Project Runaway

Hmm....

To help debut the new clothing line, American Girl is partnering with Lifetime's Emmy®-nominated "Project Runway" for a BeForever-inspired designer challenge that will air on Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. EST/8p.m. CST. And, to extend the Project Runway experience for fans, a selection of the actual designs created for the BeForever-themed episode will be showcased at American Girl retail stores nationwide this fall.

And to think neither Heidi nor Tim has contacted us yet.

Harumph.

We might not be ready for prime time, but Momma has the sewing skills and I have runaway runway experience.

Fez-o-rama!

Sorry for my absence lately, but Momma and I have been insanely busy.

Not only have we been insanely busy, but it appears that most of my blogs about Phoenix Comicon have been absorbed into the æther!

The Shame! The Horror!

Looking back, other than having my photo taken with Nathan Fillion, Fez-o-rama was one of my PC14 highlights.

A fez is a traditional felt hat of two types: either a cone or a short cylinder, both usually with a tassel attached to the top.

Fez-o-rama LLC has produced thousands of fezzes since it began in 2005. Fez-o-rama is a unique small business that produces fine hand-made, embroidered velvet fezzes and caps, fez accessories, and original art. What makes them a truly unique company is not only what they make, but also the fact that they are artist owned and operated. 

Momma and I have loved Fez-o-rama for years, so imagine my delight when we stopped by and saw they had not one, not two, but  four mini fezzes in my size!

• The Orloj Fez
• The Mimic Fez
• The Feznovian Fez
• The Cthulhu Fez

Sadly, the $30 mini fezzes are not available online at this time, but if you contact them you should be able to order one. 

Tell 'em Steampunk Addie sent you.

Fez-o-rama LLC gets my Gear of Approval!

Suit yourself

Greta Garb-oh!

Momma and I are proud to present the second outfit in her Greta Garb-oh! Collection: a two-piece 1870s Super Suit PLUS a coordinating Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat. Both are based upon patterns by Thimbles and Acorns.

Momma's Super Suit is as wild and crazy as a day at ComiCon. Not only does it feature Supergirl, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman, but it has the bold onomatopoeic words (Bam! Pow! Wham!) associated with comics, and the coordinating petticoat and bustle has the stars seen in cartoons after a stunning blow to the head.

After making my Super Suit, Momma decided to add gold lame to the cuffs in homage to Wonder Woman's bulletproof bracelets. A gold lasso of truth is attached at the waist, but can be removed if desired.

(I'm jealous. I want bulletproof bracelets, too!)

Honey, where's my Super Suit?

One of the things Momma and I really like about pop culture conventions is watching cosplay.

Cosplay (short for "costume play") participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or concept.

Anything that lends itself to interpretation may be used as inspiration ... and it is not unusual to see women playing male roles, et cetera. 

So when Momma saw this fabric featuring Supergirl, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman, her mind wandered.

My Super Suit is as wild and crazy as a day at ComiCon. Not only does it feature female superheroes, but it has the bold onomatopoeic words (Bam! Pow! Wham!) associated with comics, and my petticoat has the stars seen in cartoons after a stunning blow to the head.

And guess what? Your 18 inch Vinyl American friend can have her very own Super Suit, too! Momma will be listing one in her Etsy shop in the next few days.

Stay tuned for the next exciting development - same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!

Open for business

Momma and I are proud to present the first outfit in her Greta Garb-oh! Collection: a two-piece 1870s Bustle Dress PLUS a matching Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat. Both are based upon patterns by Thimbles and Acorns.

From her Etsy page description:

Dresses in the 1870s were typically made in two pieces - what we now think of as suits. If desired, the petticoat can be worn alone or with other pieces for mix-and-match potential.

For this outfit I chose to use both the green Victorian Dream Gears and a tea-stained muslin. I accented the outfit with a coppery piping which picks up the subtle shades of brown and rust in the green fabric.

All FOUR items (my doll and mannequin are NOT for sale!) are made by me in my smoke-free (but not pet-free!) home from pre-washed 100 percent cotton, except for the piping and thread which contains polyester. All exposed edges have been serged EXCEPT for the raw edges on the two bows AND the selvage edge on the bottom of the petticoat and Lobster Tail Bustle. I loved the color and finish on the tea-stained muslin selvage and incorporated it into the design.

This outfit will fit all American Girl dolls including the earlier, plumper Pleasant Company versions. While it looks floor-length on Peggy (my mannequin and Steampunk Addie's one-legged friend) it is the same length as Steampunk Addie's.

This dress does contain small buttons and metal hooks and eyes so it should not be given to small children. It is intended for the serious doll collector who is 14 or older.

These items can be washed, but I would recommend removing the two bows prior to washing so the raw edges do not fray.

I have been sewing for 37 years, but have only recently started sewing for my dolls. (Steampunk Addie says it's about time!) I plan to make two versions of most outfits: one for Steampunk Addie (or her Vinyl American friends) and one for sale. That means each outfit will be a limited edition of TWO unless stated otherwise. The main difference in these two outfits is the buttons on the outfit you will receive are smaller than Steampunk Addie's.

I love quirky things which is why I love steampunk. (Think of steampunk as Victorian science fiction.) While this outfit is pleasantly restrained, watch for upcoming outfits in patterns and fabrics that will surprise you.

Shipping is for the contiguous United States. I also ship worldwide, but PLEASE contact me for a shipping quote if you live outside the contiguous United States.

Wait until you see the next item!

Pardon, my slip is showing

Ooh, the excitment is building around here.

Not only did Momma finish my LepreCon outfit (complete with matching petticoat and lobster tail bustle) but she is finishing a second to sell in her Etsy shop, Greta Garb-oh!, this week!

Yes, you too can dress like me! Momma plans to make two of each outfit she makes for me (or my Vinyl American siblings) and sell the second on Etsy.

The Thimbles and Acorns description for both the 1870s Bustle Dress and Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat are the same:

Fashion is where expression meets practicality and lures it into the realm of the extreme. Though fashion trends have a tendency to push the limits, practicality always manages to bring them back into balance… at least for a time. Full skirts were the hallmark of the early Victorian era and by the 1860s they had expanded to as wide as six feet in diameter.

However, as railroads began forging paths around the world, women began to travel more and more. Full skirts and crinolines made for poor traveling companions and the boundary for this fashion trend had been reached. Still, it would be a gallant exit.

 The 1870s saw a great boom in the textile industry. Hand looms were replaced by more efficient steam driven power looms which resulted in a larger supply of cloth and fancy trims at greatly reduced prices. The great cage crinolines were shed and the surplus fabric from the full skirts was draped in elaborately decorated layers and pulled toward the back in large bustles that were reminiscent of those worn a century earlier. The fashionable silhouette had become smaller and more mobile, but what was lost in size was more than made up for with the elaborate trimming which would become the hallmark of the later Victorian Era.

Momma used the green Victorian Dream Gears and tea-stained muslin. She deliberalty left the petticoat longer than the shortened bustle skirt so the raw, selvage would show. Momma plans to make me a matching camisole and drawers, too!

I think it's pretty awesome, myself.

 

See Joan, See Joan Sew

simplicity.com

My Dear Friend Joan Dickhaut (aka See Joan Sew) at beds-n-blankies.com is an extraordinary woman. 

Not only did she make Francis a Mad Scientist steampunk lab that I am still coveting, but Simplicity Patterns is scheduled to publish her pattern next month on April 18.

Versatile pieces mix and match to create steam punk, gypsy, Renaissance and other eclectic looks to fit 18" dolls. See envelope for more information. Get FREE instructions for accessories at www.simplicity.com/1392.

Mind you, this journey has taken nearly a year! Joan first revealed the exciting news on May 11, 2013 ... and I didn't find out until Aug. 28!

Momma, of course, saw the pattern potential and wrote Joan:

Steampunk Addie is thrilled to see this and can't wait to get a signed pattern!

To which Joan replied:

Hahaha! Guess who was a major inspiration for some of those pieces. I'll need a signed pattern from her!

My pen is poised and waiting Joan.

 

It was a rock lobster

Momma is happily sewing "It's a Peep" Bustle Skirts for me and Clementine. In fact she's made three since my Big Sister claimed the first one!

She has one "It's a Peep" jacket cut out (she says we can share - harumph) and plans to sew it tomorrow. Momma also has cut out my LeprCon outfit using both the Victorian Dream Gears and tea-stained muslin!

But what I am really looking forward to is the 1870-02 Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat by Thimbles and Acorns to go with my many 1870 Bustle Dresses.

Momma has found the perfect fabric, too.

Rock, rock
Rock lobster
Down, down

Lobster
Rock lobster
Rock
Let's rock

 

 

Express Your Peepsonality

What a glorious day.

Momma made the first of our  matching Peeps outfits and Pippaloo's Peeps arrived in the mail!

I'm a bit indignant that Momma made Clementine's first, but she told me not to be greedy.

Harumph.

And then, Pippaloo's gift Peeps arrived with a note saying, "Tell Addie to share!"

Honestly. What kind of Vinyl American do people think I am?

Momma told me not to look a gift Peep in the mouth, but really.

There's only so much a doll can bear.

Shindig

fox.com

Heaven help me.

pixiefaire.com

Clementine has decided what she wants to wear when she meets Captain Malcolm Reynolds, I mean Nathan Fillion, at Phoenix Comicon.

She wants Momma to make her a Firefly-inspired dress from Melody Valerie Couture's Ardith pattern.

Captain Reynolds hurt Kaylee's feelings in the Firefly episode "Shindig." To apologize, he bought her a fancy pink dress she wanted and took her to a party.

And now Clementine wants her own version.

Shiny.

Having a ball

pixiefaire.com

Yippee! The Cadewyn Dress pattern from Melody Valerie Couture is now available!

The Cadewyn Dress was featured in the Melody Valerie Couture Fall 1023 Inventions in Steampunk Collection. This epic ball gown for 18” dolls features architecturally pleated shoulders, a high back collar, and a dramatic silhouette. An optional Center Front scallop detail adds interest. Side lacing provides a venue to showcase your favorite ribbon or trim; it closes up the back with a zipper and some hooks and eyes. 

This dress would look great in fabric that holds a crease, such as a crisp cotton, nylon, or silk dupioni. Tulle is probably your simplest choice for the overskirts, but for a challenging (and exciting) effect, try layering several different colors of chiffon. 

Suggested fabrics to use: This PDF pattern was designed for use with silk habotai (China silk) or other very lightweight, soft-bodied, lightly woven fabrics like cotton batiste or a thin tencel lining fabric.

Now for Dianne, and I'll be all set for my Diesel Punk look.

 

Hanging with my Peeps

Pippaloo

Momma has gone into Nostalgic Overdrive with the two newest offerings by Pippaloo and Mini Me Dolly Divas.

Peeps!

Ahem.

Mini Me Dolly Divas

Momma has loved Peeps ever since she was a child and her grandfather brought her a box of yellow chick Peeps and a 64-count box of Crayola Crayons.

So she nearly squee-ed today when she saw Dacia's newest T-shirt idea and Teresa's March food offering.

Peeps!

I don't think she will ever recover from this.

A force to be reckoned with

Momma and I both admire Melody Valerie Couture and were thrilled with her Fall 2013 line, Inventions in Steampunk. 

Sadly, two of the outfits (Ardith and Betsy) sold for way more than we could afford, especially Ardith, so we are thrilled to see those patterns are now available on Pixie Faire.

pixiefaire.com

Ardith Dress 18" Doll Clothes

With such a wistful look on her face, she could have been the Lady of Shalott. But something in her air made one think she was made of sterner stuff than that -- something more industrial, more revolutionary. And you would have been right. Delicately attired in her dramatic evening gown, she floated across the plaza to change the world.

This stunning gown for 18” dolls is designed for ultra-soft habotai (”China silk”), with artificial leather accents at the neckline and waist. Rows upon rows of ruffles cascade down the full-length skirt, or make the short version for your favorite summer garden party. Tiny eyelets and a sturdy silk ribbon lace the dress closed in the back. Between the contrasting yoke, the cold-shoulder sleeves, and the dramatic back, embellishment opportunities abound! Try adding chain, vintage brooches, or beadwork for your own unique touch to this fabulous dress.

pixiefaire.com

Betsy Dress 18" Doll Clothes

Her name on paper was simple enough: Betsy. Not very pretentious. Not very unusual. Downright ordinary, in fact. But when she arrived, her striking gown’s elegant silhouette and shimmering jewels glistening in the late evening sunlight, it was clear we had been wrong about Betsy. She was a force to be reckoned with.

“Betsy” is a luxurious soft gown in both maxi and day lengths. It features a pull-on design, a ruched bodice, optional bodice lining and petticoat, and shoulder straps that cross in the back before becoming part of the pleated skirt. We suggest using a soft knit with some body and rebound, like a jersey knit.

Now for Cadewyn and Dianne....

Hustle and bustle

I am rocking my new Steampunk Star Trek outfit, so I was thrilled to see Thimbles and Acorns has made a bustle to go under it.

I laughed when I read her comment when she posted a photo on Facebook yesterday:

Yes, as a foundation garment, this bustle pattern should have been finished before the bustle dress... better late than never. Hoping to have this pattern out later this week as a supplement to the "Unmentionables" pattern.

 
I have loved Shari Fuller's Thimbles and Acorns designs and patterns ever since she started in 2011. I thoroughly approve of her love of history and its fashions.

I also like her description of how the bustle evolved in Victorian fashion in her 1870s Bustle Dress:

Fashion is where expression meets practicality and lures it into the realm of the extreme. Though fashion trends have a tendency to push the limits, practicality always manages to bring them back into balance… at least for a time. Full skirts were the hallmark of the early Victorian era and by the 1860s they had expanded to as wide as six feet in diameter.

However, as railroads began forging paths around the world, women began to travel more and more. Full skirts and crinolines made for poor traveling companions and the boundary for this fashion trend had been reached. Still, it would be a gallant exit.

The 1870s saw a great boom in the textile industry. Hand looms were replaced by more efficient steam driven power looms which resulted in a larger supply of cloth and fancy trims at greatly reduced prices.

The great cage crinolines were shed and the surplus fabric from the full skirts was draped in elaborately decorated layers and pulled toward the back in large bustles that were reminiscent of those worn a century earlier. The fashionable silhouette had become smaller and more mobile, but what was lost in size was more than made up for with the elaborate trimming which would become the hallmark of the later Victorian Era. 

Since Momma is sewing again, maybe I can persuade her to make the bustle with one of the Unmentionables fabrics?

(Yes, it tickles my funny bone to make Unmentionables with Unmentionables.)

Just dessous

MHD Designs

Now that Momma is back in seamstress mode, she is spending a lot of time looking at patterns and fabrics while letting her imagination run wild.

Her latest brainstorm?

The Unmentionables.

As you might recall, "unmentionables" was a Victorian euphemism for undergarments that weren't to be seen, let alone mentioned.

Elle a osé montrer ses dessous en plein air.

(She dared show her undies out in the open.)

Momma's vision includes MHD Designs 1850s Dessous pattern using all three of the Unmentionables by Peggy Jo Ackley fabrics by Robert Kaufman.

Can't you just picture this 1850s chemise, petticoat, pantaloons, and corset ensemble in these hilarious cotton novelty print fabrics? 

I shall be the envy of all.

Who let the geeks out?

Geeking out at Geeks Night Out.

I am a Mini Me Dolly Diva. Thanks Dacia!

Set phasers on stunning!

My Steam Team has my back.

These are not the stormtroopers you are looking for.

At last! Another æthernet traveler!

Madness takes its toll.

Introducing Greta Garb-oh!

Momma has (finally!) decided to do more sewing for me and the rest of my Steam Team, and has even come up with a name for her clothing sales: Greta Garb-Oh! 

When she does, one of the many things she plans to make is the Steam Jacket & Skirt Bundle and Bib Top Pattern by Liberty Jane. (The Bib Top Pattern is available in a separate listing.)

The Liberty Jane Clothing Tokyo Libby: Steam outfit was part of the Fall 2013 International Collection. This original outfit was sold at auction as a One Of A Kind original design. Now you can make this Harajuku inspired outfit for your 18 inch American Girl Doll!

Soo, which Greta Garb-Oh! do you like better: the one with the checked background or without?

 

To a T

Mini Me Dolly Divas

I've never been much of a T-shirt fan but I have to admit I am rapidly becoming one after viewing them in Dacia's Mini Me Dolly Divas shop on etsy.

A T-Shirt (also known as a T Shirt, tee-shirt, or tee) is a cotton-knit shirt thats defining characteristic is the "T" shape made with the body and sleeves.

 
The T-Shirt evolved from 19th century Unmentionables, when one-piece "union suits" were separated into top and bottom garments. T-Shirts became popular in the United States when they were issued by the U.S. Navy during or after the Spanish-American War of 1898.

By the year 1920, the word "T-shirt" became an official American-English word in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. They became even more popular in the 1950s after Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar Named Desire.

(Incidentally, Momma thought that T-shirt sales skyrocketed after Clark Gable wore one in the 1934 moving picture, It Happened One Night. It turns out it was the other way around. Gable took off his dress shirt in what was considered a racy scene with Claudette Colbert and (gasp!) there was bare skin beneath. Undershirt sales allegedly plummeted.)

 
Now all I can think of are T-shirts that I want:

• Small in Stature, Big in Imagination
• Set phasers on Stunning
• No Tribble at all
• Make it Sew
• Star Trek: Into Dorkness
• You can't take the sky from me
• Shiny!
• Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!
• I am a leaf on the wind.
• I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you.
• You are startin' to damage my calm.

Do you have any suggestions?

Star Trek: Into Dorkness

Wow! Talk about quick service.

Momma made this Custom Request from Mini Me Dolly Divas on Sunday (hoping for May 31 delivery) and it's done by Thursday!

Custom order for Great (Love the typo!)

This is a truly inspired special order. I just can't help but smile when I look at this... Live Long and Prosper...

This is not recommended for small children.

This outfit includes t-shirt, leggings, hat, bustle skirt, and Jacket.

What you will receive:

THE JACKET- The jacket is fully lined with Enterprise fabric and has button has button detail, trimmed with black and closes in the front with snaps.

THE SKIRT- Bustle skirt has a Star Trek print , and a coordinating Enterprise print skirt and closes in the back with a snap.

THE HAT- The hat is black with a Star Trek print little band around the top, it is finished off with a fabric bow, and feathers. This hat is fully lined.

THE T-SHIRT- Machine embroidered t-shirt closes in the back with velcro.

THE LEGGINGS- Jersey knit leggings have an elastic waistband.

I am going to be the best dressed any0ne at Phoenix Comicon!

Make is sew

Mini Me Dolly Divas

As hinted at the other day, here's a sneak peek of my newest outfit being created for me by Mini Me Dolly Divas - as modeled by My Dear Friend, Samantha.

Momma had a vision while looking at Dacia's items, and Dacia agreed to the Special Order.

Special order I am working on for Steampunk Addie. Samantha gets to model it since she is pre-Mattel also. This is going to be a steampunk, Star Trek outfit... doesn't look like it yet I know but it will. I am very excited about this one.

Ok, this so stinking cute it's crazy! Oh, Samantha doesn't want to give this one up....

If Samantha thinks she's going to keep this, she's got another think coming. 

The dress is a modified version of the Thimbles and Acorn's 1870s Bustle Dress pattern.

The t-shirt and the hat are modified Liberty Jane patterns. You can find LJC patterns at http://www.pixiefaire.com.