Progress

[clevermanka]

Thanks to some sharp insight and spot-on criticism of Steampunk fashion by sdemory, I scrapped 90% of the previous design and am going in an entirely new direction with the costume. Even better: I haven't seen anybody take this angle on the Steampunk aesthetic yet. Maybe I'm a first? Details are hush-hush, but I am quite pleased with progress so far. And I'm back to enjoying the design and construction process, which is a nice change from where I was last week.

In fact, I kinda wish I was at home today so I could continue to work on it.

Does anyone know a local (KC is fine) store where I could purchase nice long fluffy feathers? The kind they put in the fancy hats at faire...

Comments

[closer-to-fine.livejournal.com]

Hrm...do you think they would have such things at KC Costume? I know they carry all manner of feather boas, but I would think they would have other ones as well. We also have a big passel of long peacock feathers living at our house, if you wanted to take a look.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Hmmm! Peacock feathers! I was picturing ostrich feathers, but peacock feathers might work, too. I'll let you know. Thank you!

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

KC Costume definitely has ostrich plumes of various colors, as well as peacock and rooster feathers as well.


D.

[auroraceleste.livejournal.com]

Yup, was there last weekend, quality 16-24" ones are 5-7$. Red and black are kinda picked over now :P

But, I got your patterns at JoAnn's!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the patterns!

I don't see that it would be possible to get to KC Costume before ConQuesT, but perhaps on my way there I could stop by to see if they have some appropriate browns or golds...

[stuology.livejournal.com]

If they are talking about Kansas City Costume that is on 20th and Grand, I work about 13 blocks away. At least 2 days a week I do.

If you want them before you drive to ConQuesT, I can do a pick up if you know that they have what you want.

I'd probably be bad at finding the appropriate browns and golds though.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's the place! If you don't mind stopping by, that would be worlds of wonderful. I can give you some fabric samples. I completely trust your color taste. I just need two, really, either a brown and gold or brown and red or red and gold. But I certainly wouldn't complain if you found three.

When would be a good time for me to drop off fabric samples?

[stuology.livejournal.com]

I'll be home tonight around 6:30. I'm working from home tomorrow, so anytime you get off of work, I'll be there.

I'm going to be in KC again on Wednesday, so I can get your feathers then.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Awesomeness. I will bring the fabric samples over this evening. When do you eat dinner? I don't want to interrupt dinner.

[stuology.livejournal.com]

It doesn't matter. You can come over whenever it is convenient for you.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

OK. I'll call before I head out. Thank you!

[scary-manilow.livejournal.com]

Baj! Way to keep us hanging with this new project... I assume there will be pictures once you finally complete it?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely. Lots of pictures! You don't have long to wait, either. The costume makes its debut Memorial Day Weekend.

[amnesiacat.livejournal.com]

forgive my ignorance here, but what on earth is steampunk fashion?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

steamfashion can give you a quick tutorial. Check auroraceleste's collection of Steampunk inspiration as well (http://pics.livejournal.com/auroraceleste/gallery/0002wgfp).

[solan-t.livejournal.com]

Or even check out the webcomic Girl Genius. The webcomic is just worth it for itself. ;) http://www.girlgeniusonline.com

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

As mentioned, KC Costume is your best bet around here. They are usually open on saturdays but not sure if they have any evening hours. If you are thinking of making a run might be good to check the hours.

What colors are you looking for? Maybe someone has spares lying around.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

The only day I could possibly make it to KC Costume is on Friday late morning/early afternoon when I'm headed to the con. Surely they're not closed on Fridays...

I need brown, gold, or rust red. Kinda similar to my faire colors, now that I think about it...

[harmfulguy.livejournal.com]

You may have heard about this already, but the Ravenwood Festival (http://www.myspace.com/ravenwoodfestival) is going to be a steampunk festival in Arkansas (about 4 hours from Lawrence) in July.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I hadn't heard about it, no...but I'm not really in the subculture. I just like a lot of the design aesthetics.

I believe some people call my type "posers." =D

It's All About the Costumes.

[solan-t.livejournal.com]

Let's hear it for the posers!

Re: It's All About the Costumes.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Perfect icon.

[amjhawk.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I'm intrigued. Can't wait to see it!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Sorry you won't be there in person to see it.

[sdemory.livejournal.com]

It's very sweet of you to weave "sharp insight and spot-on criticism" out of "Steampunk is too fucking white. Oh, and I hate it." You're a kind, kind woman... don't let anyone tell you different.

Looking forward to the end result of the costume!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

You're a kind, kind woman... don't let anyone tell you different.

=)

Well, seriously. It is too fucking white. And I'm embarrassed that I didn't notice it before. That simple observation made such a difference in my approach to the costume. It improved it more than I can say.