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!

Designed by me SteamPunk Skirt

SteamPunk Skirt