Versions of the Bustle Pattern!

Here are a few versions using the Bustle Skirt Pattern posted earlier!

Love them

by Mezzo

by Barbarella

by Seiz

my second attempt at the bustle skirt I did a few things differently:

Instead of having a full base skirt, I did 4 ruffles that just went 3/4 of the way around the waist. This required less fabric - I think ~2.75 yds

I also used 2 snaps instead of buckles to close it in front - this works well for quick release.

I also made the waistband only 2" high, which eliminated the problem of it being too far from my body. 

You can also eliminate the problem with the waistband being to thick by staggering the fabric. 

Affordable Steampunk

Close to 95% of all of my costumes are made up of Thrift Store finds. Whether I decide to reconstruct it into an entirely different piece or do simple cosmedic changes like changing out buttons or adding pockets. It not only saves you money but time as well. 

I know sometimes it can be hard to look beyond the racks of clothing in a poorly lit warehouse so what I suggest is to bring some inspirational pictures along so you have something to reference.

This is a perfect example of two vests that are somewhat similar in color and style. In the end you could achieve the same look and save a ton of money. The first one is from Texas Jacks and is priced at $59.95 the second one is exactly $2.00 at shopgoodwill.com.

Now here is an example where you can save some money with a womens blouse.

This white ruffle blouse is a mere $4.99 from shopgoodwill.com the other is from Clockwork Couture and is $25.90, and please do not misunderstand me when I am comparing thrift store items to online stores products. Clockwork Couture is actually one of my favorite online destinations and I have purchased several items from them. 

But as you can see with a little time you can save a lot of money in the end. You could even dye a white blouse like this using tea to give it a more vintage feel.

Vests, Blouses, Skirts, Pants and Jackets can be pretty easy to find at a reasonable price but shoes can be an entirely different story.

Etsy, Ebay and even Amazon can be great places to search for a niffty pair of shoes.

These are both from Etsy and are $25.00 and $20.00 pretty cheap and very cute. 

Adornment Assortments

Personally I do not like adding gears to my outfit because I find it somewhat of a cliché but it is still very popular among Steampunk enthusiasts. Theses shoes are very similiar to the above two but come at a much higher price tag of $65.99 and $60.99 on Amazon. 

You can easily buy an entire bag of gears and attach them yourself and be able to get the same effect for around $30.00

So if you just spend some time either thrifting, garage sale searching, or scouring the net you can have an amazing and affordable Steampunk inspired outfit in no time

-over and out

Steampunk Sewing Patterns

I have taken several costuming classes and have made clothing without patterns before. It is a pain let me tell you. When possible always use a pattern...it will make your life so much easier.
There are some fantastic Victorian and Edwardian sewing patterns out there that could easily be manipulated into a Steampunk outfit.

Victorian era dress and apron costume

Men and Womens Victorian Era Costumes

Bustle Dress

Truly Victorian Pattern Catalog

Victorian and Old West Clothing Patterns






















Now if you do not want to purchase a pattern there is always the option of downloading and printing off a pattern.

Period Clothing Patterns

The Costumers Manifesto
This is one of my favorite sites for history and reference photos.













Corset Construction Tutorial
Videos always make things so much easier.

Bustle Pattern






















Another money saver is trying out a pattern before cutting into your actual fabric.
When I am unsure about a new pattern I will first construct it by using a sheet or other cheap material.
Also when you are wanting to cut corners when buying fabric, because I know it can be very expensive, remember to check out your local thrift shops (depending on how large the piece you're constructing you can use an old coat or skirt), ebay (they have some great bulk deals) and fabric stores that are having a sale.