Wednesday August 10

Today we learnt how to drape a bodice on the stand, starting with a rectangle of fabric and pinning it down the centre front and forming darts to shape the bodice to the stand.  The back is done the same and then the two pinned together at the side and shoulder.

This basic idea is then adapted to fit in with the bodice design.  So the two darts in the back become seams, so there are three panels in the back, which also then go into pleats over the bustle.  One dart in the fron becomes two and the bottom edge is shaped.  Then all the pinned lines are marked with pencil and all the piece separated and made in to patterns.

Finally all the pattern pieces are cut out in calico and a toile made up.  Still some adjustments to be made, the pleats at the back are not sitting right, so that will be sorted tomorrow, plus working out the sleeves and collar.