a taupe wool coat with minimalist military features. The coat has a blue lining. But, my favorite part of  his outfits, AND what began my huge crush for him is that he wears high top Chuck Taylors!

As I do consider David Tennant's doctor to be my 1 and only favorite; I must say this new 11th Doctor is growing me. I used to have a habit of becoming attached to current doctor and when he re generated I would act scorned and hurt like the ex wife ogles the new girlfriend who replaced you, The 11th Doctor has changed my mind about that way of thinking.

Matt Smith is the youngest of all the doctors as to date. Matt is SOOO adorable and he can sport a bow tie like no one else! His catch phrase "bow ties are cool" has become my tag line for my custom bow ties I sell in my Etsy shop. He is also great at wearing a fez! 

And last but not least those totally awesome beatle-esc boots he wears, They are All Saints Layer Boots and hand made.

Just because you are thousands of years old, an alien from planet Gallifrey and are a time lord- you don't have to dress silly like those crazy ole' Martians!.

All On A Mardi Gras Day

Mardi Gras is exactly one month away this year. Me and my friends are usually knee deep in tulle and feathers in preparation of our costumes for either; our participation in various parades or our Mardi Gras day costume. This year I won't be in New Orleans to participate in parades or celebrate the day; however there is a possibility of participation in a Mardi Gras parade in Phoneix this year.

I am in the Arizona Steampunk Society and promoters of the Mardi Gras parade has invited the society to participate. I would like to say that everyone jumped at the moment of hearing this news but- that wasn't exactly the case. I have had bated breath wanting to know if we do participate if will be a theme or coordination of color. The one thing I do know is that there will be a steampunk influence.

I went ahead and started preparation of of a costume- tame as it will be in comparison to a costume for New Orleans Mardi Gras costume- a costume in steampunk style.

I chose fabrics in traditional Mardi Gras colors; green, purple and gold. I found some really great harlequin pattern fabric in cotton calico blended weight. I decided to make a Victorian inspired outfit using this Simplicity pattern.

Like I said above, I am using a cotton not a satin or taffeta like you see in the picture.

I am working on the bustier first and working the rest of the outfit later. Look at all these pieces I needed to cut out. For each pattern piece I had to cut out 2 of each layer; 2 of the front of the top, 2 pieces of fusible interfacing and 2 pieces of of the inside lining fabric (the green fabric).

The bustier also requires featherweight boning and a zipper. It is unusual for a typical bustier to have a zipper in place of corset laces or heavy hook and eye closures.

Since I am still in the preparation stage of this project I will have come back and give an update as my project progresses.

Sequins and Glitter

I just got done watching Burlesque; the movie not a live show, and I loved it! I wasn't sure I would like it when it first came out but it was on one of my pay cable channels and so I watched it. It was filled with beautiful girls, hot choreography moves and skimpy, glittery, sequined outfits.

There is a great group of girls in New Orleans that put on burlesque shows in the Quarter. They are called Fleur De Tease. Here is a clip of one of their skits.

These girls put together outfits of sequins, feathers and satin by themselves. They wear fantastic wigs and do sexy, flirtatious moves to taunt and entertain the audience. I am sure some of you reading this is thinking something like; this is New Orleans, they are known for debauchery and girls showing their ***s. But, au contraire, mon frere! These girls use classic burlesque tricks, teasing the audience- not stripping-those girls work on Bourbon Street.

Next time you are in New Orleans try to catch one of their shows- they usually perform at One Eyed Jacks in the French Quarter.

What Not To Wear

Is this still a question of fashion faux pas? Stacy London is sooo annoying to me telling women their fashion choices are horrid. I, myself have an unusual sense of fashion and I know for a fact I would be a perfect target for her. She likes to tell everyone what to wear and how to wear it. I have noticed others too, in certain groups, like to set rules for what to and what not to wear.

As my profile states I am a nerdy girl - I was a drama geek; we used to wear trench coats and tons and tons of black plastic bracelets and we accepted each other while trading new and quirky fashion tips. As an adult I am finding that these types of groups are a little less accepting.

I may be getting ahead of myself here and speaking out of turn, but I am still learning about steampunk and its aesthetics. Sometimes I read about people making fun of other "cosplayers". Steampunk wardrobes and costumes usually have some sort of mechanical influence with cogs and gears attached. According to some...you just can't sew on some gears and cogs and call it steampunk...

I mean, come on; all newcomers need to start somewhere. Mentors are needed for newbies.

I was watching The Nerdist the other night and Chris and the panel were discussing how us geeks don't know everything geek/nerd and we don't have time to watch every Star Wars movie or Battlestar Galactica program and sadly enough...not everyone knows what a TARDIS is.

http://www.nerdist.com/podcast/nerdist/

The point I am trying to make here is that everyone can overlap their interests and they need some time to assimilate into the new environment. Not all of us did live action role playing- even us drama geeks.

BTW- TARDIS stands for time and dimension device in space! Now you know!

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

With Valentine's Day coming up in less than a month I thought I would do some pre-Valentine's wardrobe prep. Most of us girls look forward to this day with anticipation . This is one of those days that retailers take advantage of consumers selling the concept of love and romance. If I am like most girls, we look forward to dressing up and having a night on the town with our sweetie.

When I was in high school I was on an allowance that didn't always allow me extras for special occasions like Homecoming dances or white glove parties. I felt lucky I had learned how to sew at a very early age. I used my allowance to buy fabric and patterns to make the expensive fancy dresses for these special nights.

I made a few poor choices when combining pattern to fabric. I didn't always pay attention to the fabric recommendations on the label. I learned the hard way.

In the 70s and 80s Gunne Sax clothing was rather popular. 

1970's Original Gunne Sax Coton and Lace Dress

Typically, the Gunne Sax styled dresses were made of cottons and calicos and trimmed in thin satin ribbon and lace. The Gunne Sax pattern I chose was a very 80s styled dress, big billowy sleeves and all.

I picked out a pink taffeta fabric, similar to the fabrics of special occasion dresses I saw in the stores at the mall. I was very excited to embark on my sewing project.

The laying out of the pattern, cutting and preparing to sew was the easy part. Let me first say, that taking on a Gunne Sax dress is ambitious. The dress contains many pieces, many ruffles and many tiny buttons holes. Things were going pretty good at the start, but once I got to the bottom ruffle(which was approximately 2 yards all on its own) I began having difficulty. The taffeta fabric I thought would make me a Cinderella type gown was letting me down. The edges of the fabric began fraying and I had to double stitch seams, which were possibly going to open once I was wearing it. The double seams worked but they did not solve the overall problem. There was also a problem trying to create tiny little loops for buttons down the front of the bodice, ugh!

I spent hours and hours on the dress- perhaps a good week and half of hours at night (after all my homework was done of course) prior to the dance- I even remember doing last minute stitching on the dress just a few hours before wearing it.

Here is the end result and yours truly at 15

Valentine's Day Dance 1983

I strongly suggest to you my readers to match your project to the proper fabric- There is a reason for the suggested fabrics. As you see in the photo- the end result was lovely and I had a lovely evening with my date; but unfortunately it did not store well and fraying continued and eventually it was given away.

I learned a lot from this project and think it helped me become a better seamstress.

Back To Basics

I am back to square one.

I told myself I was going to write this blog everyday as a way to re-direct my focus and improve my work habits. So, here I am, starting from square one because I allowed myself to lose focus and let day slip away. Square one is an ok place to be-it is a place you know where to start:: step 1!

Since my blog is supposed to expose my reader to aspects of nerdy, geeky aspects of fashion and sewing, I decided to make a list of basic items you might want to start from square one if you are making a new costume or upgrading your existing cyberwear. These items are basics that I think are important to have for projects.

1. lots of colored thread, several sizes of sewing needles and at least one pair of sharpened scissors

2. variety of mechanical destash pieces: gears, cogs, mechanical clock works

3. (new favorite item) sew in flexible circuits

4.various tools: seam ripper, needle nose pliers, point turner and presser, soldering iron, glue gun, grommet pliers and multiple temperature steam iron. And the last and most important

5. creativity

This is a good list of basic items to get you started on a new fantasy project. Here are a couple of pictures of hand made sci fi outfits using some of these items:

MLK 2012

It has been 44 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. I decided to dedicate my blog to his memory today, through pictures. I was not quite a year old when he died but I did know of him through history books and the retelling of his work. The pictures I have seen of him; he was a very dapper dresser. Even as a young child he dressed swell.

A Is For Apron

I have a book by the same name, "A Is For Apron". If you are looking for inspiration to make funky and unusual aprons, I recommend this book.

I have always loved aprons, especially vintage aprons from the 40s. I do not come across aprons that old very often and especially ones that are not badly stained or badly frayed. One of the reasons I love doing what I do is the search- the love of the hunt. Lately, I have had a bit more luck finding some aprons in good condition but still not finding one from the 40s.

For a few years now pattern makers have been reissuing patterns of vintage styles with modern sizes (thank goodness! I wear a vintage size 18 1/2 to 20 and anything in those sizes are hard to find!). I have a couple of the reissue patterns that McCall's produced. I stole this photo from another blog (I hope the writer doesn't mind).

Circa 1940s

I own this picture and pattern AND I actually have an apron exactly like the pink check in the picture.

circa 1950s

This McCall's pattern 3979, is the one I own and use often. 

I made this apron (style B) from out of print Elvis fabric. 

Sunday Going To Church Clothes

My family is from the South; farm people, if you will. They are from East Texas to Mississippi and according to Ancestry.com - as far back as West Virginia. As a result of my upbringing and background, I was not immune to  old country sayings and colloquialisms. One that pops into my head often is "my Sunday go to meetin' clothes" or "my Sunday go to church clothes". My parents were born in the depression and brought up getting the 1 new pair of shoes and 1 new coat for the school term and dresses that were made of flour sacks. No really, they did. But despite the lack of money for more store bought clothing and accessories, Sunday was the day to display their finery.

When I was a little girl and going to church with the family I wore white gloves, some sort of hat with a ribbon and black patent leather shoes with frilly ankle socks. So, I guess I too, had my own Sunday go to meetin' clothes.

Living in New Orleans my church going was pretty limited to only going to the St. Louis Cathedral on Ash Wednesday - on  one such occasion entering the church after having leaving my last Mardi Gras party from the night before. 

I really loved Sundays in the French Quarter. There is about 20 churches of several denominations just in the Quarter and outlying neighborhoods; Treme, Marigny and old Storyville. People still dress for the Sunday services. Women will wear elaborate hats and dresses and men in their double breasted suits and shoes shined so bright you need to wear sunglasses to avoid the glare.

Easter Sunday service at St. Louis Cathedral

French Quarter Easter Parade on Royal Street

Congregation of beautiful African American women