Fat Tuesday on Pioneer Square

Mardi Gras in Pioneer Square

I arrived in Pioneer Square a bit early to see the beginning of the Fat Tuesday celebrations.  We had been invited to the a very famous Seattle Ball, but as we were early, my beau Ox, and I stepped around the corner to view the storefront of Klondike Penny’s Old Time Photos.  Much to our surprise, she was open.  As I introduced myself, Joanna Urrego graciously ushered us into her beautiful studio.  There is a real player piano at the front and many beautiful costumes to allow the discerning lady or gentleman to become a character from the days of the Klondike . Joanne was anxious to snap our pictures in her beautifully appointed sets.  I was wearing a fetching pink chapeau by Avery Millieu and a lavender bustle skirt under a pink silk corset which Joanne was positively giddy to photograph. You can see the gorgeous results above.

As she snapped away, she told us the strange story of Penelope Makepeace Ransford, who came to be known as Klondike Penny;a notorious madam of one of the most exclusive brothels in Seattle during the Alaskan Gold Rush.  The studio is situated in the very building where Klondike Penny plied her trade, if you can imagine.  Apparently Miss Penny’s girls had to learn at least two languages and be able to read, write and do arithmetic in order to work for her.  Many were often paid to write letters home for their gold mining clients. Joanna  also mentioned that some of the iron bed frames from that time were still housed in the basement! And there is more, dear reader, the building is also home to a ghost! I will whisper more about  the story of the ghost in another post.

It seems that Joanne and Ivy are planning to expand their business to include frilly underpinnings such as corsets, corset covers, bloomers, bustles, and petticoats.  Oh to have a ready outlet for lingerie that I don’t have to make myself!!!  In order to speed that lovely day along, Miss Joanna has offered a discount of $5 on any package if someone comes in and mentions my blog.  Packages start at only $15, and so are very reasonable. You can visit them on Facebook at Klondike Penny’s and see more of their fabulous photos.  Remember to “like” them too.

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As many of my readers know from posts on Steampunk Empire, I am a founding member of Loyal Order of Corsetted Ladies. I know they will be excited about this new mercantile. I will certainly be alerting all my friends as soon as Joanna and Ivy are ready to launch their new line of corset related underpinnings.  If you are interested, please join us on Steampunk Empire at the Loyal Order of Corsetted Ladies.  You can find us here: The Loyal Order of Corseted Ladies

                                  (above: Miss Cherries with Miss Sasha Scarlett, below with Mr. Peter Big)

Once we were properly photographed, Ox and I perambulated around the corner to Trinity.  This  prominent club in Pioneer Square played host to this years most famous Mardi Gras Ball at The Trinity.  The beautiful and talented Miss Sasha Scarlet was our MC, ably assisted  by the dapper Mr. Peter Big.  It was Miss Scarlett (of candlestick in the library fame) who invited us to the ball while we were visiting  Emerald City ComiCon last weekend.  Never one to refuse such a kind invitation (free tickets) Ox and I spent the evening socializing and dancing with old friends and new. The evening included some fabulous burlesque and aerial performances as well as dancing, tarot readings, airbrush face painting, and a photo booth.  I met up with Vicki from Wild at Heart and the truly amazing adult toy artist, Scott Paul.  Mr. Paul is cooking some very Steampunk ideas for his new line.  When pressed he would only allude to new pieces, but I am very excited about his upcoming endeavors.

                                    Miss Cherries with Vicki from Wild at Heart and Scott Paul

I was introduced to one new friend, the charming Candice Grissom from parties by Candice, an independent consultant for Passion Parties.  She was fascinated by my corset and I by her wonderful wares.  We talked of corsetry and the joys of being "tied in". This lovely lady hosts parties for discrete ladies of a passionate nature.

And of course, Miss Cherries had to have her picture taken with this handsome young man.  Sadly, I never did get his name, but I must admit in my secret heart I would have liked to....get it....

I just want to remind everyone that the Clockwork Quadrille is scheduled to make an instructional video of the Air Pirate Stomp done to Abney Park's song Airship Pirates.  We will be filming on March 26 and expect the video shortly after.  Remember to follow my blog to see this video first!

Also, remember to carry your parasol and prime your bagpipes, the Air Kraken are coming.  Air Kraken Day is Wednesday March 16th and as everyone knows, the scourge of the air can't see its earthbound prey through a parasol and actually will flee the sound of bagpipes.  So, be caught without on this usually cloudy spring day.  I would positively faint to hear that one of ya'll had been snatched up by this tentacled menace, never to be seen again.....(where are my smelling salts....I get the vapors just thinking about it.)

I have some interesting interviews lined up and plan on meeting with some lovely people at the NorthWest Rendevous this weekend. I will report all the news on Monday.  Until then, ta ta, ya'll.....

Miss Cherries Jubilee - spreading Steampunk cheer and Steamposh gear wherever she goes.

Copyright 2011