MLS Designs

Our dinner party on Saturday was such fun! Everyone made a real effort, we all looked super, and the food was awesome! There were 9 of us, so we each made one course, and they were all scrummy!

I didn't get many very good photos, and totally forgot to leave time when I was getting dressed to snap some shots of getting into my dress, with it's crazy complicated fastening! I was planning to take some when I got undressed instead, but my corset suddenly became terribly uncomfortable as we were clearing up. I have what's known as a pigeon chest - the ends of my ribs between my breasts stick forward, instead of being nicely in line with my breastbone. This means that if a corset busk hits at just the wrong point at the top, ie. is too low or too high, and comes low enough for my belly to push it forward at the bottom when I sit down, the top of the busk digs in and becomes unbearable. It was so bad when we were clearing up I had to strip off, and still could hardly move without it hurting. I'm hoping I might be able to re-cut the 2 centre front pannels to make the top edge higher, and use a long busk.

Anyway, I do have lots photos to show you, and ( they can all be found under the cut .... )

I've spent the last couple of days pottering about with a bit of modern sewing - I've made a pink apron and have half made a dress. Once the dress is finished I will be starting on my outfit for our Georgian trip to Keddleston while Aubry girliegirl32786 is here. I'm so beyond excited that one of my costuming friends is going to be here with me! So excited in fact, that I am completely failing at finalising a design! I know I want a jacket, but keep wiffling back and forth between ideas! I can't even decide on a fabric!!!!

My sack back only needs trimming and a stomacher now, so I've started working on Titanic sewing! I'm going to finish all the endless hemming and adding lace to strips of trim during breaks at work and while watching TV, and I don't have the energy to face making my undies, so I'm putting off the evil hour by making Mummy's dress. Also, this way I get to have a practice run! I can make all the first time mistakes on mummy's dress ;)
So far, I've pulled out all the fabrics - black net with white embroidery - flowers all over and a deep border; black striped sheer; black crepe and black velvet. I might put some more white in there some where, if I find something I like, maybe some kind of pearl trim?
We did the first fitting of the bodice tonight. It's based on her 1860s bodice block, and I think I'm going to have to bone the seams and darts, she's not wearing it with a corset, and because of her tummy it doesn't lie right. Hopefully it'll work though, and at least she'll be comfy during dinner without the full compliment of underwear!
Oh, I think I forgot to say what the Teens sewing is for! Our dance group have decided to hold a 'Welcome Home Maggie Brown' dinner party during the Easter holidays, I couldn't bear to be left out of the Titanic sewing party this year! I'm going to be taking mine to CosCol too, so hopefully it works out the way I imagine it in my head :)