Final fitting- This dress makes me feel like a Princess!
I wasn't really liking the silhouette I was seeing in my mock-up, the proportions were not super flattering. I brainstormed ideas and came up with adding a waistband.
To decide whether or not to add a waistband, I traced a photo of myself wearing my mock-up and added in all relevant details. I decided I liked it with a waistband better So I drafted one up. Luckily since the skirt is gathered, it didn't make any difference there. I wasn't super sure waistbands on day dresses were period (I had only remember seeing them on evening gowns, or a ribbon) so I Googled it, and they are YAY!!! (Pics under the cut) I suppose that my dress is a little later period now than before. 1820 instead of 1810 like the original pattern?
Here is my dress!!
Well, sort of. It is completely basted together for my final fitting. But since it fits well, I can Sew it together permanently now ! (Which is easier when it's basted)
Dress's with waistbands:
I tried to find dress's with cross-fronts for the most accuracy. I found Two, but I find it hard to tell if they actually have waistbands, or just really defined waist/bodice seams.
My Dress:
I am still getting a little "extra" fabric from the shoulder gathers creeping into the armseye, so I am going to cut in another 1/2". It is much better than before already, and the ruffles distract from it.
In addition to the sleeve ruffles that are missing, the finished dress will also have a ruffle going around the neckline. This will cover the little bit of my corset that is showing. I will also be wearing it with a petticoat (Which I haven't started yet) so the skirt will be less sheer. (In one of the photos you can see my yellow poka-dot leggings!)
I'm still not 100% sold on the wrist ruffles, but I figure I can stitch those on last giving me time to think it over.
The Mock-up: http://izodiea.livejournal.com/20335.html
Now if you will excuse me, it's off to bed. The cops have finally busted the drunken singing/dance street party thing taking place outside my apartment, and it's quite again.