I made the Countess for the steampunk gathering at Dragon*Con 2009. I had previously done a mock-up of the bodice for my character Mattie Irons, and it turned out so well that I decided to go ahead and make the bodice in a purple cotton velvet.

I used Truly Victorian's Dinner Bodice pattern for the bodice, and my own pattern for the skirt. I have since used the skirt for my Steampunk Carnival outfit as well. What can I say? It's very versatile!

As mentioned, the bodice was made from a purple cotton velvet and lined with black cotton. It is trimmed with black braid trim, black satin ribbon and black velvet ribbon rosettes. It sports six buttons on the tail and closes down the front with hook and eye tape. It is meant to be worn over a corset and doesn't fit in the bust if one is not worn.

The skirt is a black cotton velvet and closes over the left hip with a placket and several small pewter buttons. There is also a hook and eye at the waist to help keep things in place. Its length and drape are adjustable, thanks to the addition of tapes and drawstrings.

The tights and shoes were purchased, and the cameo necklace was thrifted. The fascinator and choker were both made by me. The fascinator is made of velvet ribbon, fashioned in a rosette pattern to match the trim on the bodice, decorated with small gold cogs and attached to a metal comb. The choker is a simple piece of white lace with a black velvet ribbon threaded through it and clasps in the back with a typical jewelry clasp.