Thrift store Steampunk

I will be teaching at the 2nd annual Midwest Costume Academy again in St.Louis on March 28th. And it IS always fun to dress up for costuming conferences BUT these are the official rules from the website  ...

Costume Wearing Discouraged -Because of the limited space available this year, we ask that no costumes be worn. All attendees should stick to comfortable, casual clothes. As our event grows, we will be able to allow costumes to be worn, as well as incorporate more showcases and competitions. But for now, wigs, hats, and other large costume pieces may obstruct the view of other attendees during a presentation, and make it harder for you to participate in the workshops!

 This is a costume learning event, not wearing ... BUT, the rules don't say you have to wear boring clothes!!!

So, off to the thrift store I go and come back with 3 men's shirts, a too big skirt, knit top with a ruffle at the neck and a pretty lace vest.

The rules were the same last year, so I cobbled together a thrift store fairy sweater. Which Janet Prey liked so much she asked me to give an all day class to teach other people to make their own artsy thrift store sweater.

So, I need to play around a bit with the pieces I have to see what's possible. I will cut and sew things, but my goal is to do as little as possible. Try to keep elements of the garments intact like the collars and cuffs. 

I start with the too big skirt and gather up the sides.

Add a shirt.

Use another shirt for an apron ... this is just to get and idea of the mixing of fabrics. I will be cutting up these shirts when the time comes.

Maybe add another layer with the lace vest on top. I'll probably just use pieces of the lace vest sewn here and there. You can see there are some nice usable motifs and I can always just cut the entire edge lace off.

OR!!
I have this great knit top with a beautiful ruffled collar ... how can I use that?

I'll try the apron again.  I kind of like the way the waist looks small because the bunched up skirt and shirt have puffed the hips out. I need to keep that in the finished outfit.

Now, put that striped shirt back on. Hmm, I'm liking this.

You can see the variations are endless. It will be hard to decide. But I have a month. This will stay on my dress form for a while so I can play with it on and off.

Hope to see many of you in St. Louis.