tearing & sewing

The chemise la reine is going well. Wish all my projects were this simple!

Yesterday I got as far as fitting the petticoat toile (which I'm using as a base for the shaping of the gathers), made a clean and tidy second one for the fitting (out of purple so I could see it under the voile).

I then cut (actually tore) my panels and sewed them together. Originally I tore and sewed 5 panels (36" wide) but after pinning that on to Narcissa we decided that wasn’t enough so I added another. Again pinned that on Narcissa and decided that wasn’t enough and so added another panel. So I have a total of 7 panels. I hope that will be right. I don't want it to look skimpy but I also don't want it to overwhelm me.

So all the panels are sewn and the seams pressed open. The sleeve straps are cut and sewn. I decided to line the straps in cotton organdy, mostly because it as sitting right there and I didn't want to stop and go hunt out my linen scraps. I think it will work well. I used spray starch on the voile before I cut it, two layers on each side. It was so much more friendly after that. I do love spray starch!

I have to take a break for most of today to work but I'll get back to it tonight or tomorrow. Next up... gathers!