I've finally gotten the bodice to fit me after the 3rd try! (I don't think I went through so many mock-ups, even with my wedding gown!)
The bodice is basically finished except for serging and grommets (I have to hunt down a cheap Dritz grommet tool today until I have the $75 to shell out for an industrial one, as my old Dritz actually got worn out and broke!)
I figured out the skirt issue - knife pleats in the front, cartidge in the back. The Tudor Tailor says big ones in the back (how big it never says...grrrr....) but I just couldn't figure it out and the small ones work anyway. I have yet to sew the skirt to the bodice, as it's pinned on in the pic.
Still working on the hood - I had to remake the crescent as I went by the directions for the first one and they're just no good. So I did it my instinctual way the second time and it worked. Also still looking for trim for it since so much is anqitue gold colored rather than bright 24k colored.
I'm hoping the trim won't clash with the creamy gold forepart - the trim is such a bight dark gold. Sure hope having it in the sun will make a GOOD difference.
Since I just got a car, I don't have the money for the black silk I've been wanting. I think I'm gonna hold out till I get it, as I just don't want poly/acetate taffeta. I'm really trying to work with natural materials due to the Texas heat. It's kind of like an experiment to see if there's really a difference between natural vs. manmade like everyone says. So far the only poly is the forepart fabric, which is almost impossible to find in silk in the right color and pattern anyway. It also doesn't matter since it's not close to my body.
Well that's all for now. I just finished one client's pirate vest and I have one blouse to make for The Victorian Lady. Things are slowing down for the school year. :(
