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Taking Shape

3/8/2018

4 Comments

 
The Victorian gown is coming along nicely. I always like to work from the inside out, starting with the underwear. So I made some pantaloons, a bustle, and a waistband, for the old petticoat....
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She needed to be wearing high heels, but I don't have any Victorian high heel boots - just one pair of black high heeled shoes, so they just have to do. I had to add a yoke to the top of the skirt to make it a little longer, but it doesn't show under the overskirt. Both the overskirt and underskirt are sewn to the same waistband.....
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Well, that was the fast, easy part. Now I have to make her bodice, and that means designing a pattern - one of my least favourite things to do.  I found an existing pattern for a Large bust JID, and traced it onto iron-on interfacing, and pressed it onto white cotton.  I cut it out adding only the underarm seams, so I'd get a better idea of the exact fit after sewing it up.
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The pattern I had is for a bodice that opens at the back, whereas I need a pattern for a jacket that opens at the front.  So I drew on all the adjustments with pen.  

Funny thing - I noticed that when writing measurements to add, I'm using mixed measurement systems.  When I was a kid, growing up, Canada was still using the Imperial system, so that's what I grew up knowing.  But then in early adulthood, Canada switched to the metric system, and I'm still not 'fluent' with it. I notice that I use both inches and centimetres. If you look closely at the photo above, it says to add 1/4 inch at the dart, and to add 1 cm at centre front. LOL   Oh well, it's just for me, and I know what I'm talking about.

Anyways, now I have to draw up a new pattern using all the notes and adjustments made to this first test bodice.  Then I have to trace it onto iron-on interfacing, press it onto cotton, and try again. (PS - I use the iron-on interfacing so the pattern has no give or stretch in any direction)
4 Comments
Dorothy
3/8/2018 09:24:06 pm

Martha, this is going to be another one of your stunning outfits!

Reply
Mayumi
3/9/2018 01:46:39 am

It's going to look amazing when finished. A lot of work, like all your dresses, but they are so stuning that deserve the time you put on them. Waiting to see the finished garment!

Reply
Helen M
3/9/2018 02:04:10 am

You're not alone re measurements...... Same thing happened here, and anything I measure comes in both systems - often a mixture of both at once. I have to remember to translate if anyone else needs to use the numbers...

Reply
Maggie
3/9/2018 05:33:08 pm

You could always make a pair of grey spats to go over the heels, then you would have the look of two tone spectator boots which would look great with the dress.

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    Martha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes.
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