I starched all my petticoats again, since the summer heat has taken it's toll on the almost 4-month old starching job I did. They stand up again! :) I just need to get them all ironed up nice.
I'm almost completely done with the red dress. I spent today fiddling with the bodice and getting the skirt underway. I got the neckline pinned. I'm not completely happy with the way it turned out in the end, but as a first attempt at not only this specific technique, but also a first for the period.
And another view of the pinning...
There are some fitting issues, but they're mostly hidden. My list of dislikes:
-I hate the back of the sleeves. I didn't cut a deep enough curve to fit my armscye
-I'm dissapointed that the neckline doesn't lie as flat as I'd like it to. Steaming the pleats helped a bit
-I wish I had cut the skirt a smidge fuller. I didn't realize how poufy all my skirts would end up after all the starching.
-I cut the back of the bodice up a smidge (ok, more like 1- 1 1/2") too high, the skirt gaps...unfortunatly, I'll have to add hooks and eyes to the skirt and bodice to keep the gaposis to a minimum.
-I made the back of the neckline a bit too big, and I have to keep the shoulders pulled down quite tightly to keep it looking like it's supposed to.
-The bottom of the bodice ended up with a weird slight flare at the bottom, so it looks kinda weird. :(
I'm not wearing my corset, and it's not pulled very tight, but you kinda get the idea. I originally was going to tack up the sleeves for a layered pouf, but I think I like it better without. Also, I tried adding lace to the neckline, but I wasn't too fond of it, so I think I'll leave the lace for the sleeves only.
I tacked the neckline pleats with a weird reverse blind stitch I kinda made up. (I'm sure it's an actual stitch -- I've just never used it before, and I don't really know what to call it!)
Neckline half the way done...
Bodice after tacking, clipping, and steaming the neckline.
I got my hairpieces and headwear done! I need to remember to dye my hair before I go!
I am not sure if I'm going to wear the hairpieces with the bonnet or not, but I think it is kinda cute!
I put on the whole kit 'n kaboodle this afternoon, but I forgot to take pictures. I'm sure I'll be putting it all on at least once more before CC, so I'll try to remember to take some pictures!
Things I need to do (X is finished!!!)
Underclothes/Accessories:
Wash gutchies
make drawers (?)
X-sew buttons on petticoats
X-starch petticoats
iron petticoats
X-Make hairpieces
X-Wash shawls
X-Wash cap
Red Velvet:
X-Tack neckline and sleeves
Make lace inserts (sleeves)
CURRENT - Sew skirt
Purple cotton:
Sew on hook & eyes
Starch dress
