November 6, 2013 in Costume, Exhibitions, time and space
September 1, 2013 in Costume, steampunk, tea
We started by draping a blouse toile on a mannequin, taking Edwardian pin tucks and high collars as a starting point.
The back is a big keyhole shape, I have a backless corset and thought it would be a good excuse to use it, with a cream latex rubber cowl neck. I blame the lovely Emma Brackenbury for re-introducing me to the awesome possibilities of latex cloth, I shall also be dipping lace into liquid latex, drying then attaching, to finish/blend all the textures together.
August 29, 2013 in Costume, steampunk
I started with the corset/belt as there was some scrumptious Eau de Nil and gold striped taffeta hanging about the studio. I also wanted to show my placement student Laura, how adaptable the hip bucket corset pattern is….
August 29, 2013 in Costume, space, steampunk, tea, weekend at the asylum
The annual dressmaking frenzy for “weekend at the asylum” has begun! As usual, my first attempt at a sketch, on the back of an envelope, is what will form the general shape of this outfit!
January 9, 2013 in Costume, Gin
Whilst thinking about cocktail cabinets and the dificulty of getting to the bar at a crowded soiree, I came up with the idea of a bustle that concealed a hidden drinks cabinet!
The construction of the outfit is described in detail here and you can also see me talking about it in a video for TheMuseTV
It features a quite traditionally victorian cuirasse bodice pattern cut, unboned but worn over a steel boned corset, with a velvet front panel and sumptuous peacock patterned satin sleeves. The actual bar is made from buckram and is rigid enough to support cocktail shaker, hendricks gin bottle and is lit from above with white LED’s. 
August 1, 2012 in Costume, Free Gifts
Today we have a lovely deepsea diving outfit, The steamrena mechanics outfit and some extra accessories for the Emilly Ladybird dress up doll for you to down load! Just click on the link to go to a high resolution version!
When the weather is warm, Emilly and Mr Woppit like nothing more than to visit the seaside with a pair of binoculars and watch out for Kraken frolicking in the waves!
June 11, 2012 in Costume, Free Gifts
Another page of Emilly Ladybird dress up dolly fun, this week is a Patriotic ensemble to celebrate the Jubilee, and some other fun stuff. This Steampunk Brittania dress was displayed in all it’s actual 3D glory at Kewbridge Steam Museums Exhibition!
After a little experimentation, I have also discovered that repositionable stickers are absolutely perfect for creating a changeable costume doll without the need for tabs! This one from Avery is excellent (despite the rather odd sounding name). You get 6 A4 sheets in a pack and it works in a normal inkjet printer.
You can get your high resolution version of the dresses here
May 29, 2012 in Costume, Free Gifts
To celebrate the beautiful new look to my journal, I have a special treat, you can now download your very own Emilly Ladybird Dress up doll!
Drawn by Mr Kit Cox, you can mix and match all Emillys favourite costumes, including The Steampunk Absinthe Fairy, The Britannia Gown and even colour in or design your own.
You could print them out onto Magnetised paper and cut out with sharp scissors or simply cut out with extra tabs to fold round a cardboard Emilly.
There will be a few different pages appearing over the next few weeks!
To down load the high resolution versions just click here and here
December 29, 2011 in Bradford Industrial Museum, Costume, Exhibitions, steampunk
Everything was finished and installed just in time for the opening! phew! There are some pictures from the opening on the exhibitions facebook page. If you get the chance do go and have a browse, it’s a fascinating museum and the special steampunk display will be in place till May 2012.
You also get the chance to view a specially made 3D film using special steampunk style viewing goggles and starring Me!
Theres also some great pictures from the promo photoshoot here
December 4, 2011 in Costume, Exhibitions, Inspiration, steampunk
This shows the length of the skirt at the back over the cage. The mini cage is 6 sprung steel lengths, individually sprayed gold with car lacquer, taped together into hoops and suspended from two layers of brown petersham ribbon, sewn together to make holes for the hoops to slide through (they slide through before taping..)
The top hoop does not complete a full circle and it’s ends are held by the two front tapes. This is so you can get in and out easily, the top hoop is quite small!
