Steamboat Dress Fitting Three

After incorporating Maggie's adjustments, here is the last fitting. I found that I still needed to take in the waist an inch or so but other than that it's perfect! Just for clarification, I did not use Simplicity 1818 to make this. I developed my own pattern based on the fashion plate from Godey's.

You'll notice the V is deeper and the waist is straight along with a few other differences. So, here is the last mock up before I cut the fashion fabric. I should state that the dress itself will not have the seam down the middle of the back.

Bodice Mock up

I have cut out the mock up for my Steamboats dress. In the process I realize I have lost some weight since the last time I used my bodice pattern block. Fitted it once on my own, made another mock up and decided to get help fitting it again. Since I am now in Pennsylvania, I took a drive to Gettysburg and visited with Maggie Koenig for a fitting. I am rather proud of my patterning skills, never having had a second hand to help with fitting. Oh was I seriously under a misconception. I put on the mock up and Maggie started pulling and pinning and drawing and cutting. She moved darts and shoulder seams. Took in side seams. Wow! It felt so much better! Of course I didn't take pictures during the process, but I do have a couple of the outcome. Hopefully you can see all the changes she made. Now I have a perfectly fitted bodice pattern!

I'm Baack!!

Yes, it has been a while since I posted. Had some life changes, moved to Pennsylvania. But now I'm back and will again resume posting on my living history activities! As you may remember, I am attending Steamboats A'Comin' in Louisville KY in October. So of course I'm making a new dress.

I had no time before moving to start working on the pattern. I know, relatively last minute sewing. And since I seriously down sized before leaving Texas I needed to find a cutting table here in Pennsylvania before I could even start on the pattern. I was able to find a "hobby table" at Joann's and at half price! I really like it; it works well so far for me. I started on the pattern today. This dress will be machine sewn to save time (if I can remember how to use my machine). I had hoped to make a chemisette and a ballgown, not to mention finishing out the straw bonnet I bought. Not sure this will all get done. The day dress and bonnet for sure but I will probably have to make do with what I have for everything else.

So stay tuned for updates on the dress and the event.