I have a little laugh when people here in town don’t know I’ve been here for twenty years. Well…it’s true. The big 2-0. This is the week we bought this place and life changed in the weirdest ways imaginable! I’m still a California girl, but I love this town…still can’t figure out why, but I do. Friends who are family now bind me here, half the time I drive out, I stay here and just sew. Sorry about the barking, Tombstone…Angus and Fiona are here, too. 😁
In the course of sorting out some period garments for Tombstone, we happened across one of the bodices in our collection and after looking at it, it struck me that this demonstrates some of the key elements in period seam finishing. First, the seam allowances have been finished off with an overcast stitch. Also, note the use of boning to add structure to the bodice- this didn’t replace the corset but rather aided in helping to define the bodice shape.
Also, we want to note that this bodice employs flat-lining- this is where a reinforcing piece of fabric is attached to the interior side of the fashion fabric to add stability. This is especially useful when dealing with lighter fabrics and especially silks (polished cotton was frequently used).
Finally, we note that hooks and eyes are used, all the hooks one side, the eyes on the other. You will see an alternating pattern with some bodices but either way is good and both were used.
Proof I actually stepped away from the sewing machine and brushed my hair today. December has been busy with both of us building wardrobe stock…and I mean a lot of it. Holy moly.
Caught on the streets of Tombstone…that Dressmaker that hides in #11 and sews all day! 😃 We’ll be returning to the streets of Tombstone after Christmas for a bit.
YYeah. Some people bake Christmas Cookies today, I corset up and try on *all the things* I’ve been working on this month…listening to Christmas Carols and “Tombstone ” is playing in the background. Because…duh!