Hustle in Your Bustle

For quite some time I've been working on a new design for my steampunk shop. Based on a piece from my own costume, I wanted to make bustles that can be easily taken on and off, for things like getting in a car or riding a bicycle. My bustle even has a pocket on front, since women's clothing never has enough pockets

I start with an adjustable belt, add a sizable button top pocket, and then the ruffle and fluff. The problem that vexed me for so long? What to stuff it with! I wanted it to be packable, but to spring back. Batting is too dense and heavy. Tulle too expensive and not quite stiff enough. I finally set aside the project to focus on other things...
Then, one day, I put it on, and as I was stuffing it with yet another substrate (Plastic bags, too noisy) I had a small epiphany - Why not leave it open for the wearer to fill? Like a Victorian fanny pack, the Utility Bustle was born. This first one is a little rough, but the beautiful silver and black brocade more than makes up for it! I'm beginning to list them in my shop, what would you put in it?

The Adventure's of VonKlank

"15^th April 1882

Currently at 85 fathoms and descending. The Continental Slope here falls at about 4 degrees, and may be steepening. Our bearing is almost exactly West, varying between 265 and 273. We seem to be reaching a deeper escarpment which I intend to follow until reaching an absolute maximum depth for the craft. I have not told anyone this, as a last minute panic consumes less oxygen than a continuos nervousness. The muck is uninterrupted, no plants live here, no schools of fish cross our lights. The darkness is truly absolute.

130 Fathoms. No problems thus far with any systems. I decided to turn off most of the lights, it shall allow us to continue at lower engine power levels, I do expect us to have any trouble with running aground of something here in the emptiness of the abyss. We are making more progress downward than out it would seem. The angle on the continental slope has dropped sharply and we are forced to zig-zag as tho we are walking down a steep mountain. 165 Fathoms and we are halting to do hull and systems checks.

Wonder of wonders! Here in this black depth a creature appears, drawn to the light! A writhing mass of tentacled legs propel it along the bottom, a long tail of tendrils dangling behind. It has a long neck with beak-like proboscis, and most unusual – small eyes? It must not rely on optical input as it traverses the abyssal plains..."

An entry from the Diary of Vanessa Von Klank, this is the story I have been writing to accompany a collection of steampunk drawings. I hope to have a small published volume in time for Anomaly Con. I'll have more sneak peaks as the project comes together.