Work proceeds on the Bodice Top. There is a lot of detail work that needs doing. I have finished sewing in the lining. The Bodice is front closing. I used hook and eyes for the closure. I have seen this done in Janet Arnold's books, and also Eleanor of Toledo's Corset was closed using hook and eyes. To get a tight fit I have used 20 Sets of Hook and Eyes, "A Little Crazy". They were tough sewing because they had to be very accurate as to spacing and depth. Too close to edge and bodice has a gap, to far from edge and it overlaps. Also had to be directly across from each other, or they would pull. They were also very tiny to hold in place. Only had to resew a couple to make me happy.
The front closure is nice and tight now. I'm a little concerned about actually hooking them when I put the dress on. It will be a case of patience I'm sure.
I have sewed on 5 lacing ring to each side of the shoulder/sleeve opening. The sleeves will be tied on with ribbons. I purchased some very decorative tips for the ribbons, but ended up being short two, so need to get some more from Guendilina. I went from thinking of doing only 4 per side to doing 5. After reading some posts on Margo Anderson's chat regarding a person who wanted to attach some sleeves to an existing bodice (small world) most of the good responders advocated 5 rings, the fifth being center shoulder. That made sense to me.
I next need to sew in the ribbons to the sleeve tops. Next the sleeve panes will be held together with buttons. I had debated between silver button or jewels in mountings. Since the sleeves width is more then I want now, I am doing the buttons which will not separate the panes as much. Now to figure out how and where - spacing - to sew the buttons.
The bottom of the sleeves have now yet been cut to length, I was waiting to fit them into the bodice first and see how they fall.
There was a lot of finish work on the bodice. All the small details should add up.
