The Bodice
The first side is made with striking scroll work upholstery fabric in black and ivory (in some light the ivory looks almost matte silver).  It reverses to a lovely tapestry chenille in brown, gold, and black.  Black cording laces up the front through 14 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.  (As with all my bodice ensembles, sewn shoulder seams are available upon request, but the bodice will no longer be reversible.)

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 coated spring 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 black 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