UPDATE AUGUST 2011:  I’m having a very difficult time finding the particular shade of blue skirt fabric show in the photos. So for now, this ensemble is not available.

PLEASE NOTE:  I can also make this bodice with my standard curved neckline as shown in my other bodice ensembles.  It will be made with the square neckline as shown in the above photos unless you specify otherwise.

The Bodice
The first side is made with a gorgeous jacquard fabric which has a lovely woven design in cream and blues on a background of cashew.  It reverses to another beautiful fabric with a rather muted woven design which makes me think of wall tapestries…so pretty!   Natural cording laces up the front through 14 gold grommets and at the shoulders through 8 more grommets. The cording ends are crimped with aiglets for ease of threading and a nice, finished look.

This very sturdy bodice is designed to achieve the period-correct conical figure (no darts or princess seams) by pressing the chest and stomach flat and squeezing the bosom up above the neckline.  (Unfortunately, my dress form can’t “squish”, but hopefully you get the idea!). It has 8 pieces of supportive boning (a combination of spring steel, spiral steel and heavy poly…not that bridal stuff) and is interlined with heavy weight interfacing.  What does all this mean to you?   Superb support, comfort and excellent durability for many years of wear.

The tighter the fit, the more “push up” and “cinching” effect achieved.

The Cotton Skirt
Is made with four full yards of cornflower blue 100% cotton fabric in a cool, comfortable weight (not a poly/cotton blend which has a distinct synthetic sheen in the sunlight).  It has a drawstring waist for the perfect fit. (I prefer drawstring to elastic in the skirts of my own costumes since they can be worn very tightly under a gown or bodice without riding down.)  Circumference is a full 144″.  Serge hemmed to desired length up to 42 inches.

 

Click here for measurement and fit information.

 

 

$150.00