To go with our pocket hoops and hedgehog hair, we decided to make Open Robes Anglais. Finding a "historical" version of this pattern was a bit of a challenge, but I was able to find one that I liked by Wingeo.
I jumped right into things and cut out and sewed the bodice lining, but it just didn't look right. At $20 a yard, I was too scared to cut out my fashion fabric...so....decided to play it safe and do a mockup...
Here are a couple of pictures of the center back pleat.
Here are pictures of the mockup gown - front and back.
So, what's up with the bodice? On the pattern cover (above), the bodice front seams looked like they were straight, but the mockup looks more like a closed gown than an open gown. Here, I have folded back the front to the shape that I'm looking for.
Here's a picture of the bodice front after I made some adjustments to the front bodice.
Here's a picture that shows the back of the mockup. It's a good pic of the three back pleats. I also noticed the cut of the neck is too low - the back of my stays are showing.
Here's the modified back/shoulder pattern piece.
So, I'm now ready to cut my fashion fabric...*gulp*...
