Funny how much I'm getting done now that I no longer have cable! I love me some tv but it's saving me money and giving me more time by not having it currently. Smart move on my part, I think :)

I've solidified my Steampunk costume and persona. I'm thinking she's a bawdy, rowdy, flirty, itinerant dancer providing entertainment & bit of respite for the hardworking airship mechanics and scientists. Why nothing like me at all, huh? ::evil laugh::

The basic clothing choices will be a Ghawazee coat over harem pants or ruffly bloomers. I'm going to use Madame X's Adjustable Ghawazee Coat & Turkish Vest pattern. I can see using grommets, eyelets, washers, d-rings, and assorted hardware for the loops, with keys and compasses hanging from the lace ends. I could even wear a dainty lace blouse under it for a bit more modesty and decorum. I've come up with a design idea for the bloomers that are basically split open up the sides almost to hip line and then lined with increasing width ruffles. The appearance, standing still, would be of a skirt with the sides tucked up, like we did with our big flying skirts.

Not sure yet what fabric I want for the top yet. I'm thinking a white & color stripe for the bloomers and ruffles. I do know I want to make a 'night' or 'performance' version of this. The coat would be cut under the bust line, and sheer, sparkly black. Sparkly bra with gears & brass. The bloomers would be dark dark burgundy red. I'm thinking Steam-Theda Bara.

Footwear is a stumper. Probably sturdy comfortable ankle boots for day. Or maybe even my old bellydance ghillies. I wonder if I could add embellishments to them? I'll have to keep an eye out for appropriate shoes or boots.

It's a start, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves.

Gotta love caffeine!

I had a bit too much caffeine so to burn it off I fiddled with a new chain maile technique. I think this bracelet is really cute! Mobius balls linked by black rubber rings and smaller colored rings. Very light weight. I added a magnetic clasp but could easily add another link or two, then just stretch it on & off.

Pocket2

I finished the second pocket for my steampunk-ish pocket belt idea. This pocket is a panel that sits on the left hip and has two smaller pockets plus loops to hang things. I have not added the D-rings yet to this mock-up.

I noticed two construction flaws that are easily fixed when I go make the final version. The first is the placement of the belt loops. They need to be moved to the outside edge. That will remove that annoying 'flap'.

The second flaw is from the larger sub-pocket pulling the bottom edge upward. I should aligned the top & sides before stitching the bottom.

This is only a mockup but I'm kinda digging it. To make more functional I'm going to add the D-rings, and add some black lace appliques to tie in with the black elastic loops & stitching. I'm also thinking of ripping out the top line of stitching, add a lining & install a zipper - TaDah! nifty little purse!

For the final costume piece I may make the panel bigger overall; a very defined curve along the bottom edge; two piece grommets; possibly more grommets as design feature.

I definitely need to add a third pocket to balance the belt. That I'll hold off on until I've made myself a Ray Gun so it will custom fit in the back.

Construction Notes - Pocket1

1) Cut 2 of pocket Backs in fabric, and 1 in interfacing
2) Make pattern for Loops, cut fabric & interfacing
3) Turn Loops 5/8 and top stitch twice
4) Mark placement and stitch Loops to Back2, zigzag for stability
5) Stitch Bottom to outward facing Back1, right sides facing up
6) Leave 5/8 open on ends of seam
7) Stitch Front to Bottom1 around curve, starting and stopping at the previous 5/8 mark
8) Turn under and stitch top edge of Front
9) Stitch Front to Back1 with right sides facing same direction (ie: raw seams)
10)Carefully sandwich Back1 and Back2, right sides together (with Front & Bottom out of stitching lines
11)Turn inside out
12)Fold top raw open seam to inside, press, and top stitch
13)Top stitch along seams for stability
14)Think about elastic along top edge

UFO List as I clean out the Studio

New Goth/Steampunk Coat - use black & gold belly dance cover-up; gold embroidery on the back, various elements down the front & on sleeves; collar will be vintage seal fur capelet; need fabric for actual coat - something lightweight enough for Florida "winters".

Black Cotton Lace - there is enough for a new sheer slip dress

Tribal Panel - cool kicky skirt; lingerie style elastic waistband; side zip, slits up side

Green Velvet Flair Pants - replace waistband; see if I have wide no-roll elastic

Dark Green Velvet Bra - needs flannel lining then ready to sale

Painted Bra - needs waist & shoulder straps then ready to sale

Butterfly Bra - Paint around butterflies, add straps, ready for sale

Beledi Dress - add buttons & closures, then ready to wear

necklace re-do update

I forgot to take a picture of the necklace before I cut it apart. ::Doh!:: But I've only removed a few elements so I figured this was decent documentation of it's "Before" status.


I figured out how to move the knots up snug to the spacer beads. I think this is the look I want.


I originally used Fireline on the beaded panels but I don't like the way the tension has settled. Some are quite wonky and not as fluid a feel as I wanted. I'm going to redo each beaded panel but use either Nymo or C-lon beading thread in dark green. I want more of a drape than a stiff panel.

Notes to Self: Panel necklace

I'm re-doing an existing necklace. It was an Egyptian inspired piece made up of three layers of beaded panels. I've never been happy with the way it hung so I decided to re-do it.

These are my notes on the new improved design. I'm using 'Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewelry' by Suzen Millodot, as reference for my knotwork.

re-stitch all the panels; do each separately so as not to lose beads, nor shift colors

braid knot between each panel

one silver spacer on each side of braid knots

necklace: silver three hole spacer, rectangular celtic knot, three hole spacer, possible repeat.