In a message dated 11/17/2005 4:58:34 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I was actually planning on using a commercial pattern for a class aimed at new costumers, I'm considering offering some members of my local SCA group a tutorial on my method of taking a readily available commercial pattern with Princess seams and turning it into a cone shaped 16th century bodice without princess seams (I've tried to explain my method here http://au.geocities.com/e_walpole/SiL/Fixing_SiL.html#Bodice but there's nothing like a hands on demonstration). And as Butterick patterns are on sale at the moment I thought this might be a good option. **************************** I use commercial "fitting shells" all the time to get shoulder slopes and neck curves and stuff like that. There's no need to start with a "costume" pattern. Start with what we use to draft up in school from measurements... a "sloper". But why draft it up when all the major pattern companies have done it for you...or the "fitting shell". [they usually have 1960s darting to fit the front...y'know, a dart under the bust and one on the side.] As far princess line patterns... an 18th century open robe with a stomacher shouldn't be too hard to tweak from one. But forget the costume pattern and start with the simplest princess line dress you can. And remember, tell them a pattern is just the starting point [but it's important to get the shapes right]. A garment still has to be fitted so if things are just spot on in the pattern, don't panic! {and of course an 18th century bodice isn't ever gonna fit right w/out the corset under it.] Boy is that Butterick pattern a laugh riot! Yuk! _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
