The final touch ...

Today is the last free pattern we're publishing before the Canadian National Steampunk Exhibition. Pictures for all the patterns will be arriving later this week, and some sneak peaks of the clothing available from Neverwares Emporium at the CNSE

HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE LADY'S CHOKER

By Isabel Beale of Neverwares Emporium.

THE FINISHING TOUCH, FASHION ACCESSORY FOR EVERY VICTORIAN LADY OR A STYLISH NECKERCHIEF ALTERNATIVE FOR THE AIRSHIP CREW-WOMAN.

Tool list:
Sewing needle, scissors, and a flexible tape measure.

Materials:

Two lengths of trim, each long enough to go around your neck plus an inch or two for straightening up and hems. One piece needs to be narrower than the other by about half an inch, the widest of the two being no more than one and a half inches. The trims are the body of the choker. You also need hand sewing thread of a matching colour.

Next on your list, two yards of ribbon about 3/8 of an inch wide in a colour match or coordinate for the ties. This ribbon is usually called “baby ribbon”.

I suggest that you buy your trim and ribbon at a fabric store rather than a craft store. Fabric stores will sell you as much or as little as you need. Craft stores usually sell pre-cut lengths only. Also fabric store trims are meant to be worn and used as opposed to decorative only. They tend to be more durable and cleanable, check with the store staff about cleaning method [hand wash or dry clean only].

Construction basics:

Measure around your neck and add a half inch and cut both trims evenly to this measurement.

Centre the narrower trim over the wider trim, both with the fashion side [pretty] side up.

Hand stitch the top trim to the bottom trim along both long edges.

Cut the baby ribbon into two equal lengths.

Centre and attach one length of ribbon to each short end of layered trims. The best way to do this is to lay the ribbon on the fashion side with cut ends even, fold all layers to the back side once then again a second time. This encloses all the cut edges. The folds only need to be about a quarter of an inch in width. Stitch through all layers and secure firmly. Either knot or dip the ends of the ties in clear nail polish to prevent loose threads.

Volia! Done and ready to wear.

For a more Steampunk look I used black taffeta ribbon with golden metallic edging and added a net trim with metallic and bead accents over it. I used black thread and ribbon to finish the choker off. Also shown in the photograph of materials are tea-dyed cotton lace, rose lace cameos and rose ribbon that I would use for the Victorian lady version.

I leave you with a few words of caution........chokers are like potato chips, can’t have just one.

A note from Isabel:

"Many people have asked my why I give the pattern for free for a skirt, pant, etc. I make and sell. Well, it's like this.........once you make one, you will understand it takes time and a bit of concentration to get the gathers, pleats, casings, etc. just right. Not everyone has the luxury of time or would simply prefer to spend their time embellishing a well made garment with trim, embroidery, paint or appliques to make it uniquely theirs."