The Challenge: Make Do and Mend
Fabric: Short stays and a shift
Pattern: The stays were Sense and Sensibility. The shift was made up and purchased form the Silly Sisters
Year: Early 19th century
Notions: Thread...
How historically accurate is it? Fixing and mending has been happening for ages!
Hours to complete: Maybe 2 or 3
First worn: Just for draping a dress
Total cost: Zip!
When I made up the short stays, the muslin fit, but being that they were front closing, the boning I put wasn't stiff enough (two layers of reed on each side) so the center front bowed out, making the bust too loose, at the top edge. I guess, for my bust size, I will need a proper busk.
Last week, I went to cut out another set of pattern pieces to alter and make them back closing, so I could put a busk, but then I decided it would be much quicker to just alter the cup area on these, so I could get to making a dress over them.
So, I removed the binding on the front, cut down the cups and reapplied the binding. Really quick and now they fit better.
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Ooo now I see buckling under the bust. Must add more cording soon! |
The short sleeved shift was actually a purchase. I picked it up at an event. It was made by the Silly Sisters and is linen, and is made up really nicely. Only problem, the neckline was a bit too round and small, so it peeked out of squarer necklines. So, easy fix, I marked the new neckline, opened up the seam and restitched. Very quick, as well.
So glad you found my blog - so I can enjoy yours!!! Welcome to the world of sidesaddle riding. My blog is over 3 years old, so if you have time and have a question - you may very well find the answer there. The left side has subject tabs that will pull up only the posts specific to that subject. Wish I did not have to go run errands - I will be back to look deeper into your blog - LOVE you sewing projects!! - Julie
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