A Victoran Project

I'm starting another project today that has nothing to do with AL or robots or even Star Wars for that matter.  It kinda started last year when I was researching polanaise skirts for ren fair costumes.  I found this pattern at Patterns of Time. 

I decided not to get the pattern at the time because it looked to 1880's prairie-ish to me.  And I was right!  Just now ordered it 'cause that's kinda where my project is heading now.  I also just ordered this pattern:

I'll be combining both patterns to get the look I want. I love the lapels and fringe on this one, but will not use the bell sleeves.  In case your wondering, this is the steampunk outfit I did last April for Starfest:

It's a 1905 motoring coat with grandpa's pocket watches all over it.  I made it in honor of the Time Machine that was suppose to come but didn't.  I wore it anyway and got lots of compliments. I'm currently looking for a nice feminine safari hat to go with it.  This year I decided to make something Victorian, even though I'm more of an Edwardian gal myself (love the costumes on Titanic!).  I got the bug from my friend Melanie who had an awesome Victorian Society table at MileHi Con.  And it's all starting with this:

I made this for my mom about ten years ago out of black velvet and the skirt portion of the short dress my mother's bridesmaid wore.  It's a copper taffeta with embroidered roses (the wedding was copper and olive green while my dad wore his formal navy attire, married in the chapel on the San Diego Naval base). Yesterday I bought 6 yards of matching crinkled embroidered copper taffeta.  See
if this was meant to be!

 

I'm in the process of taking off the brown ribbon and sequins.  Three rows of seam ripping in two hours!  Jeez, I might be finished by Christmas at this rate!  I just don't think sequins goes well, however I'm leaving the gold loopy embroidery on (I like it!).  I also bought 3 yards of matching black velvet.  This will give you a good idea on what it will look like (use the pattern pics above for reference and your imagination):

I think Smokey is really looking forward to this project.  She couldn't wait to try out the new fabric.  Taffeta just feels soooooo good (and it's shiny!).

So there you have it.  My new Victorian project (I'm not even going to call it Steampunk, no goggles or watches involved).  Black velvet and copper taffeta.  Now to find some matching copper fringe for the shoulders.

Until next time,
Jawa Jaka (a Victorian jawa?)