bee toile #2

[jennylafleur]

Second toile for the Bee. Still not terribly exciting but progress. I seem to be moving at a snails pace but I think I’m getting it. It probably doesn't look all that different but it is a whole new toile. I’m also working out how exactly I'm going to construct the thing... this toile was definitely progress on that issue!

The length looks good I think. I’ll have to put a toile skirt on it to know for sure. The neckline looks good, just need to shape the shoulder straps a bit more. Looks like I took too much fullness out so I’ll be putting a tad back in the front and sides. The back/side seam needs to be moved over an 1”.

The big question in my mind is should I replace the fullness at the center back or just make it fitted. It’s at an annoying in between at the moment. I need to look through my reference books/images again but as much as I love the fitted I’m leaning towards the full. The fitted (as I recall) is a later thing and I’m going early (1799-1804) for this dress.

It occurred to me this morning that my pattern (and vision) for this costume is a variation on a chemise a la reine bodice. At least that is the way I’m approaching the construction for good or ill. What is it that Jean Hunnisett says in her intro; look to the construction immediately before and close your mind to later innovations in cut and construction. Very paraphrased but you get the idea…