Putting it together

[mala_14]

Well, the back bodice pieces went together fine. I layered the outer fabric and lining so that when the seam is sewn and then pressed open all the raw edges are enclosed in the middle. I think this is often done with corsets. The effect is the same as the seams shown in Costume Close-up but without handsewing down the other side of the lining. Instead, that lining is sewn down at the same time all the other layers are. The problem arose when I started work on the front lining pieces and realized that the curve in the front piece (from the strap to the front neckline) did not want to be hemmed nicely. Even though it really should have been fine. The Glasgow Museum gown has it like that. I then remembered that lots of bib-front gowns have the front lining as two different pieces, a side front that attaches to the strap and a front that goes under the bib. (My gown is not a bib-front, but the lining is made on the same principles.) So I cut a chunk off my front piece and cut out a new piece to attach to it. And then realized that it wasn't close enough to wear that strap connects so I cut even more off the front piece and another new piece to attach. Whew! I think this should work but it was a hassle and made me not very pleased with this gown last night. :-p

Lesson: Next time the lining should have a less dramatic curve from the strap to the front!