Steampunk misc.

[helwen]

One person's timeline for Steampunk (technology) -- I liked what he said about considering a technology well before dumping it for something else just because it's newer. Newer isn't always better. I like the convenience of my current sewing machine for instance, but I'm glad I know how to sew by hand too -- and some things are really better done by hand anyway. And, still have the treadle machine to fix up at some point... although even as 'new' machines go, some might consider my electric an antique, being from 1974 :D

Read an interesting article today, courtesy of mrgrumpybear, a Herald Tribune article on Steampunk

Gypsy Moon isn't too bad, and has a charming idea or two. I expect I like them better than most supposed Steampunk fashion sites because they use real fabrics like cotton and silk, and what look to be decent laces, rather than PVC (?!), cheesy laces, and acrylic/polyester panne velour. Plus their models don't all look like prostitutes...

The article mentioned The Bombay Company (furnishings), but they closed their U.S. stores this past winter. They still have their Canadian stores though, and are re-organizing and will have a web presence eventually.

In my copious spare time I may make some clothing I think would suit me, in a Steampunk Victorian way (or maybe Edwardian...). Considering the collection of surviving pieces in just our little town of clothing from the 19th c., I'm more impressed by the materials and workmanship of that time period than I am by most of the clothing made today (typical off-the-rack, that is, not stuff made by quality craftspeople).

Not Victorian, but very cool anyway, is a wool jacket I got some years ago at auction -- used to be worn by a friend of mine, as part of his bagpiper's outfit. Standing collar, wider at the shoulders and tapering to the waist, what's not to like? ;) When I'm a little trimmer I can have some fun with some of my older clothing, make some shirts and stuff to go with them maybe (I do have one long black skirt with a ruffled bottom, from my Smith choir days). As some of the everyday wardrobe wears out, might as well replace some of it with things in styles I'm fond of. Although my tastes more often run toward the men's fashions than women's -- I adore vests!

Comments

[flidaisairmid.livejournal.com]

It's funny you should bring up Gypsy Moon . It is one site I love to drool over , but have never bought from because of the price , and I keep looking at many of the clothes and think Fire hazard. They are beautiful though , and appear to be very well made

[helwen.livejournal.com]

LOL! Yup, some definite fire hazards! And not too practical around the farm, generally speaking. I used to wear/make blouses that were fuller in the upper sleeve but fitted on the wrists (long cuffs), and think I may do that again -- I like having freedom of movement for the arms as a whole but hate having stuff around my wrists that gets in the way of my work. The Victorian and Edwardian blouse styles work well for that, and have a nice look as well. I used to go for things will a bit of detail around the neck/yoke area, even ascots -- flourishes are more likely to survive my wearing them if they're out of the way :D

But there are occasions when something less practical might be possible... I have a few weddings to go to over the next few years, and baby showers too.

Mostly I look at places like Gypsy Moon or Victorian clothing web sites for ideas, since I can sew. But, if the perfect item came along I might be willing to splurge. Fortunately for my budget, I'm very particular about what I want in dressy clothing! Also fortunately for the budget, I don't have a lot of occasions to dress up for... altho' I suppose when we're more settled in finally, we could have a few in-home romantic dinners or tea with friends :)

[flidaisairmid.livejournal.com]

Yes, they definitely have there purpose. I keep telling myself that when I lose all the weight I desire ( 80 more pounds) then I am entitled to buy one totally, frivolous, impractical thing to wear for no other reason outside of having a body, and Gypsy moon fashions are perhaps number one on the list. I will steer clear from all flame sources when I do . Usually for dressy sorts of occasions I have some dresses and jackets that suit the purpose Still, there is this really fanciful, totally impractical side of me that thinks wearing something flowing just to run to the library or grocery store would be a sane move. It would be such a change from my usual sweats and tee shirts !