Eglantine: Bloomers? Oh, I say, capital idea!

Over at Ribbons and Riesling, you may have read Kirsten talking about our little Steampunk group.  We have made-up characters and a made-up blimp, but we take our fun very seriously!

Steampunk costuming can be as difficulty or as easy as you want to make it, and I am combining pieces I have purchased and pieces I have made for the final look of the costume.  The piece I've been working on most recently were the bloomers.  They were based on the bloomers and chemise pattern found at Truly Victorian, but slightly modified for ease of construction (I do swear Victorians put things together in the most inconvenient and difficult ways they could imagine) and for a final wear look that will fit into my costume concept.  I made them shorter and more ruffled because I intend them to be seen.  They come to just above my knee, and will show under a skirt that will be bustled up high, showgirl style.

So, lets go to the pics:

The construction of the body of the bloomers wasn't anything earth shattering.  I made them from an unbleached cotton muslin.

The lace was my favorite part of this project.  I chose a natural, unbleached cotton lace from one of my favorite sewing notions website, NearSea Naturals.

This was the part I hated the most: putting the ruffles together with the inside and outside legbands.  I swore a bit during this step.  It was slow going to get through all the steps necessary, but then...

This was the finished ruffled band, and I was pleased with how nice and girly it looked!  I was so pleased that I almost forgot to start swearing again when it came time to attach both of these to the body of the bloomers.

I did it, though, and without resorting to violence.  I was tired of looking at them, so I did just toss them on the back of the chair and tell myself the handwork could wait until the next morning.

Handwork all done, they turned out pretty well!  Now for trying them on....finding someone else to take a picture....finding the hosiery I chose to go with them for the costume....*le sigh*

You may ask, "Are you lying on the floor?" Yes, yes I am. My photographer chooses to adapt in the manner easiest for the situation. "Mom, the blinds are up and the camera is glaring. Just lay on the floor where the sun won't shine into the camera! I will stand on the coffee table!" Righto, kid.

Now to find the right shoes!  Oh, and make or buy the rest of the pieces (skirt, bodice, hat, gloves).  I already have my Goggles!