SINful Haberdashery: Steam Punk Pope

8/3/2019 SINful Haberdashery: Steam Punk Pope

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A Steampunk wedding?

If you can imagine it, you can make it!

As a Spiritual Humanist Minister, I officiated the wedding of Dexter Stevens and Dana Beaufait in a

private ceremony on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. The couple preferred a more intimate

setting for their official union, reserving the wedding ceremony to be performed for friends and family

the following year. This would give them ample opportunity to plan their dream wedding, without

putting legalities on hold. Their chosen theme was Steampunk AirshipFantasy in the sky. Dana, who is

creative beyond words, showed me all of her sketches for her gown, the grooms ensemble, and her

entire wedding party. Our meeting was to discuss details of the ceremony, and brain-storm ideas for my

costume. Ill admit, beyond seeing the 1999 film Wild, Wild West1, I only had a vague idea what

1Wild, Wild West, 1999, Warner Brothers

http://wildwildwest.warnerbros.com/
http://wildwildwest.warnerbros.com/http://wildwildwest.warnerbros.com/http://wildwildwest.warnerbros.com/


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Steampunk actually was. I figured from what Ive seen, it was technology that was steam powered,

mixed with a strange sort of Victorian era clothing, but more contemporary. Plus seeing how it has

taken off in nearly every night club and event Ive attended in the last few years, I really wasnt sure

what constituted Steampunk (officially) aside from goggles and funny hats. Dana explained to the best

of her ability, but Im an extremely visual person so I had to do a fair bit of research to figure out what I

was going to wear for the ceremony. I looked through countless photos online, and discovered a useful

article published by Steampunk Magazine, entitled History of Steampunk by Cory Gross2. The article

was useful, and answered a number of questions I had on my mind. Such as who coined the term?

What constitutes Steampunk, and why the revival? Come to find out the term is credited to a

Cyberpunk Author, K.W. Jeter, who suggested it in a 1987 letter accompanying a novel submission.

Jeter and other authors appeared to be formulating a new sub-genre of science fiction by culminating a

number of elements in films produced post World War II involving the Space Chase, Atomic Power, and

Cold War. It all began to make sense to me, as I recalled a number of films I watched as a child, such as

The Day the Earth Stood Still(1951)Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang (1968), War of the Worlds (1953), 2000

Leagues Under the Sea (1954) among others. The age of steam really didnt become a Utopia of science-

fiction productions until 20 years after the war ended. The creativity was flying at Steampunk speed!

All aboard!

Stepping into this new genre you find that theres even its own lexicon as you stumble upon terms such

as Cosmic Opera, or Retro-Victorian Scientific Fantasy. As all the pieces fell into place, it romanticizes

nostalgia while placing emphasis on fantastic invention. After participating in a number of costumed

events with an emphasis on Victoria Era3 clothing, I can honestly say that its nice to visit but I cant

imagine the lengths people went through to dress properly while dredging the unpaved muddy streets

and maintaining their dignity. Queen Victoria certainly had her influence with lavish style, even if itmade no logical sense in practicality. Not to mention the high morals and modesty that most bawdy

women like myself, would surely thumb their noses.

2History of Steampunk, Cory Gross, Steampunk Magazine, Issue #2. http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/

3Victoria Era: Considered to be an era of elegance, during Englands Queen Victoria (1837 -1901), with a strong

focus on high-morals, modesty, and proper decorum. The Victorians, An age in retrospect, John Gardiner, 2003
http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/


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After rifling through costume closets and accessories, I figured I had enough to fake it at the very least.

Then it hit me, why not bePope? I put a bug in Danas ear and she loved it! All I had to do was figure

out how to fashion a Mitre4

that carried the look she was envisioning for her wedding party and photos

that would follow. I really didnt have a whole lot of money to invest in my costume, but Im extremely

resourceful so I dug through my crafting supplies to find just enough bits to create it. The Mitre has

always been considered lavish head-wear filled with much controversy. Its mostly regarded as a point-less ridiculous hat worn by the religious pompous (pun!). What I can say, Im well known for my own

pompery so such a hat is right up my alley!

4Mitre: Latin for head-dress, a folding cap in which the two halves rest flat upon each other when not being worn.

Classic Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th

edition, 1911


4/18

There was a portion of the ceremony I wrote which involved sentiments which communicated how truly

timeless love can be and I smash a clock on the altar to signify that in the moment of joining Dexter and

Dana Stevens, time stops. Bingo! Theres my Steampunk element: A Clock.

Needless to say, the hat was a hit. And no wig to fumble with at this event! I received many

compliments and giggles from wedding guests as I entered the room. As clueless as I began, I blended

right in! The photos we took were beautiful, and playful; perfect for such a group of dynamic and

creative people.


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5Image courtesy of The Catholic Encyclopedia, Robert Appleton Co., Encyclopedia Press, Inc. 1914


6/18

Making a Steam-punk Mitre:

Supplies:

(2) Pieces of foam sheeting

Ribbon

Metal Embellishments, chain

Clock-face

Scissors

Stapler

Hot glue-gun

First, I cut out a pattern for symmetry. I cut (2) Mitre Shapes, and reserved a 2 band to attach and

maintain the integrity of a hat; a brim.

I opted for brown to match my wedding costume , but Ive made a number of these since, for cheeky

fun. Such as my 38th Birthday, The Catholic Excommunication of SIN JONES.

January

2012


7/18

For this particular event, I handed my clergy position off to a dear friend who was more than happy to

issue the bull of my excommunication. The skys the limit with embellishments: Faux gemstones,

ribbon, metal work, lace, feathers, etc. Just use your imagination!

Cut out two foam Mitre Shapes


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Cut strips for the banding.


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Staple the banding to the Mitre, staple on the inside if you want less to cover in your finished piece.


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Measure your head for a snug fit, then cut off any excess. Staple the other side of the Mitre and then

again at the top to join the two points.


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You can cover the staples with ribbon or excess foam sheeting, and affix with hot-glue.


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I opted to use some of the red glitter foam sheeting to cover my staples, some of the black from the

back side to make a cross shape, and embellished with some faux gems.


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Your Mitre can be customized to match your costume. You can use foam sheets, a stiff fabric or felt sold

at any craft store. Have fun with it, try different mediums such as lavish fabrics, or aluminum sheeting,.

Embellish to your hearts content: Lace, cameos, gears, and trinkets with a timeless dash of sacrilege.

This haberdasher piece is just SINful!


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SIN JONES

February 2012

iOffbeat Bridal: How a bride and her mother hand-crafted a fantastical Steampunk wedding ensemble.

http://offbeatbride.com/2012/01/steampunk-wedding-gown

iiPetersons Magazine, 1888, Photo Credit (Public Domain)
http://offbeatbride.com/2012/01/steampunk-wedding-gownhttp://offbeatbride.com/2012/01/steampunk-wedding-gownhttp://offbeatbride.com/2012/01/steampunk-wedding-gown

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SINful Haberdashery: Steam Punk Pope