So close to being done! I got all the buttons and buttonholes finished this weekend. I wanted to have the entire thing done, but was just not disciplined enough. Since the closures are on, I was able to take pictures! The ties for bustling are all pinned. You know what's not fun? Trying on your polonaise and having pins poke you in the butt. Seriously. (Excuse the wrinkles. The skirt has been lying around unfinished for a really long time.)
All that's left is sewing the bustle ties, hemming the skirt, and adding the skirt flounces.
I'm so happy with how this has turned out. I was worried that I would have a lot of trouble with fit, but that went smoothly. The buttonhole-making wasn't too bad either. And I LOVE the buttons. They're vintage and made of real mother-of-pearl, so they're heavier and have a lovely rainbow-y shine. The only thing that bothers me, from looking at these pictures, is that it really looks like I could use another petticoat under the skirts. I have a narrow late-Edwardian style one I can use, so problem solved. :)