A cruising speed of 10 miles per hour

Oliver Lippincott arrives at Grandview Point on Jan. 12, 1902.
(Photo: Grand Canyon National Park #05122)

Nick and Chris Howell of England have earned my Respect and Admiration.

Eight years ago, Nick Howell purchased an antique 1901 Toledo Steam Car(riage). He later discovered it was the very same car that had made the first automobile trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.

Steam engines capable of propelling themselves developed about 100 years before internal combustion engine automobiles. The light steam car developed about the same time as cars powered by internal combustion engines.

Oliver Lippincott was a Los Angeles photographer who liked trailblazing remote areas with new technology.

The first automobile to enter Yosemite was a Locomobile steam car driven by Lippincott. Lippincott and his mechanic arrived June 24, 1900 and spent several weeks taking pictures to promote both Yosemite and the Locomobile.

Part of what protected the Grand Canyon for so long was its remoteness. A railroad to Flagstaff was completed in 1882 and stage coaches started to take tourists from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon in 1883—a 70-mile, 11-hour journey at $20 per person. 

The first train with paying passengers (the 64-mile trip cost $3.95) arrived at the South Rim on Sept. 17, 1901 from Williams.

In January of 1902, Lippincott planned to drive the roughly 70 miles from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

Accompanied by a local guide and two reporters from the Los Angeles Herald, Lippincott's 1901 Toledo steamer became the first vehicle to successfully make that trip. In what was later described as "The Trip from Hell," what was supposed to take seven hours took two days—or two weeks, depending upon who told the story.

The Toledo Steam Carriage was a very well-made, high-quality machine and is considered one of the best steam cars produced at the time.

Because steam cars used technology already developed for steam locomotives, they initially had the advantage. In 1900 the steam car was superior and held land speed records, but by 1920 the internal combustion engine had progressed to a degree of refinement that made the steam car obsolete.

Eight years after purchasing the Toledo Steam Carriage, the Howell brothers recreated Lippincott's historic trip. The brothers hoped to do the trip in seven hours, but it, too, took two days. On Aug. 26 and 27, 2014 (with the help of several car and history buffs—and lots of tea) they did it.

And the Howells weren't towed in—unlike Lippincott.

I strongly encourage you to follow the link below to read more about their daring adventure.

Well done, gentlemen. Well done.


http://www.azcentral.com/longform/life/az-narratives/2014/08/29/steam-car-grand-canyon-journey-longform/14834557/ 

Ghoul talk

mattel.com

Momma has been Scary Busy lately with work, which doesn't leave much time for Me.

Harrumph!

Too bad for her, but that leaves me plenty of time to Time Travel and Surf the Web.

We're both still trying to find a Ghoul's Alive Robecca, but now we're also hunting for a Coffin Bean Robecca, too!

Not only is Robecca cute, but checkout the tiny Mason jar she's drinking from!

The Monster High gang can let it all fang out at the Coffin Bean, one of their favorite haunts. Carrying her favorite ghoulish treat, Robecca Steam is ready to grab a table for some ghoul-talk with her beast ghoulfriends. And even though the dress code is comfy and casual, this monsterista is always a fierce fashionista. She wears graphic prints, a sleek silhouette and to-die-for accessories. Her coffee drink with handle fits in her clawesome hand.

The Mason jar (also known as Ball jars, fruit jars, and glass canning jars) was invented and patented in 1858 by Philadelphia tinsmith John Landis Mason.

But what is Robecca drinking out of her jar? Something steamed, of course: but an antoccino, breve, café au lait, café latte, café marocchino, café miel, café mocha, cappuccino, cortado, eggnog latte, espressino, latte, or a mélange? 

Personally, I think it's a Chai Latte: steamed milk and spiced tea. (Add espresso shots for a "Dirty Chai Latte"!

 

 

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!

This week in the Civil War: June 22, 1864

AP on chaotic evacuation of the wounded, fighting in Virginia

The Associated Press reported in a dispatch June 23, 1864, that the Confederates had been firing upon horse-drawn hospital wagons evacuating the wounded to steamers off the Virginia coast. Union forces reported that "the Rebels pay no respect to our hospital flags; and on Thursday last they fired upon one of our hospital trains from a battery stationed near Petersburg, (Virginia), killing and wounding several horses." The AP account said no one aboard the hospital wagons was wounded in that and other incidents as Union troops took aim at Petersburg 150 years ago in the Civil War. AP reported, meanwhile, that the toll of war was ghastly: thousands upon thousands of bloodied, wounded men were being taken to steamer ships off Virginia for the trip northward. Also evacuated were many wounded rebel prisoners, including one rebel lieutenant who had lost an arm in the fighting. In a separate dispatch, AP reported the artillery duels had continued unabated for days near Petersburg. "The city is full of lofty shade trees, and the steeples of the churches are the only prominent objects on which to take effective range. The effects of the shooting have not yet been ascertained, aside from the burning of some of the buildings," AP's correspondent wrote in June 1864, adding the air was humid and hot with the dust and din of battle. 

The Adventures of Nellie Bligh

Momma has finally decided upon her own steampunk ensemble!

Using Simplicity Pattern #1558 as a basis, she plans to make the blouse with Tea-Dyed Muslin, and the skirt with two Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements fabrics: Stamps Neutral (using the reverse side) and Photo Card Multi. The blouse and skirt will both be 100 percent cotton which will make them both cool and washable.

How disgustingly practical!

Her character? Captain Nellie Bligh - a composite of both Nellie Bly and Captain Bligh.

What do you think?

They did the monster mash-up

Have you seen Her? Have you?

In a freaky twist of adventure, some of the favorite Monster High ghouls get accidentally fused together. Prepare to see the original tribe of beast ghoulfriends like you've never seen them before! Choose from Lagoonafire (a mix of Lagoona Blue and Jinafire Long), Dracubecca (a fusion of Draculaura and Robecca Steam), Cleolei (a combination of Cleo de Nile and Toralei), Clawvenus (a blend of Clawdeen Wolf and Venus McFlytrap) and Neighthan Rot (a unicorn-zombie boy).

Each freaky fabulous doll offers twice the freaky flaws along with killer "fusionable" style. Accessories include a to-die-for purse for each - except Neighthan Rot, who has a hat with a hole cut out for his unicorn horn. Each also comes with a doll stand and brush, plus a personalized diary that contains scary cool insights into these clashing dual personalities. Collect them all to expand the fun to monster proportions.

Not all heroes wear capes!

Momma and I are proud to be part of the four newest Dolls for a Cause auctions on eBay. All four auctions run through Sunday, June 22 and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Fisher House Foundation. 

Today I focus on My Personal Favorite, the Steampunk Batman and Robin collection that Momma contributed to.

How do you define a Hero? This is what we asked ourselves as we went to work on a collection to honor our veterans. In these auctions you will find an amazing assortment of superheroes and real heroes. These are our true super heroes! They are selflessly our protectors. I would like to thank all of our service men and women for your service to our country. You are my superhero. You are Batman without his cape.

These amazing collections will be sold as 100 percent donation to Fisher House Foundation. We did some research to find a veterans charity that spends the money wisely where we could feel confident that your donations will be put to very good use.

A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 63 Fisher Houses located on 23 military installations and 24 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design.

Since 1990

• Families served: More than 180,000
• Number of lodging days offered: Over 4.7 million
• Saved families more than $200 million in lodging and transportation costs

Not all Heroes wear capes - Steam Punk Batman and Robin collection

We decided to take Batman and Robin and change them into something new and different yet still touches us as the true Batman and Robin always have. Batman and Robin are classic superheroes we all know and love, and we are so happy to present them to you as a tribute to our veterans.

Donated by Dacia of Mini Me Dolly Divas on Etsy
Steampunk Batman

Skirt - bustle skirt pattern by Thimbles and Acorns, black fabric, with batman print bustle, edged in yellow beaded trim, and closes with a snap

Shirt -pattern by MHD designs - gray with Batman fabric trim has pleated neckline, this shirt is fully lined, it has little snaps on the sleeve cuffs for a nice snug fit but will still easily go over your doll's hands, and it closes in the back with snaps

Corset -pattern by MHD designs- black fabric with machine embroidered Batman patch fully lined, has a ribbon strap closure in the back

Cape - Modified Melody Valerie Couture pattern is black with Batman fabric lining, fully lined and closes in the front with a snap

Steampunk Robin

Skirt - Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern modified. I modified this pattern making a short underskirt for fun. It is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim and closes in the back with a snap, and has whimsical machine embroidered patches

Jacket -Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern - this jacket is fully lined and closes in the front with snaps.

Hat - Bonjour Teaspoon pattern available at Pixiefaire, hat is fully lined.

T-shirt- Trendy tee pattern by Liberty Jane Clothing, green embroidered T-shirt closes in the back with velcro. This T-shirt is my nod to service men and women, our heroes without capes.

Donated by Greta Huls of Rexphiles on Etsy
Additional Steampunk Accessories

Lobstertail bustles to properly outfit the steampunk dresses made with the Thimbles & Acorns pattern 1870-02. Bustles became popular after the Civil War when travel by train became popular. Large hoopskirts didn't fit through narrow train aisles so the bustle became popular.

Batman's bustle is made with licensed Batman fabric, and ties with coordinating grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Bam!

Robin's bustle is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim, and ties with yellow grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Pow!

Goggles/masks - inspired and modified from Simplicity® Pattern 1392: Doll Accessories. Both are made with soft black or dark green and dark red vinyls, coordinating ribbon ties, and yellow plastic lenses. I sewed everything making it sturdier and eliminating the need for glue. "Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it."

* Sorry dolls and shoes are NOT included in this listing*

Thank you for admiring our collection. This is one of four amazing collections to support this charity presented by Dolls for a Cause. Please look for our other auctions, and find us on Facebook.

I shall spotlight the other auctions this week!

 

The Emperor Penguins Strike Back

I thought today would be a good day to introduce my Empire of steampunk Emperor Penguins.

Why?

Because April 25th is World Penguin Day!

Thanks to Momma's friend Jessica I now have 15 of these Captain Pennys.

Like Oz, my army is all Captains. (Well, Oz is all generals and one private but you get the idea. I hope.) 

My goal? World domination, one penguin at a time.

Mwa ha ha!

 

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Momma was busy sewing for my Big Sister and her cousins last week (matching Peeps dresses!) but she finally remembered Me.

Knowing I wanted to visit Felicity in the 18th Century, Momma made a steampunk version of a 1770s Sacque Back Gown and Caraco Jacket, by Thimbles and Acorns:

The Sacque-Back Gown, as it was commonly known in England and the American Colonies, originated in France as the robe à la française as an undress fashion. Undress meant that they were informal articles of clothing that were presentable enough to wear inside one’s home while entertaining, but not something one would wear in public. It’s most notable feature was the box pleats which fell loose from the shoulder to the hem. At its most informal, this gown was unfitted in both the front and back and called a contouche, or robe battante. The style was not limited to gowns, but also carried over into shortened jacket forms that were called caracos or pet en l’air. The jackets were originally knee length, but shortened to just above the hips as the century progressed. Toward the middle of the 18th century, the Sacque-Back had emerged as one of the most fashionable gowns, and by the 1770s, it was second only to court dress in its formality. As these gowns gained popularity, the artist Antoine Watteau captured their elegance in many of his paintings which later led to them being referred to as Watteau Gowns.

Momma knew immediately what to make when she spotted the black-and-white version of this Midnight Pastoral Skeleton Toile. Toile, or "Toile de Jouy," is a type of fabric with a white or off-white background with a repeated single-color pattern (usually black, dark red, or blue) depicting a pastoral scene such as a couple having a picnic or an arrangement of flowers.

Momma completed My Look with her newly designed Summer Corset. Her childhood spent at the Gulf of Mexico collecting fossilized teeth convinnced her teeth and bones were black. Hence my black "Addie's Rib" summer corset.


A version of this should be available in Momma's Etsy shop within a week.

The Amazing Momma the Great

Momma and I are featured today in Karen Mom of Three's Craft Blog!

If you are new to my blog and the doll world let me tell you its a great community. Recently I became friends with the wonderful and creative lady behind the spectacular Steampunk Addie!

Greta is also one of the newest members of our Dolls For A Cause group and I am so very excited to have her join us!

Want to read more? Go to Karen's post, The Amazing People You Meet In The Dolly World- Greta and Steampunk Addie!

P.S. A little secret? There's a coupon code for Momma's Etsy shop at the end of Karen's post!

This week in the Civil War: April 6, 1864

The Red River Campaign

Union forces in the spring of 1864 launched a joint Army-Navy incursion up the Red River in a bid for control of western Louisiana and Arkansas. It would be the last major campaign by the Union’s so-called Mississippi Squadron. The aim was to penetrate deep into the Confederacy and shut off a key Southern supply route from Texas. Thousands of Union soldiers marched inland from New Orleans toward northwest Louisiana with plans to join up with the naval fleet steaming upriver. The Union gunboats began gathering on the lower river in mid-March 1864 and moved upriver over coming weeks. But Union commanders encountered problems with low river levels and could only move 12 of their gunboats north of the falls near Alexandria, La. On April 8, 1864, Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor attacked federal forces at the Battle of Mansfield in Louisiana. Though outnumbered, the Confederates assaulted Union fighters on two flanks, pushing them back until a fresh Union division met the Confederate attack. Attempts by the Union to regain momentum failed and federal forces under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks were forced to retreat, ending the Red River Campaign and handing the Confederates a decisive strategic victory.

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.

 

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.

 

The wearing of the green

Momma has been looking for fabric to make me an Epic Outfit worthy of a Work of Art for LepreCon, and she found this:
Victorian Dream Gears by Collier-Morales Studio for Quilting Treasures.

The world of Steampunk through the eyes of Roberta Morales. Now the gears are turning. Is it Victorian or is it Science Fiction or maybe a combination of both?

Perfect for both St. Patrick's Day and LepreCon.

St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17 named after St. Patrick, the most popular patron saint of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th Century and commemorates St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as Irish heritage and culture. Celebrations include parades and festivals, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Many Christians also attend church services, and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day.

Green beer? No, thank you. I'll stick to absinthe.

 

No guts, no gory

When my Big Sister and her Cousins started collecting American Girl dolls years ago, Momma knew she had to become a dolly doctor or go bankrupt.

Poor Samantha and Josefina arrived for surgery last week, but Momma had la grippe and then what sounded suspiciously like a consumptive cough.

Today was the day. Momma examined the patients while I tried to calm their nerves.

Poor Josefina was in pretty good shape - except her left arm had fallen off! Samantha had a bad case of Floppy Legs, and her arms weren't much better.

One hour, some elastic, some brass ferrules and washers, and one bottle cap (artificial shoulder replacement) later, both Josefina and Samantha are ready to go back to their new homes.

Does your doll need surgery, too? Let Me know at steampunkaddie (at) gmail dot com and I'll tell Momma.

Tickled steam-pink

www.etsy.com/shop/CedarMoon

I think everyone knows by now about My Fondness for kitschy flamingos, so imagine My Delight when worlds collided with Sir Steampunk!

Sir Steampunk (with monocle and/or mustache) is a handmade garden art sculpture. A OOAK Victorian gift for that formal garden or gardeners. A unique home & garden decor sculpture. He's a reinvented pink plastic flamingo base covered with weather resistant paints, paper/aluminum foil structure, recycled materials, gears/wires, faux-copper make up the rest of the disguise. He has no real metal on him except for some wires and recycled metal and wooden gears. Steam Punk: the future as imagined by the past (Scientific romantic fiction).

Sir Steampunk is quite proper in his optional top hat and monocle. And now with the option of a classy mustache! This unique Flamingo looks great in formal gardens and up-cycled Victorian gardens alike. Each Steam Punk flamingo made will be slightly different because they are as unique as the parts they made from.

His Facebook page is a delight, too. 

This Facebook Page is hosted by me, Ignacio Flamingo, and is the brainstorm of my agent, Kate Higgins. I agreed to do this provided I stay in disguise. The majority of the flock just wouldn’t understand. Belonging to a flock of hundreds is comforting but a bit stifling. Some of us really want to branch out. Some of us have dreams and desires that just don’t merge with the colony...so Flamingo Incognito! was born.

There's another steampunk flamingo listed, too, as well as a whole rainbow of other inspired Phoenicopteridae. If you like flamingos, make sure you check out CedarMoon Studio!

So many flamingos, so little yard... and I still have to tell you about my Zombie Flamingo!

Mwa ha ha!

Steampunk Addie and the Vortex of Time Parasol

I am sooo excited.

Look at what my Dear Friend Ginny Weasley just posted on my Facebook page!

Addie? Are you here today or wandering the world on some great adventure?

Mum set us to ridding the curtains of doxies again at Grimmauld Place, dusty old museum of a place if you ask me. Anyway, behind the spot where the portrait of Phineas Nigellus was hanging... well apparently this has been hiding there the whole time. I'm not sure if it belonged to his wife Ursula Flint or his sister Elladora Black but either way I wondered if you might want to have a look at it and investigate?

It let off the strangest sparks when I first picked it up, but now it just looks like an old umbrella. *sigh* You never know what sort of magic is hiding within The Noble House of Black!

Thanks Jen and Ginny! It's even better than Hagrid's Pink Umbrella!

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....