Steampunk Lolita
cost:
17 March 2009 - This dress diary is after the point as the costume has been done to a wearable point for some time. It is now on the UFO pile. This costume has been worn 4 different times, 4 different ways. The first time was for a Steampunk picnic with the San Diego Costuming Guild. I wore a few of my everyday shirts, the petticoat and a length of fabric tied at the waist. I love the petticoat. Ruffles! Ruffles! Ruffles! and surged with variegated thread, so yummy changing colors ruffles. I really wanted volume with the skirts.
The second time I wore it was to my hometown Ren faire. I had the chemise and corset done by then, so I paired those with some jeans and off I went. It is a really small faire so I wasn't worried about accuracy. Chemise is based off a civil war shift, Simplicity 5726. Corset was hand drafted with help from a friend. I was really really happy with the corset. It went together in a week and was really comfy to wear.
The third and fourth times were on the same day. First to the Escondido Ren faire. Same chemise and corset different skirt. Then to a Halloween party as its steampunk self so chemise corset and petticoat. I added length of fabric for a sash because I still don't have the overskirt done.
I cheated and wore it again with my Ren stuff. I have lost weight though. The back no longer has as much of a gap and the curve is much sexier. I may end up redoing it if I lose to much weight.
I still have a vest like bodice and the overskirt to make for this costume. I expect this one to be around for awhile. Its so much fun to wear.