Project: Steampunk Regency Riding Habit

Hello everybody! Yes, I'm starting another sewing project, although not for Coco, because I want to see her on that bustle dress for a little more time. This time, the "victim" is Calina, my mom's doll. Since I'm not on holidays anymore, and quite busy actually, I won't be doing a Project Journal on DoA this time, but I will be posting WIPs and pics on Instagram (which re-post to Twitter and Tumblr) on my progress.

I also plan on making a video with voice over again, because it was a lot of fun to do! Once I was able to overcome my shame of talking in English xD. Anyways, this post will work as initial plans (although I already started working on the outfit), and to share my original ideas.

Previous Research

Once again, with period clothing, I have been doing some research on what I wanted to do, and how should I do it. I prepared another Pinterest board, because these things are really great to keep track of everything, to be honest.

I'm aiming at a roughly 1800~1815 Regency style, and what most inspired me are riding habits and military Spencer jackets, because I think it is a great idea for a steampunk outfit. Once again, I won't be aiming at historical accuracy, since Calina is even shorter than Coco! She is 39cm tall.

Concept and Ideas

I will be using the same fabrics than for Coco's Late Victorian Steampunk Gown, because I want to give the dresses some sort of similarty, keep the main ideas while working in a completely different era. I know it is not realistic, but steampunk isn't either, and that gives me "room" to imagine and attempt things.

I have the idea of trying to take a picture of both girls on their big amazing gowns, together. I usually don't take pictures with more than one doll, except for Cookie and Merry, who are so teeny tiny that allow me to do so.

What I do know, is that I want a big train. Again. Even if it is a pain to ruffle it or sew it together. After all, the "storage issue" will be my mom's this time! Hahaha, just joking, but seriously xD

To-Do List

I need to plan ahead, so here is a list of the "parts" the dress will have. As always, everything will be sewn by hand, because I like sewing by hand! It is fun, although painfully slow!

Undergarments:

• Socks.
• Drawers (once again, I won't be doing the split center part).
• Underbust petticoat.

I won't be doing a chemise or corset, for the same reasons than before: the doll is only 1/4 scale, and I don't want her to look too bulky. Plus, corsets can not "shape" a resin doll's body, so I think it sort of looses their goal.

Accesories:

• Hat (mandatory! Although I don't have any gear/clock left).
• Purse (I'm thinking on a steampunk-ish reticle bag, but will see).
• Shoes (Calina doesn't have a lot of shoes, so maybe will need to make them).

Main Dress:

• Blouse (short sleeved, or sleeveless, but I need to sleep on this decision a little).
• Overdress (with the green fabric).
• Military long-sleeved trained Spencer jacket.

This part still needs thoughts, of course. I'm considering doing the blouse and overdress together on a big piece, to avoid bulk in the under-bust by adding an extra waist if I do them separated. Also, if I do the blouse with short sleeves, the dress could be work without the jacket, otherwise it won't. I don't know.

Also, I know Spencer jackets did not had ruffles at all, but I'm tempted to add some detail with the striped fabric I used on Coco's bustle/apron overskirt. Any ideas and suggestions are welcome, of course!

State-Of-The-Art

As I said before, I have been already working on this. I took some WIP pics of the sewing process, but I will be sharing those on the video at the end of the project. What I do have to share now are some pics of the socks, drawers and under-bust petticoat I managed to make.

Una foto publicada por Musume (@musume.desu) el 6 de Mar de 2016 a la(s) 12:42 PST

Una foto publicada por Musume (@musume.desu) el 13 de Mar de 2016 a la(s) 6:47 PDT

Una foto publicada por Musume (@musume.desu) el 13 de Mar de 2016 a la(s) 1:41 PDT

So sorry for the half-assed quality, I had to take them in the evening, so I did what I could with artificial lights. I still need to learn more about that.

Anyways, another interesting project, and I need to finish it before I start with Coco's birthday dress, because my queen demands a new dress (it will be a fitted tuxedo dress, I already had the idea and hubby got me the fabric for it!) and I must comply xD

Ok, that is enough! Have a perfect weekend everyone, and thanks for reading me! Suggestions and ideas for the project are very much welcome!