It’s time for our annual Kinetic Carnivale here in our little town of Willits. This year I designed a steam punk skirt using Lekala Pattern 5434 and the yoke from Lekala Pattern 5266.
All of the materials and lace were purchased from the thrift. It probably came to less than $10.00, but took hours to make. I spent all day making the skirt and then hours finding a top that I could refashion to go with it.
The reason it took so long is that I decided to try some fabric manipulation. It really turned the plain muslin into something quite unique! I sewed row after row of 1/2 inch pleats, then sewed horizontally across them, folding the pleats in opposite directions. I only had enough patience to do the front panel. I used the part I cut off from the front dip on the back yoke as kind of a faux bustle.
I think it ties the back and front together. I used the circular flounces from the pattern, adding more trim to the bottom of each. I went crazy with the lace, I’m sure it must have cost someone a fortune at one time, but I used it like it was endless and free!
For the top, I used a RTW top that I’ve had for a few years. It has a textured yoke with fabric swirls and lots of metallic do-dads. I chopped it off to meet up with the top of the skirt yoke. I didn’t want anything to cover that cute bustle in the back.
I also rummage through my purse making supplies and found a small piece of leather that I made into a pouch to wear on my belt. For the belts, I used one black belt and a few purse straps with metal hooks to go around my waist. I have this great pin that a friend gave me that represents sewing! I pinned that to my skirt.
Other accessories include: a headband with a flower and feathers, pearl beads, red bracelet, and silly sunglasses. I glued buttons around the rims!
I’m more than ready for tonight’s Kinetic Ball! Should be lots of fun!
I’m planning a random giveaway of few handmade items in appreciation for my bloggy readers when I reach 350 followers or when I write my 400th post, which ever comes first, so follow me if you don’t all ready!
How fun is that?! Great job on your outfit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your compliment!
LikeLike
What fun! I love the sunglasses. Kind of steampunk and new wave all at once.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I tried to emphasize that I am steam punk seamstress.
LikeLike
I love the whole outfit, the work on the skirt is amazing, you do look very steampunky hehe. Great sunglasses too and the little pouch is adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I love how the skirt turned out. I might try to dye it at some point.
LikeLike
Wow, Barbara! That fabric manipulation is amazing. Have fun at the Carnivale!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! We danced to a SF Swinging 40’s style band. Had a great time!
LikeLike
Great look, head to toe — and your skirt is truly a work of art. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you for the nice comment, Ebi.
LikeLike
The skirt is gorgeous, and those sunglasses!! You look great 🙂
Xx
LikeLike
Looks like a lot of fun! hope you had a great time. Totally jealous of that awesome pin 🙂
LikeLike