Major rebuilding in progress on the bodice. I decided I wanted it gathered into the waistband, and I wanted the shoulder seams dropped to make it look more mid-19th century. Eliminating the front darts is easy, and taking out the back princess seam--actually, combining the center and side-back pieces into one--was less trouble than I expected. I added an inch to the length all around but it was still super short, even taking the waistband into account, so I added more length and will be cutting another test bodice soon. I also added a bit to the sides below the armscyes to give more ease of movement.
Front bodice (after the test run proved too short and I added more length to the pattern piece):
Back bodice (after the test run proved too short and I added more length to the pattern piece):
Front bodice, test run. Note how short it is:
Back bodice, test run. Note how short it is:
Sleeve with two inches taken up:
With sleeve cap cut off:
I've never done this much remodeling on a bodice before so it should be interesting. I may have completely boogered things up (on a tracing: I at least wasn't foolish enough to cup up my original!). I'll probably need to lengthen them, too, but I want to check before I do it so I don't end up with too much sleeve.
The neckline looks good without the collar so I don't think I need to mess with that.
I have muslin to make a new petticoat. I have a better bonnet pattern and I have a passable apron. I'd eventually like a new apron but the one here is much too narrow. Who really needs a patter for a half-apron, anyway?
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