The bodice is almost finished, I’m just at the torturous stage of finalising the trimming so I’ve started putting the skirt together as a diversion. Noting like metres and metres of clouds of white tulle to inspire creative thoughts. I need something in my head while I gather otherwise I’d go mad. The bodice has been piped around all edges with blue satin to give a neat crisp edge. I don’t want a frilly Giselle. The photos below show the key construction steps. I’m in a quandary now as to how to decorate this? I am leaning towards minimalist but will definitely keep the brass ribbon loops. I think the  dirndl approach gives a grounded village girl look rather than a fairy tale effect.

Piping is wide so it can act as a self facing too

Boning casing attached to the back of the front insert for spring steel boning

There’s a lot going on back here … boning casing for spiral steels added to bust seams

Bodice with insert attached. I’ve gathered it so it looks more like a chemise.

Definitely will keep the brass fittings

… and the skirt …