I hope to inspire and entertain you with a lot of sewing and a little of everything else!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Re-enacting Wardrobe: Civil War Gathered Bodice





I finished my Civil War Bodice! OK, I do still need to hem the sleeves, but I really love the way it turned out! I used 100% cotton from Walmart. At only $3/yd, the bodice and skirt fabric only cost $27. I used Past Patterns #701 and it lived up to all the great reviews I've read. I shortened the bodice per recommendations and I think I could have left it. The waist is supposed to be high and it is.

 I did have to call Saundra once for technical support to figure out the front closures, but she helped me get it right and they look so neat! Here you can see the front edges turned back:
Here is a close-up of some of the 14 hand-stitched hooks and eyes:
 I decided to make the "coat sleeves" which are a very typical sleeve of the 1860s. They look a bit strange laid flat, but they give a pretty rounded silhouette when worn. I've seen them called "hand-shaking" sleeves because your arms naturally take that position.
I will get modeled pictures soon, but I didn't want to take the time to get all "corseted" and I don't have someone here to take pictures right now. I have to make Civil War Gowns for Rosie and Katie, too- and all before December 21, when the whole family is attending Fezziwig's Ball!! I have a bolt of blue "silk" that will be Rosie's gown and I'm also working on Andy's Christmas outfit for pictures on November 24. Busy, busy! What are you working on? Please leave a comment so I know someone is still reading!!

3 comments:

quilty stitches said...

Hi, I'm reading and enjoying!!! I always said I was born 100 yrs too late as I love wearing the full gowns. I recently bought a Folkwear Pattern for the Prairie Dress and apron that I think I can get away with wearing (around the house anyway)!! The blue silk sound wonderful :)

Shaffer Sisters said...

Wow so cool. Can't wait to see it on you. What a fun occasion to do it for. Scary made a dress her for prom her senior year that had 30 yards of fabric (see picture here: http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/2013/11/you-are-special-standing-against.html).
With Love,
Al @ Shaffer Sisters

Elisabeth Rose said...

Hi Kim- Yes, hubby always says I am from the 19th century! It seems like a more gracious time, though I would miss my heat, a/c, lights, computer, etc!!
Sisters- I will go look- I can't believe a dress could use 30 yards- ugg!!

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