Under Construction

7/23/2020

I'm slowly making progress on the new, fancy, pink Victorian gown for Iris. I don't know if I've shown the photo of the main skirt with the first three rows of embellishment....

Well, I added another row, of a light pink lace, and sewed puffs of pale pink nylon tricot, interspaced with ribbon roses. And I started the front drape section. The bottom edges of all the pleating still has the basting thread through it, to help secure the pleating until the dress is finished. Then I will remove it and the pleating will drape properly....

I made a test bodice using the FID evening gown bodice pattern. I did have Victorian JID bodice patterns, but that was for a doll with a small bust, and Iris has a Large bust. Which just so happens to be the same size as an FID Medium bust. So I can use the pattern for both ladies....

So I made any minor pattern adjustments and started on the actual bodice. All the sections have been sewn together and clipped, and now I'm in the process of basting all the clipped seam allowances flat on the inside. It's very time-consuming, but it's almost impossible to press the seam allowances open without it.....

Dorothy

7/24/2020 01:06:47 am

This is so pretty. I like the pink lace.

Martha

7/24/2020 02:45:53 pm

It's a very wide lace, and I almost felt bad cutting it so short for the bottom of the skirt.

Lorraine

7/24/2020 12:24:05 pm

I love the fabrics you have chosen. I'm always amazed that you have so many trims in just the right colors and amounts. My stash would never let me do something like this. I never thought of basting the seam allowances open on the inside. Because you're right, it's impossible to iron them flat otherwise. Maybe the next time I make a lined bodice it won't turn out looking so wonky.

Martha

7/24/2020 02:50:07 pm

I used to have even more trims, way back when I inherited most of the stock from a lace store, but I gave most of it away - people came and took garbage bags full - and I also sold a lot. At that time I thought my doll-making days were over, so I sold many bolts of the finer laces that I really could have used now.

It does take a lot of extra time to baste all the seams open, but the end result always reflects the amount of time spent, especially on these smaller scales.

Donna

7/25/2020 01:07:53 am

It's going to be so beautiful! I love all your work-in-progress photos. Every one is filled with good tips to improve my skills.

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