Day four

Today has been a day of sleeves, I am so happy with these mad thierry Mugler inspired strap sleeves, they have a sci-fi/punk thing going on which makes the dress properly steampunk, rather than just a pretty Victorian replica gown.

I have also been attaching the quirky sleeves for a brown velvet frock coat for fuscia at pixiepunk too!

The key!

This is the lovely key Herr Doktor has made for the back of the bustle dress, the idea is as the key turns the swag of the bustle will raise like a theatre curtain, revealing the drinks cabinet!

Gin bustle day three!

Today I finished the fit for the bodice, had an annoying moment when, while trying it on over my wasp waisted absinthe corset, I discovered the waist of the bodice was too big and the bust now too small, but it was easily fixed.... It looks a bit odd without sleeves and no trims, but you can see it's fitting properly now...

The hat has all been cut out now, and best of all Herr Doktor sent me pictures of the gorgeous key he's made, which will turn and light up as the drinks cabinet is revealed!

Gin Bustle Day2

Ooh it's getting exciting! the bustle cage is nearly done, and we've had the first fitting of the jacket top, which needed a little taking in (always better than letting out!) Lizzie fitted it over my waistnip corset and bra, but it may also fit over the absinthe corset... we shall have to see, it's amazing how much difference having the right corresponding corset makes to the fit.

It was obvious even at this stage that it's going to need a stay tape to keep the back waist pulled snugly in, it's important the jacket goes in, before it comes out over the bustle, otherwise all that tight lacing is rather pointless!

A friend commented that the front looked almost Victorian Jungle Priestess like, so I am thinking this is possibly the costume "She" from H Rider Haggards novel wears if she ever came to Victorian London, in a Dracula kind of way...

Gin bustle day one

This is just the rough fabric shapes pinned to the stand, getting an idea of shapes and colours, as it takes on the corset curves it'll get less arts and crafts tea gown like, but hopefully still maintain that noveau feel.

I'm loving the Edwardian style velvet underskirt Nicholette sewed up for me today especially, it really swings, though the velvet is a pig to sew, even with the walking foot....

Bustle cage continues on

Lizzie demonstrates the central floor section of the cabinet part of the bustle, the bone tapes have been inserted and a fabric "floor" and "ceiling" placed each side of the hollow for the structured cabinet.
The construction and shape is following a fairly traditional path otherwise...

Gin bustle begins

So, I have a pile of gorgeous fabrics from my stash box (rarely do I ever buy fabric for myself, it's usually leftovers or donations...) and A PLAN.

Sort of. The plan is to get assistants Nicolette and Lizzie so excited they make it all for me. Hmmmm not sure that's going to happen, except for the excited bit....

So today I have cut out the bustle cage shape, it's changed a little in concept from the original drawing, but will be easier to wear and more fun to look at I think.

I've also cut out the main underskirt, found some smashing blue embroidered silk velvet I forgot I had, might be a bit warm for September but it will have to do!