#somewhere between steampunk and tavern wench i guess

[bismuthburnsblue]

Hi! been a minute, huh? i forced a break from sewing for a month or so there, but im back, with a new "series" ive been calling Project Doctor in my head! you could also call it tackling my UFO's or flipping or anything like that, the fundamental point is im looking at projects that have things im not happy with, diagnosing the issues and fixing them!

this wasnt the project i thought i would be starting with, but i got a bee in my bonnet about this one today, down to even an outfit i could pair it with, so meet the victorian skirt! originally supposed to be a historically accurate (but midi) skirt, i made this just using the fabric i had, planning to cut it down, only to realise this was actually almost ankle length all said and done. i felt bad about cutting almost half of it off, but also i dont wear long skirts, and it wasnt long enough to be a proper length anyway. anyway 5 years later, here we are!

(please ignore all the creases, and i should note that this fabric is actually a really lovely brown dupioni, the pictures dont do it justice! i got it for free + it was pieces, which is why i initially cut it out the way i did)

i havent completely finalised my plan yet, but the intention is to rework this into a steampunk style skirt, with high low ruching at the front. i made some decisions at the time that i would definitely not make today (mostly, its flatlined in the name of historical accuracy but this fabric Doesnt need it) so i think the plan is going to be to completely rip it apart into its component pieces and redo everything from the beginning. kinda hurts to do but! i think its the right choice.

Im hoping making the skirt raised at the front will make it more wearable, and removing the extra layer will make it much lighter to wear. im also thinking about adding details to it, maybe a ruffle (i still have a little fabric) or some kind of fancier waistband (though ngl. i love my basic petersham waistband, she never lets me down, so. we will see) i may also remove some volume from the back, it depends on how it balances when its lighter.