Steam-punk Barbie

The term "Steam-punk" or "Gaslight Romance" is a sub-genre of science fiction that features steam as the main source of power, particularly in a post-apocalyptic setting where steam power regains prominence. Steam power can be found in stories by H.G. Wells and Jules Verne but, contemporary story, frequently feature Steam-powered lighter-than-air ships and analog computers.  Steam-punk can also refer to a clothing style inspired by the sub-genre that possess elements of post-apocalyptic films of the mid-20th centry, Victorian-age styles, Art Nouveau design.  The result is a pseudo-Victorian style.

Barbie is not exempt from Steam-Punk styles.

I am working on a design for Barbie that is strictly one-of-a-kind.  Upon completion, I will create patterns to sell.  This is the design thus far:

Note the Top Hat, which is a steam-punk classic, the bustier, lace gloves and stockings, and contemporary boots.
This is a detail of the Hat:

A glimpse of the stockings and boots:
A closer look at her skirt:

The costume is not completed because there are many details yet to be added, plus an exquisite coat.  Keep watching for more SteamPunk Barbie.

Karen Pope is Madam Crocheterie, the Hooker By Night.  She CROCHETS in her spare moments, makes time for CROCHET,  and sells her creations on Etsy.  Follow her on Twitter, and Facebook.  Find her on Google+
She writes about CROCHET and creating a CROCHET Business

Some Things Take a Little Longer

It is obvious to anyone who glances casually at this blog that I love to crochet.  I crochet a lot.  My motto could be:

A day without crochet is a day that I spent in bed in a coma

I talk about crochet to people who don't really care, wear items I have crocheted, show off crocheted doll clothes, crochet curtains, rugs, dishcloths, face scrubbies that all get used on a daily basis.

Every time a non-crocheter looks at something I have done, they ask me, "How long does it take you to crochet something?"

Depends.  Really.

If I am making a sweater of something around 8 million stitches or an afghan of about 47 trillion stitches, the time can vary.  So many factors are involved.

• How motivated am I to complete that particular project?  
• How many projects do I have going on at the same time?
• What is the weight of the yarn?
• Is there a deadline?

For example, I am currently working on an area rug using 3 strands of yarn at a time and a hook that is about the size of a shepherd's crook.  That project will take about two weeks of casual crocheting.  I had to order a larger crochet hook, so I can't even finish the project until the new hook arrives.  No hurry.

A Barbie dress that is created from tiny granny squares will take me forever to complete simply because I hate granny squares.  Couple that with the fact that I am crocheting with thread.  Tiny cob-web size strands of thread and an itty-bitty hook that is barely visible to the naked eye.  These things are bound to slow down the process

Both projects have about the same number of stitches involved.  The Barbie dress will take longer because I continually procrastinate instead of working on the thing.  Other projects get in the way.

My mom asked me to crochet a lap robe for her and I found a pattern that I actually liked.  this was before I realized how much I despise granny squares.  So, her lap robe remains forever unfinished... or at least unfinished for now.  When I showed her the project under construction, she didn't act too enthusiastic about it, anyway.

Karen Pope is Madam Crocheterie, the Hooker By Night.  She CROCHETS in her spare moments, makes time for CROCHET,  and sells her creations on Etsy.  Follow her on Twitter, and Facebook.  Find her on Google+
She writes about CROCHET and creating a CROCHET Business

Barbie's Elegant Gown: Step One Complete

It didn't take as long as I thought to complete the ruffled skirt for the lavender ensemble.  So far, everything is going according to plan... or pattern as it were.  The partly completed skirt can be seen here.

The skirt actually fits!  I followed the pattern precisely and this is the result.  As you can see from the previous blog entry, the skirt was first crocheted and then the ruffles were added on top of the basic design.

I made a modification in the actual construction of the lacy ruffles, but the design did not suffer for it.

Most of the materials I ordered for this project have arrived and just their cost alone, was $64.00.  I was thinking as I was adding the cost of all the pieces up, that I could make a dress for myself for less money.

Another FACTOR I had not bargained for is I don't know if I will want to sell the ensemble once it is completed. I had a brother who created beautiful cat sculptures from chunks of rock--Jade, obsidian, marble--and he always priced them high enough that if they sold, the pain of separation would be far less.  I make have to keep that philosophy in mind when I put the ensemble up for sale.

In the mean time, I will simply enjoy the creative process.

Progress on the Barbie Ball Gown

Progress on the Barbie Ball Gown

This is a picture of the skirt, so far.  I will have it completed by the weekend.  (Work totally interferes with crochet.)

I only work so I can afford to buy crochet necessities. :)  

The ruffles will continue all the way to the bottom of the skirt.
Last night I added a white bead to act as a button at the top of the skirt in the back.

Two Dresses for Barbie

This past weekend was spent working at my regular job.  I did have time to work on an intricate crocheted dress that will fit Barbie. I love Barbies and have been a collector for years.  Making crocheted clothes for them is a new adventure for me.  Once I have a couple under my belt, I intend to design my own Victorian clothing for the dolls.

Out of necessity, there may be a couple of changes to each pattern, but it should be very similar when it is completed.  I will keep everyone posted on the progress of the dress.  Right now, I have just started the white under-skirt.  It is a couple of days from completion.

I also began another project which begins with stringing some 377 beads on the crochet thread... and that is just for the skirt.



The finished product of dress #2 will be different from the dress depicted in that I didn't have enough red beads for the project.  So, I strung red, yellow, orange and white beads on the thread so that I can begin the skirt.  I will start that one as soon as the white under skirt of dress #1 is completed.  I have plans to use my red ribbon and also my red and white satin roses.  I may purchase some yellow and orange roses for the project.  I have a couple of parasol forms, so I will have to wing it to make my parasol.

The only danger in working on two projects at one time is that it is all too easy to get bored with one or the other.  I have found that taking too long on a project makes me loose interest.  However, the items are small enough that they work up pretty quickly.