not to change the subject or anything

[jennylafleur]

For those you who have researched and seen the real things *ahem Suzi* - do robe a la française gowns always have that lacing in the back of the lining thing? Is there a reason I can't just have a perfectly fitted solid back to my lining?

Just wondering...

In other news I laid out my ruffled jacket pattern on the pink silk and there would be more than enough for a jacket, more than I had to work with with the linen ruffled jacket in fact. *ponders options again*

Comments

[demode.livejournal.com]

I don't believe they always had lacing in the back lining, no. So you could make one without. It just takes away your ability to make the dress adjustable.

[joysdaughter.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, they *all* have the lacing inside. But that's only the ones I have seen, or have seen patterns/drawings of - Arnold and Bradfield mainly. It does enable you to control the pleats at the back somewhat, and it does amke for a virtually perfect fit every time.

Having said that, just because I haven't seen one without, doesn't mean there are none about. I'll post this on the H-Cost list and see what happens.

[laurenmonkey.livejournal.com]

I dunno, but it sure is handy! With a removable stomacher and lacing you can make it last you a good long while :)

[tailordrews.livejournal.com]

Hi,
I have not seen any dresses without. You could make a perfect fitted back to insert in stead, that would be no problem, but you cant make a dress without the backpiece. The sides and the front would not sit well.
One of the reasons they used lacing in the back was to be able to ajust the stomacher in the front, and then finally lace the last piece in the back, to get the front real tight and nice. Also because it would be easyer to insert different shaped stomachers in the front.

Bjarne