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Woohoo! I’m feeling like things are really coming together here. I’d already played with the idea of the wildcard pack being rather more butch than the other outfits, and the riding jacket was an easy choice
The jacket pattern is on its way…
…but I couldn’t decide exactly what to make for my bottom half!
A lovely divided skirt?
A skirt that’s really not?
A full on side saddle skirt?
Or jodhpurs/breeches?
After brooding on this for some time, I’ve gone for the last one. Somewhat later in period than the jacket, but the joy of steampunk is that you can embrace anachronisms- I’m a time traveller after all.
Even better, the pattern is downloadable, so it’s already printed out next to me. Another decision made!
Plus a little serendipity- a few months back I joined the ‘Historical Sewing Monthly’ group on Facebook. Late in the day for this year’s challenges, but I did manage to squeeze my bronze corset into the ‘brown’ challenge, and got some very very useful advice on fitting my green jacket. It’s a pretty serious group of dedicated historical costumers and re-enactors, so I don’t want to be too blatant with my steampunkery, which means some of my makes won’t fulfill their brief.
To my glee, a few days ago they started a thread discussing ideas for next year’s challenges, and I threw a few notions into the hat. I’m chuffed to bits to find that one of my ideas is in the final list! Even better for the SWAP, the first four challenges will slot neatly into my existing sewing plans. You’re allowed to make an item in the month before the challenge starts, ie I can do ‘January’ in December, and so on.
January = procrastination. One of my parasols needs to be done, and that also won’t break the SWAP rules.
February= Tucks and Pleating. My January sewing will begin with the silver skirt [I cut out the toile today]
March=Protection
April=Gender bender [my idea!] This only has to be something modelled on mens clothing of the era, and rding jackets are usually very masculine in style.
Well these two fit the bill for a riding outfit don’t they?
Happy Fairy time!
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thedementedfairy 
Oh, you have just given me an instant headache just from the memory of making a riding habit with side saddle skirt for a particularly lunatic client with a very different view of her body to reality. I need to go and lie down.
(The outfit looked great by the way, and I’m sure that yours will exceed that).
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I had a lot of loonies like that when I was making opera costumes…the ladies of the chorus were the worst!
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I like this jacket pattern very much. Do you have a fabric in mind for it yet? It will look fabulous with the jods. They are so much fun. Xx
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Helloooo again! I’m debating fabrics. I would like it all to work together as much as possible- imagine a fancy schmancy evening bodice worn with jodhpurs and a cage bustle on the outside? Very steampunk! So to link the green and purple pods, I was thinking of chocolate brown. It may well end up black though for ultimate mixability. I’m not tied to it mixing with anything else though, so huntsman red might be cool…when I find the fabric, I know it will call me! A good quality suiting fabric for sure, and there’s loads at the Fancy Silk Store, or the ebay seller where I got the green wool…decisions decisions
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I actually got a chance to go to Fancy Silk Store last time I was in Birmingham. It is fabric heaven. They were so friendly and helpful as well. I am so green that you have such great fabric resources on your doorstep. 🙂 Xx
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I love the markets…and there’s Barry’s as well of course. It all depends on your budget and what you’re after- each has its strengths!
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Gosh DF you are being so productive and creative. This has really been such a great challenge for you. I love the riding outfit, especially the jacket. I think it will be the sort of thing that you can wear with lots of different bottoms (even flared jeans, tee hee). I am also glad you are getting specialist advice because this stuff is so far from my comfort zone, although I am curious and learning from your excellent posts.
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I’m having fun- it’s excellent stress therapy, I just hope it still works when I’m back to work again. My current quandary is colour choices: red jacket and black jodhpurs for a ‘hunting’ look? Black jacket with red facings and beige jodhpurs for a more classic look? Or more outrageous- I’ve found some stunning purple or green moleskin suitings…decisions decisions
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Hunting look? Classic look? Is this the df I know & love? More outrageous? Phew, she’s back!! 😂 🍻
I’m still not sewing – & not through choice 😕 – but have loads of plans. Love your whole steam punk vibe. SO my thing 😉 xx
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I’m only debating colours, I have some crazy notions for styling it all up at the end, trust me!
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Wow – fabulous steampunkery. I can’t keep up but am mega impressed. DF, check out McCalls latest release of patterns (only on the US site as yet) – there’s a great hat pattern – dinky bowler, top hat etc. with space to put one’s brass goggles on!
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woohoo I love hats! Mind you, I’m currently avoiding the ubiquitous top hat/goggles look, but I may get it in for later. I did indulge in some round blue mirrored sunglasses a la Gary Oldmann though
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Yes, but a bowler… a bowler says something else… not sure what though! Goggles no good for me unless they are varifocal goggles.
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I’ve always loved the look of riding outfits especially with the flowing skirt for side saddle riding. I think they are elegant. Your knowledge and expertise is growing and growing, what will the girl take on next?
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It’s doing me such good- brilliant therapy. All these challenges and mini deadlines are great for my anxiety!
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