Steampunk Elsa and (Mad) Lady Hatter – Simplicity 2172
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase from these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Steampunk Elsa
This is one of those rare projects which came out just how I imagined it. Usually I have to tweak the idea along the way, taking into account fabric availability and time constraints. Not this time – it all worked! I wore this to the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball in 2016.
My intention was a steampunk outfit which would be recognizable as Elsa when worn with the crown, but not overtly so, allowing me to be generally steampunk also. I took the colours from her coronation outfit, and the clock hands are reminiscent of the rosemaling design on her cloak.
I used Simplicity 2172, leaving off the shoulder caps. The coat is orchid casa crepe, lined with a darker purple crepe, and trimmed with black poly shantung. The bustier is of the same black poly shantung and the skirt is a teal taffeta. The coat has two huge pockets in the front, which have come in very handy.
I modified the front edge of the coat to allow for the turn-backs, but otherwise made no alternations to the pattern. Construction-wise, I doubled the neck and wrist ruffles, sewed them right sides together and turned them, rather than hemming the edge of a single layer. I also sewed the buttons onto the bustier BEFORE sewing it to the lining and turning it. This made them easier to sew on, though you do then have to remember to account for seam allowances.
The pattern went together very well and, although the coat construction was slightly tricky in places, the instructions were nice and clear.
Steampunk Lady Hatter
By adding a silly little hat to my Steampunk Elsa outfit, it becomes a Steampunk Lady (Mad) Hatter, which I have worn to the Del Mar County Fair (the theme was ‘Mad About the Fair’) and WonderCon.
The hat is constructed of cardboard and covered with fabric. I just used a basic black cotton, and trimmed it with the same crepe I used for the coat. It has two alligator clips on the bottom which clip onto a braid very nicely. I did a mini braid which I coiled around and pinned to my head, creating a firm base for the hat.
Pattern number
Simplicity 2172
Description
Steampunk costume with strapless top, skirt and coat
Difficulty
High Intermediate- You’ve made some complicated things and haven’t thrown them across the room in the process. You have done a shaped neckline or other shaped seam. You are happy taking the top of one pattern and the bottom of another, and adding the sleeves from a third pattern to make a dress.
Fabric
Coat: orchid Casa Crepe
Skirt: teal stretch taffeta
Contrast: black poly shantung
Lining: darker purple Casa Crepe
Instructions
Although the construction is slightly complicated, especially the pockets on the coat, it is clearly written and easy to follow.
Alterations
I redrew the front edge of the coat to accommodate small turn-backs. I didn’t want to have to hem the ruffles, so I cut two of each, sewed them right sides together and turned.
Conclusions
A good basic steampunk pattern with lots of scope for embellishment and customization.
