Steampunk and.... Druidry?
Oct. 1st, 2008 04:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
helwenSo, for the folks who might actually be reading my LJ for tips on living more green, using fewer resources, etc., you might be wondering at my interest in Steam. Or if you're into medieval things, you might be wondering about it... anyway, if you're curious as to my interest,
I actually got interested in Steampunk indirectly -- sort of a sidetrack from druidry, oddly enough. I was looking at alternative power sources and what sorts of things I or friends of mine might be able to do, and Stirling engines are very cool -- low energy, possible to make small ones, and some parts can be made of wood -- good if you don't have lots of metal resources and/or $$. Mind you, I haven't gotten very far with building one, but the idea's still there, waiting for when I have the time. Plenty of other things to attend to before that (like insulating properly, something that those Victorians should have done more of...)
I'm also slowly working on getting rid of some types of clothing; mostly synthetics but some cotton stuff as well -- some kinds of cotton fabrics breathe better than others, so some favorites are staying, at least until I wear them out. I'm looking to replace this clothing mostly with things made of linen or wool and some silk, because they tend to behave better in both hot and cold weather, especially when it's humid or wet weather. They're also more durable than many other fabrics. Of course this sort of clothing also costs more, so that leaves getting fabric and making my own.
I made a couple of things and then stopped because I didn't know what style I was going for, and in my hurry to have some linen stuff I just threw together some very simple, basic tops. But I've discovered that to a certain extent I prefer fitted clothing -- probably a result of the fittings we did for my Burgundian kirtle and then the 14th century stuff last year. Properly fitted clothing is comfortable, looks nice, and doesn't get in your way.
So, rather than completely re-invent the wheel, I looked at things I like and discovered that a lot of what I like fits into the more casual side of Victorian -- the walking and sports clothing mostly. And the men's. So nice blouses, vests, skirts, trousers, maybe a few jackets. And a few hats because I've always loved hats, just not the medieval stuff that covers your ears. But probably no full-length skirts, because we have too much stuff in the apartment and I'd just take out stuff left and right as I went by :D
Victorian style is actually pretty cool -- there's the tendency to have a clutter of stuff, but they imported goods from all over, and were particularly fond of Japanese and Chinese imports, as well as recreating their version of medieval goods (think William Morris). There is a sad lack of Morris' work in our home, but we have some of all the other stuff. And some of my favorite artwork is from the 19th c. and I have prints of a number of them already.
[EDIT]: I forgot to include that Art Nouveau starts during the late Victorian period (1890), of which I'm also a fan!
So, while I'm trying to bring some order to this place, having a theme of sorts will help me organize things a bit and perhaps cull a few things from the collection of "stuff". Hm, and make some space for our future short-wave radio equipment (which also started back in the Victorian period, btw).
Having a theme for my wardrobe means I'll be picking and choosing fabrics to go together so that eventually I'll have less clothing in the house. Making them of durable fabric means less shopping. So in the long run, more space, more money in my pocket, less of being a typical consumer, better for the environment.
So, what makes it Steampunk instead of Victorian? I suppose wearing mostly shorter skirts and/or trousers is part of it. Also, I love legwarmers in the winter and don't intend to give them up -- they'll just be a type of "spats" for me. And I'm not too worried about using all appropriate materials. I did pick up a bit of cotton that I'll be using as clothing -- I think a vest or two in the Life's Journey fabric (one has cool antique clocks all over it) would be nice, and a vest doesn't see as hard wear as a jacket does. I plan on using some of the patterns I have as is and modifying others as necessary.
And as a personal twist, I like knits and some crocheted stuff and I'm not going to bar those from the wardrobe (legwarmers, fingerless gloves, and vests). Not necc. Steamy, but definitely not Victorian. Hm, not too flashy though... guess it's more of a countrified Steampunk...(the country-side type of country, not the yodelling kind)
We just started reading some Steampunk literature and it's been interesting. I think I needed a new genre to explore. Books are a lasting entertainment too, easy to enjoy even when you're trying to save energy and not have the tv, pc, or radio on all the time. I think some of the inventions are a bit silly but others are interesting, and it gets you thinking in different ways. I'm always trying to figure out ways of re-using/re-purposing things, to come up with creative solutions to problems, so that aspect of Steampunk is something I really appreciate.
The modern music.... eh, not so much. Music from the 19th c. is fine though :D
So, the potential for better organization, comfy yet somewhat stylish clothing, more living space, saving energy and limited resources... what's not to like? ;)
I actually got interested in Steampunk indirectly -- sort of a sidetrack from druidry, oddly enough. I was looking at alternative power sources and what sorts of things I or friends of mine might be able to do, and Stirling engines are very cool -- low energy, possible to make small ones, and some parts can be made of wood -- good if you don't have lots of metal resources and/or $$. Mind you, I haven't gotten very far with building one, but the idea's still there, waiting for when I have the time. Plenty of other things to attend to before that (like insulating properly, something that those Victorians should have done more of...)
I'm also slowly working on getting rid of some types of clothing; mostly synthetics but some cotton stuff as well -- some kinds of cotton fabrics breathe better than others, so some favorites are staying, at least until I wear them out. I'm looking to replace this clothing mostly with things made of linen or wool and some silk, because they tend to behave better in both hot and cold weather, especially when it's humid or wet weather. They're also more durable than many other fabrics. Of course this sort of clothing also costs more, so that leaves getting fabric and making my own.
I made a couple of things and then stopped because I didn't know what style I was going for, and in my hurry to have some linen stuff I just threw together some very simple, basic tops. But I've discovered that to a certain extent I prefer fitted clothing -- probably a result of the fittings we did for my Burgundian kirtle and then the 14th century stuff last year. Properly fitted clothing is comfortable, looks nice, and doesn't get in your way.
So, rather than completely re-invent the wheel, I looked at things I like and discovered that a lot of what I like fits into the more casual side of Victorian -- the walking and sports clothing mostly. And the men's. So nice blouses, vests, skirts, trousers, maybe a few jackets. And a few hats because I've always loved hats, just not the medieval stuff that covers your ears. But probably no full-length skirts, because we have too much stuff in the apartment and I'd just take out stuff left and right as I went by :D
Victorian style is actually pretty cool -- there's the tendency to have a clutter of stuff, but they imported goods from all over, and were particularly fond of Japanese and Chinese imports, as well as recreating their version of medieval goods (think William Morris). There is a sad lack of Morris' work in our home, but we have some of all the other stuff. And some of my favorite artwork is from the 19th c. and I have prints of a number of them already.
[EDIT]: I forgot to include that Art Nouveau starts during the late Victorian period (1890), of which I'm also a fan!
So, while I'm trying to bring some order to this place, having a theme of sorts will help me organize things a bit and perhaps cull a few things from the collection of "stuff". Hm, and make some space for our future short-wave radio equipment (which also started back in the Victorian period, btw).
Having a theme for my wardrobe means I'll be picking and choosing fabrics to go together so that eventually I'll have less clothing in the house. Making them of durable fabric means less shopping. So in the long run, more space, more money in my pocket, less of being a typical consumer, better for the environment.
So, what makes it Steampunk instead of Victorian? I suppose wearing mostly shorter skirts and/or trousers is part of it. Also, I love legwarmers in the winter and don't intend to give them up -- they'll just be a type of "spats" for me. And I'm not too worried about using all appropriate materials. I did pick up a bit of cotton that I'll be using as clothing -- I think a vest or two in the Life's Journey fabric (one has cool antique clocks all over it) would be nice, and a vest doesn't see as hard wear as a jacket does. I plan on using some of the patterns I have as is and modifying others as necessary.
And as a personal twist, I like knits and some crocheted stuff and I'm not going to bar those from the wardrobe (legwarmers, fingerless gloves, and vests). Not necc. Steamy, but definitely not Victorian. Hm, not too flashy though... guess it's more of a countrified Steampunk...(the country-side type of country, not the yodelling kind)
We just started reading some Steampunk literature and it's been interesting. I think I needed a new genre to explore. Books are a lasting entertainment too, easy to enjoy even when you're trying to save energy and not have the tv, pc, or radio on all the time. I think some of the inventions are a bit silly but others are interesting, and it gets you thinking in different ways. I'm always trying to figure out ways of re-using/re-purposing things, to come up with creative solutions to problems, so that aspect of Steampunk is something I really appreciate.
The modern music.... eh, not so much. Music from the 19th c. is fine though :D
So, the potential for better organization, comfy yet somewhat stylish clothing, more living space, saving energy and limited resources... what's not to like? ;)
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no subject
Date: 2008-10-02 02:26 am (UTC)(reminder, i sell yarn)
i wear very long skirts and have a lot of clutter and do not take any more out than i do with pants.. just so you can consider. its the bustle or the crinoline or the hoops that take stuff out, a "normal" walking skirt doesnt.
corsets are excellent back support... of course i sell those too...
oh, yes... and you may wish to get a catalog from WinterSilks.. they have lovely silk clothes and long johns.
also look at the "how to tie a scarf" on www.tznius.com for some new winter ideas...
coming to saloncon next year?
no subject
Date: 2008-10-02 04:03 am (UTC)As to the skirts, you may be more graceful than me because every time I wear one of my SCAdian dresses I do a pretty good job of sweeping up anything that's in the way as I get ready for an event, LOL
Thanks for the info on WinterSilks and I'll definitely check out tznius.com. And I'll keep you in mind for yarns in the future too ;)
Hm, saloncon. That's the one in MD? Maybe...
no subject
Date: 2008-10-02 11:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-03 03:52 pm (UTC)And yeah, I hear you on the skin. Started having to moisturize some areas this past week. Sometimes a light lotion will do, but sometimes a serious herbal salve is the only way to go... shea butter, olive oil, or whatever.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-03 05:31 pm (UTC)Salon con was in NJ. www.saloncon.com and there is an LJ group i am a member of also...
there is also "wicked faire" which is coming up soon. it may be in Md.. i get confused easily.
just remember the cult of domesticity and the elevation of knitting and crochet to a high womanly skill was in the Victorian era. they knit or made gloves, stockings, muffs, "anti macasars" doilies (loads of doilies) ruffs, cuffs, lace...... the invention of knitted lace as an affordable and genteel alternative to the more time consuming (and foreign) needle laces was English Victorian....etc.
i assure you your knitting or crochet is VERY Victorian.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-04 03:06 am (UTC)