Costume Store - Victorian Blouse

Today we were briefed on the final garment we'd be constructing for costume store; a Victorian blouse. Just like with the shirt there was a possible 3 blouses we'd be working from, and we'd be need to construct them in different sizes to each other. The blouse I'd be required to make was blouse 1.

**View of front of blouse

** Side view of blouse

** Back view of blouse

** Close up of front of blouse; pleated yolk detail

I was then informed that the size I'd be required to construct my blouse in was a size 16 and I'd be using a silk cotton (agra bleached) as the main fabric for the blouse, organza for the pleated detailing and lace for all the trimmings in a mixture of creamy colours. Unfortunately my main fabric hadn't arrived yet so I couldn't actually start the construction of the garment. To start off I did as I had previously done with the other two garments and examined the example garment and the pattern provided. The overall look of the garment was quite structured compared to the other two blouses. The shape is quite fitted due to the use of darts at the waist in the front and back pieces. Even the sleeves were quite fitted to the body (no gatherings etc). Due to the sharpness of the basic shape it doesn't appear too difficult to construct compared to the other two blouses. The main focal and time consuming point will certainly be the pleated detailed yoke/bib at the of the blouse. This will no doubtingly require time, patience and precision in order to achieve perfect symmetry. 

Since I wasn't able to make a start with my blouse I turned my attention back to my breeches. Since my last blog I'd managed to make quite a bit of progress with the construction of them. All I had left to do was to attach the waistband and finish off all the hand sewing needed to conceal any raw edges etc. I'd actually really enjoyed the construction of the breeches. It was a good challenge I think I needed as a costume maker in order to develop my construction/ problem solving skills and confidence in making. The hardest part I found was the flap construction at the beginning. I'd cut too far into the line needed to attach the yoke so found it difficult to get the pointed detailing to sit flat/correctly. I've taken this into account as a learning curve/ experience to remember the next time I'm faced similar construction situation. 

By the end of the session all that is left to do is to sew on the buttons to the breeches...