The Final Countdown
25 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Book Updates, Collaborations Tags: allinart, book, cooperative press, knitting, steampunk
Greetings dear colleagues! My goodness – we’re mere weeks away from the final project deadline here at Mischief Central, at which point a year and a half of creative and collaborative effort will be handed off to the capable team at Cooperative Press. From there, the final touches, tweaks, and meticulous details are hammered out and the whole shebang becomes A Book, available for your enjoyment in a few short months. We can’t believe it’s nearly here, and we certainly wouldn’t be here without the whole team. Speaking of, today I’d like to showcase the outstanding talents of our Team Illustrator and fellow Mischief Maker, Nicole Allin. She recently shared a lovely snippet of the book artwork, as well as a behind-the-scenes view of her creative process. We’re sure you’ll enjoy her amazing work as much as we all do, and are thrilled to count her among the multi-talented friends that make up Team Mischief.
And now, back to work! Pattern testing, final costume sewing, photoshoots – it’s going to be a glorious sprint to the finish line! See you all on the other side.
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Having a Ball
26 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: ball, steampunk, steampunkball
Hello, my dear colleagues! As you know, we are in the final few months of preparation on the Ladies of Mischief book, and life is certainly busy! However, I knew I must take a moment to share with you a few pictures from the Ladies’ surprise appearance at the lastest Steampunk Exhibition Ball. According to a recent communication, they had a most lovely time; the sights, fashions, technology and dazzling pageantry were greatly enjoyed by all…
Coraline studied the latest maps and trade routes, ever the savvy Airship Captain
Theodosia was all the rage in her highly functional and fashionable Jungle Exploration ensemble
Dr. Erma enthusiastically observed all the latest innovations, with her usual eccentric flair
I hope to have more delightful photos, teasers and other treats to share with you soon! Though now, it’s back to work once more. Who ever said the life of an Archivist was dull?
Start the Presses!
05 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Book Updates Tags: book, knitting, steampunk
Greetings my colleagues! My my, what an interesting few weeks it’s been, with balls and blog hacking and all. I will admit the Ladies had been attempting to, ahem, get in touch as soon as they became aware of this research project. I’m only beginning to understand the communication process, and their technological advances are truly fascinating… but all that aside, I really need to have a few words with Dr. Erma about Guest Blogger etiquette! Still, I suppose it’s completely understandable, given what we know about her quirks; I’m beginning to understand her fellow Ladies’ chagrin first hand. But I digress… onto more important matters at hand!
It is my great pleasure to Officially Announce the upcoming publication of Needles And Artifice, a Ladies of Mischief knitting book, by the wonderful Shannon Okey at Cooperative Press! This book features a delightful assortment of original knitting patterns inspired by the Ladies and their adventures, from High Society to Mad Science and beyond. But more than that, these patterns and locals are drawn from the greatest Ladies of Mischief adventure story yet told, in multi-chapter glory, with all the Ladies you love (catching up on their blog stories thus far is not necessary, but highly recommended!) Release is scheduled for late summer/early fall, and you can be sure we’ll provide additional publication details and event dates along the way.
Of course, we can’t give too much away yet, but here are a few delightful tidbits:
It has been such an outstanding collaborative journey, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you soon! In the meantime, stay tuned for photos of the aforementioned Ball and much more…
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……testing… yes…hello??..
28 Jan 2012 1 Comment
Goodness, I do believe I have this thing working…. if my studies
of the modern vernacular are accurate, it seems I have successfully “hacked” your “blog”…. such intriguing slang you are empl..–,-.–,-………..–
…–,.-,,, wanted to be sure you know that all is in readiness for the Ladies arrival at the ball this evening!… finalel,jk…alsefm,-slgoie,oseogra.pher functioning properly! If my calculations are
correct (and they’d better be or my dear Mr. Tesla will be hearing a thing or two!) we should be arriving – if such a pedestrian term can be used under…..s,..,,.,v ircmstances – shortly after 8pm, by the local clocks.,,-.………..,-.-.–,-.– o.-nn.ection is getti;sngke;vlkra;ther shak.y ……….-,-.–,asegh,,,,,,,, se.-.e you-.all toni.ght! ~Dr. Erm.a
An Invitation From Miss Hackworth
15 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Events, Letters Tags: fashion, party, seattle, steampunk
Dearest Ladies,
It has come to my attention that a grand gathering concerning our favorite subjects is happening soon. The Steampunk Exhibition Ball will allow us to meet and mingle with the finest minds in Seattle. We have a chance to show off our latest fashions and see the new advances in personal clockworks. I am particularly interested in viewing the spectacular and outlandish headwear contest-and as you know, I have a new headpiece to put on display myself.
I’ve spoken with Theodosia, Alyssa, Johanna and Erma, who are all attending. The night is sure to be filled with excitement and wonder! I do hope that you will consider joining us.
Love,
Coraline
This Is Your Captain Speaking
11 Dec 2011 1 Comment
in Letters Tags: airship, checklist, dirigible, flight, knitting, misshackworth, missohare, steampunk, underpants
A lovely, brisk winter day to you, my dear colleagues! My goodness, things have been busy at Mischief Headquarters these days. However, I came across two little artifacts that I knew I must take a moment to share. Our Ladies have much in common – strength, ingenuity, intelligence – but it would be a mistake indeed to assume that means they’re all alike! The juxtaposition of these two Pre-Flight Checklists, from our intrepid Airship/Dirigible captains Coraline and Anna, simply had me in stitches. I hope you enjoy them as well!
Lilith Ascending Pre-Flight Checklist
From the desk of
Coraline Hackworth
President, Hackworth Airships International
1 ) Review crew roster
2 ) Compose pre-flight inspirational speech
3 ) Don flying coat, cowl and hat
4 ) Pick up news reports from the International Affairs division
5 ) Pick up latest maps from the Navigation division
6 ) Verify supply of Darjeeling tea (also honey and cream)
7) Check yarn and needle quantities in Yarn Room
8 ) Review stationery supplies
9 ) Complete walkthrough inspection with First Mate Perkins
10 ) Assemble and address crew
Anna’s Pre-Flight Checklist
Right, it’s time to be off again!
1. Is there enough sharp cheese and sourdough bread on board? Must double check quantities.
2. Check stock of Irish Afternoon Tea. Important! Ran out last time, had to drink that dratted Darjeeling.
3. Guns. Need at least four rifles and twelve pistols, among others. Don’t forget ammunition this time! Had to buy all new silverware after Egypt.
4. Remember to bring ALL the sizes of knitting needles this time. Whittling them out of kindling is entertaining, but not as entertaining as actually knitting.
4. a. Check status of yarn cupboard.
5. Pack a dressing gown this time! The pirates probably enjoyed the view last time, but that was a damned breezy battle. Shouldn’t like to repeat it.
6. Will three tins of shortbread be enough?
7. Oh, don’t forget the butter just because of the stock of cheese. Buttered toast is also nice.
8. Speaking of, make repairs to the stove. Using the boiler for cooking might have been exhilarating but probably not recommended.
9. Clean underpants. DO NOT FORGET AGAIN.
Travis Lilly and the Amazing Corset
03 Dec 2011 2 Comments
in Book Updates
Hello again! I simply had to interrupt the Ladies’ adventures once again to tell you about something truly special. Several weeks ago the amazing Travis Lilly of Lilly’s Workshop sent the ladies a custom-made corset. It was jaw dropping to say the least. Even though it was made for the specific measurements of one person, we all had to get our turn cinching it up! I wanted to take this week to show you some gorgeous pictures of this corset and encourage you to go get one of your own. These were taken by our fabulous photographer during our last shoot.
So until next time!
All In a Hard Day’s Work
20 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
Oh my it has been so very long since our dear Archivist has titillated you with a treasure from the trunk. Never fear! We have oh so many more adventures to share with you. In the mean time we have been very busy working on our manuscript; with two chapters complete and a third on the way, we are well on our way to meeting our spring publication goals.
I thought I would take a couple of minutes to feature a couple of our behind the scenes ladies. Both of them are integral to our project and indispensable in so many ways. I thought I would introduce you to our wonderful photographer Jessica who does the most amazing things with the human figure, and her stupendous assistant Jeanette who not only wrangles the animals and fetches ladders but also knits up many of our patterns for testing.
If you are looking for a bit more substance from the ladies head over to The Age of Steam and take a look at our guest post last week on textile arts and the Victorian ladies. We are lucky to have Blue Stocking-Reads compose this great post on our behalf.
See you all very soon!
Meet the Ladies: Dr. Erma Melanogaster
30 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Updates, Scanned Artifacts Tags: book update, drerma, kickstarter, knitting, mad science, steampunk
A lovely fall evening to you my colleagues! Now that we’ve concluded our multi-part lace shawl adventure, it’s about time to highlight another fabulous Lady who will be featured in the upcoming book.
Dr. Erma Melanogaster
Dr. Melanogaster is the Lady’s resident (semi-)mad scientist: a brilliant botanical and clockwork researcher whose laboratory mishap gave an extra twist to her already eccentric personality. She often puts her work above all else (even her health and safety), much to the chagrin of her dear friends. Fortunately, they tempt her out of the lab often enough to socialize and offer her unique insights on their latest endeavors – whether domestic, mechanical or sartorial.
And I would also like to take a moment to mention that the Ladies Of Mischief Archival Blog Project has recently passed the One Year mark! Oh, what we’ve learned and shared in a year; I can hardly imagine my life without these outstanding Ladies being a part of it. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed the Adventure so far, and are as excited as I am for what the next year will bring!
~The Archivist
