I am a Steampunk!

Just when I didn't think I could find time to indulge in anymore hobbies and interests, I find myself right in the middle of one!

I stumbled across Steampunk quite by accident at the end of last summer. I'd heard the word banded about on various forums and websites, but it wasn't until the Victorian Steampunk Society came to Lincoln for their first annual UK convival, that I realised what it was all about. After a little research I soon realised that I was a Steampunk and all my nostalgical whims and fancies fitted right in!

Initially an offshoot from the Goth scene, Steampunk claimed a much stronger historical interest, inspired by science, technology and adventure as much as Victorian romanance and gothicism. Steampunk is particularly influenced by authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, capturing the Victorian fascination with technology and using it to push the boundaries of science and reality. For many, the ideal Steampunk world is characterised by a Victorian London below a sky filled with airships taking travellers and adventurers to the majestic realms of Africa and India, or even beyond the stars to the moon and Mars. Some even claim the ability to bend the laws of time. Of course this is all conducted with the most polite and genteel of Victorian mannerisms, also impeccably dressed and sporting the latest brassy gadgetry to get you out of any fix.

The costuming is such an important part and everyone has their own individual take on it depending on who they're portraying, what the occasion is and quite how far they visualise the Steampunk world. For some, it's a passion for Victoriana, mixing more modern styles with corsets, bustles and top hats. Others go for a more military look using British Empire regimental and expedition styles often accessorising with pith helmets. Then there are the airship crews, the airship pirates, engineers, mad scientists, time travellers, librarians, historians.....
That's the thing about the Steampunk genre. There are so many takes on it and you can bend it to wherever your interest lies, whether you see yourself as a Neo-Victorian, retro-futurist, dieselpunk, cyberpunk or are just plain enthusiastic about steam engineering technology.

It's a funny old world. I was brought up spending my holidays being taken round museums and heritage railways. Combined with my natural love of costume and the past and a husband equally enthusiastic as well as being a converted and confessed steam addict. It was only natural, I suppose, but I couldn't hide my enthusiasm for turning my needle and thread towards this exciting new outlet. The magic of course being the fun and the only restriction, the imagination. Steampunk isn't period perfect, so the creativity can run riot with colours and fabrics that capture the spirit of Victorian adventure and discovery, but with modern twists or even the essence of a different period. You could wear an eigteenth century pirate coat with first world war breeches and a victorian blouse and waspie corset.

To that end I'm really excited to announce that I'm going to be concentrating a lot more on producing Steampunk clothing alongside my bridal wear. I'm already working on some classic neo-Victorian crisp cotton and lace blouses with ladies silk waistcoats inspired by Dorcas Lane's costumes in Larkrise to Candleford. There will also be corsets and skirts influenced by late nineteenth century dress as well as more regency style bolero jackets.

I can't wait to share the pictures of the finished articles in anticipation of holding a trade stall at the second Lincoln convival.