First official fitting!

After much hemming and hawing (sorry for the pun there) Charlotte has a costume. See the gallery for a full length look. I am pleased with the result and will add fasteners when my finishing bits assembly line is up and running. Though I do like using the little applique pins, which are closer to a historical method. Thing is they are really sharp.  Ouch. It is hard on the fabrics too.

I've learned so much working on this project. Despite my best efforts, Charlotte's waist has thickened from all the layers. And the back of her bodice could do with some boning. The weight of the pleated skirt is pulling on the lining of the bodice. So next outfit the skirt will be stitched only to the bottom of the bodice and the top edge of the twill tape tacked in just a few places. A new rump pad and petticoat will sit under it on a basque and won't get in the way. 

Something else that caused trouble at the waist and distorted the shape of the skirts, is the traditional metal style doll stands. The sort with a wire clamping around the waist. So glad I borrowed one first from a Victorian lady in my collection and did not buy anything new. With the help of my dear husband, we created a saddle style that Charlotte sits on. Husband has some great ideas for building more stands that are NOT made of cardboard paper rolls, duct tape, glue, and furniture legs. That's what I had on hand and, well, it worked long enough to get some pictures taken. Good thing it's hidden under all the skirts.  If we get organized, I will let you know what we come up with in the future.

I had intended to make this first gown a Polonaise style. But the pillowcase fabric was of good quality and is too dense to drape properly. There were also a lot more bows ready and waiting to decorate the stomacher.  It all looked too crowded though, and the ruching is pretty enough on its own. Besides, Charlotte seems happy and is searching through the shop's stock for another gown. Maybe something that shows off her new hat trimmed in pink and with some soft matching mitts