Confessions of a Craft Addict

I’ve been unable to take part in any launches or really list anything for sale the past few months, but I could not resist the Boutique Steampunk launch on Ebay. My sketchbook is full of Steampunk designs and getting the chance to sew something from it made me a little giddy.

Of course, my oldest is jealous that I’ve sewn a Steampunk set for his sister before the one I’ve been promising to sew him. He agreed, though, that the outfit turned out just awesome (and he loves the pictures).

It’s a seven-piece set (I’m counting the wrist cuffs individually) and one of my favorite things I’ve ever sewn. It’s also one-of-a-kind, so if it sells, all I’ll have are some really cool pictures to remember it by.

The top stressed me out the most. I wasn’t sure if it would turn out quite like I imagined but it did and I love it. The little puff sleeves are shirred at the cuffs, so a little puffier and girlier. The back hem swoops down into a long, curved tail and the rows of shirring at the back waist make for a slight bustle effect. I added a lace overlay to the collar and finished it off with vintage buttons.

I used a brown cotton twill for the kicky little pleated skirt. Boy, did I worry about all that contrast stitching! And it took forever but I definitely think it adds a little something extra to the skirt.

The pants are probably my favorite part of the set. I used a cotton/Spandex blend fabric for the main part of the pants. It has a slightly raised design to it which is a little more visually interesting than just plain cream. But the best part has to be the layers of lace ruffles. Three different types of lace — all different lengths — layered together. So fun!

The wrist cuffs are another lace with an elastic band sewn into them. Comfortable but cute. And I love the modified Keyka Lou Baby Clutch. I added a sleeve to the back and slid a belt through it for a cute hip pouch.

You can see the rest of the pics from our photo shoot in my Flickr.