Works in Progress – Victorian Ensemble
The Victorian Outfit
We decided on a plain skirt in Duchess Silk Satin and a corseted ball gown top, both taken from vintage patterns and as this was a sample, we made it to fit a size 16 or generous 14 at a pinch, in otherwise to fit our display model! The skirt features back pleats and a longish train. Interlined with silk organza and the hems faced in duchess satin for hard wear and rigidity. A further silk lining will fit inside and a custom made petticoat completes the skirt part of the outfit.
The top consists of two layers of the satin, with a coutil core for strength and to give support to the material. Steel bones complete the “structure” with organza and hubotai silk “bertha” which is the proper term for the neckline band that will wrap around the shoulder. This feature, together will make the waist appear slimmer and the cut of the flat fronted skirt allow easy movement with all the volume behind.
Here is shown the panels being cut and hand basted together, there being around 5 metres of material for the skirt alone.
This photo shows the interlined skirt before fitting the facings to the hem.
Shown here is the joining of the hem facings, care being taken to line up all the seams. The facing is understitched to aid correct hanging and shape of the hem.
Here the bodice of the corset is being flat lined with coutil
This photo shows the flatlined and boned lining and the outer satin layer that will show no signs of boning. The boning and construction of the bodice allows the wearer to achieve the correct shape without the aid of a corset .
Shown here, the inner boned lining and silk facing
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