English Bodice Improvised

This summer was a busy time for me. I have jumped into so many projects and adventures that I forgot to keep this updated with the things I did. This is the start of making up for it. This project goes along with my Living History. In an attempt to look presentable as my first year in charge, I decided to make a finished bodice. My other attempts were only the outer layer. Unfortunately, in a gesture of good will I ripped apart my pattern for a friend. So I didn’t have a new one to go off of. So using a previous one that hadn’t turned out well enough to want to keep, I took it apart for my emergency pattern. The blue one in the picture is the pattern. The reason I chose it was for my mistake at using black thread. Other than that is was an okay bodice.

I chose a mustard colored canvas fabric for my new bodice. I have just been in a yellow mood and it is a good period color. After cutting tracing and cutting everything for an inner layer and an outer layer, I decided to start the sewing. At each piece I was going to sew, I first pinned it together to stop any stretching between the bottoms from the tops. Because I am using such a thick fabric I went with quilter’s pins. I had not used them previous, but now find that I like them a lot. I have also come up with a use in camp for them by running ribbon through the slot and making a bow.

Be careful when sewing that you do not do a seam facing the wrong way, like I did here. And for all my searching, I couldn't find my seam ripper. A sharp serrated knife will work in a pinch.

I have as of right now only created the two layers. In the next few days I will put in the boning. A friend told me of another type of boning called Ridgeline. It is a strip of mesh that is possible to sew on and is still stiff enough. After I finish my bodice I will update this blog to show the Ridgeline, wire boning, and my finished bodice. If I complete it in time I will show me wearing it in camp.

Many thanks and until the next adventure,

~ Sara