Edwardian Gown II

I have been working on the skirt, and while measuring the two parts (the yellow underskirt and the ecru overskirt) it became clear that the yellow underskirt has been shortened, and that the tucks was not originally there. The overskirt was quite a bit longer than the yellow both in front and especially in back. I ripped up the seams of the tucks and let the skirt down again. I'm only wondering how she was planning to shorten the overskirt. That would have been hard, as it is made of netting, and already covered in fabric work.

Befor starting on the bodice I decided to read up on the edwardian tailoring techniques, and consulted my "Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques" which is a reprint of an 1905 manual. From what I can see, whoever made this gown must have been updated on the latest techniques, as all the little bits and bobs on the dress match the recommended way of doing things in the book. In all likelyhood this must have been a very expensive dress, a weddingdress, I'm quite sure. (there is a chapter on the making of wedding gowns in the book)

I have managed to get hold of a poly-cotton in the same yellow colour as the bodice lining, and I'll be using bias strips to attatch the sleeves to the torso of the bodice, as well as hemming the inside of the bodice. The boning needs to be covered at the bottom or else it will be extremely uncomfortable to wear. But before I put the bodice together I need to read up on how to clean it. I'm not even sure it can be done, but best check it as there is some discoloration under the arms, and the cuffs as well as the collar are a little dirty.

When the dress is finished I'll se if i can get hold of a manneqin and display it in the livingroom. Or perhaps store it till we get a bigger livingroom...