Finally! I'm actually working on the dress itself!
First, there was a bit of a detour in fabricland since I couldn't find what I really wanted. Apparently blue is just not in this year--it was impossible to find. I did locate something that might have worked, but I would have had to order online and hope it was good, and at $70+ a yard, I figured I'd better pass. So after one last-ditch trip to Joanne's, I did find some upholstery fabric that will work. Out with the blue and gold color scheme, and in with the green and creme!
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| Dress form adjusted for corset and ready to rock |
I needed to start drafting a pattern for the bodice. Thankfully, a lot of the bodice is covered by other pieces, so this seemed like a great place to start. The original body block/slope was for completely different measurements than the corset, but did have my correct armscye (I think I must have ape-like arms). The corset pattern also had a lot of the correct shaping. Therefore, I figured combining the two would at least give me a good place to start.
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| Original body block + corset pattern = new pattern |
I had quite a bit of correcting to do from the first attempt (which I expected with such a random mash-up approach!). I was glad I'd spent time figuring out how all this worked--it was much easier to snip, pin, move, and add darts than my first try at drafting a pattern.
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| Corrected pattern pieces out of muslin |
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| Pretty new paper pattern all cut out and ready to go |
I did add an additional piece along the front closure so I have a bit more strength when it comes to adding the boning, grommets, and lacing. Oh yeah, I am out of grommets and only have a setting kit for 3/8th inchers. Now I need to go get more grommet toys...
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| Not trusting my dress form entirely, I figured I'd better just try it on myself. The front closure is just pinned together, but I think this will work! Day 1 is a success. |
Next up, the skirt. I started with just a big loop of fabric the correct circumference at the floor with a couple extra inches length on the back to allow for the bustle. Then I used the dress form (named Dorcas) to drape and get the waist just right.
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| One side is all done--look how much extra fabric I removed by using darts instead of gathering (and that's just on one side)! |
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| Inside-out checking the fit one more time. Reminds me of a nine-gore skirt. |
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| Skirt is ready! Right-hand pocket access is being planned in since I ALWAYS wish I had a pocket, but am usually too lazy to put them in. |
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| Front is fairly narrow and drops straight down with little flare. |
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| Shape of inspiration dress |
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| Back is full of darts with one box pleat at the center to allow for lots of bustle room. |
Back to the sewing table!
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