A change of plans

[mlsdesigns]

We didn't go to Manchester after all, the weather is just too bad, so I managed to get a bit of sewing time in, between seeing Gemma and going out to friends for a film night. I spent quite a while marking up my pattern, then ironing :( But I managed to find my collar canvas to re-enforce the lacing holes, and I've cut the bodice fronts out in the lining, I think tomorrow I'll cut the fronts out in the silk too, and edge stitch them together, and I might do the eyelets too, while I wait to be able to do the back pleats. I've decided not to do the sleeves I think, because I'm worried they might not work, I'd rather have the bodice together before I cut out the sleeves, and I definitely want it together before I sew on all the trim!
Talking of the trim, I think I may have had an idea. I'm planning to ruche pinked strips of the yellow taffeta and sew them down with the braid down the centre, but while I was looking for lining I spotted the white and cream silk taffetas I have, and thought maybe the trim might look better, have a bit more pop, if I do the ruche out of 2 layers - a tiny bit of the white or cream showing under the yellow. So I might do a little sample tomorrow, try all 3 maybe and see what I like best. The other thought I had was to use organza, torn into strips, they way they did for so many of the gowns in The Duchess, but I don't think that's a period technique, in fact, I don't think I've seen an example of the 2 colours of taffeta either... hmm, I don't know :) I'll see what I like, and maybe I'll stick with just the yellow, Im not looking forward to cutting all the trim anyway, the idea of doing it TWICE? Ick!!

Comments

[girliegirl32786.livejournal.com]

Glad you got some sewing time in even if you did have to cancel your trip!

[mlsdesigns.livejournal.com]

Yes, every cloud has a silver lining :D

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

Sounds like some great sewing progress. Too bad about your trip though. Also, about the two colours of trim, this pic has two-coloured trim on the robings (but it might be lace or something else): http://cgfa.acropolisinc.com/d/p-duplessis3.htm Just in case you decided that you did want to cut out all the trim twice. ;p

[mlsdesigns.livejournal.com]

That's a gorgeous portrait! I think you're right, it looks like the white is a braid sewn down to the edges of the self fabric trim, but thanks for posting it!