Latex and lace

I started with the corset/belt as there was some scrumptious Eau de Nil and gold striped taffeta hanging about the studio. I also wanted to show my placement student Laura, how adaptable the hip bucket corset pattern is.... 

So we just cut the pattern down from underbust to belt shape and sped onwards! 

This corset pattern is the Charles Bayer corset from my article for foundations revealed online magazine 

Afternoon tea on the moon

The annual dressmaking frenzy for "weekend at the asylum" has begun! As usual, my first attempt at a sketch, on the back of an envelope, is what will form the general shape of this outfit!

I'm aiming for slightly Edwardian, asymmetric, unusual juxtapositions and layers of fabrics, using scraps and off cuts to recycle and reform ordinary cotton calico into something amazing!

Do follow along as I post each new stage! You can also join me on Facebook at "Emilly ladybird" for more costume and Steampunk fun!

Opening of the Exhibition at Bradford industrial museum

Everything was finished and installed just in time for the opening! phew! There are some pictures from the opening on the exhibitions facebook page. If you get the chance do go and have a browse, it's a fascinating museum and the special steampunk display will be in place till May 2012.

You also get the chance to view a specially made 3D film using special steampunk style viewing goggles and starring Me!

Theres also some great pictures from the promo photoshoot here

The back of the outfit for Bradford so far...

This shows the length of the skirt at the back over the cage. The mini cage is 6 sprung steel lengths, individually sprayed gold with car lacquer, taped together into hoops and suspended from two layers of brown petersham ribbon, sewn together to make holes for the hoops to slide through (they slide through before taping..)

The top hoop does not complete a full circle and it's ends are held by the two front tapes. This is so you can get in and out easily, the top hoop is quite small!

Bradford costume-the jacket

The wool is such a lovely firm fabric it made these puff sleeves a dream to create, they are made with 3 big pleats top and bottom, with the top center pleat being an inverted box pleat, and placed on a smaller straight sleeve stay to hold the shape.

Cute blouse for the exhibition!

This is the beginning of the little blouse for the exhibition costume. As it is going to be a permanent piece I shall sew it into place on the stand to give it a perfect fit, the skirt and jacket will be free to be removed...

Original sketch for museum costume