OK, I have nearly completed the "Great Pumpkin" The only things left are the hem and the ribbons on the sleeves. Yep, I even made 48 floral pearl "ouches" for the sleeves and decided on the closings. I also joined the gym (with hubby) and have already lost 5 pounds. So lessons learned from this project.
1. Sometimes you can put the seam allowance in twice if you don't carefully mark the pattern. I did that on the sleeve panes.
2. Lacing rings are you friends even if they are not documentary used as closings on this type of dress at this time. Instead of eyelets, I have put lacing rings on the side back closures, even though the Eleanor dresses used eyelets. Why do you ask? Well, see the opening statement about the gym and am I known for weight fluctuations. Moving rings is much easier than redoing eyelets, especially if I fluctuate, ummm outward cause I fall off the gym wagon. And I figure, there had to be a way that regular women adjusted these dresses, even Eleanora. She was pregnant like 15 times. So lacing rings it is.
3. Sometimes things that look complicated, aren't. I have figured out those gorgeous sleeves on the Eleanora dresses, and they are much easier than you would think.
4. Sometimes things that looks simple, aren't. Skirts, ugh, enough said. I will not do the same corded bodice with skirts this way again, it was WAY too complicated.
5. I had an epiphany at work the other day while doing a very boring project. Those linen chemises under slim sleeves. In this time frame, you see slim sleeves, no big "puffs" under the upper sleeve, but lots of fabric at the cuff and or lower sleeve (depending on the sleeve style). Well, what if the sleeves ARE slim on the upper arm but wide at the cuff and the smocked into place? Or cuffed for that matter, but I think smocking makes more sense in some ways. So I may investigate that possibility on my next chemise. I have been promising pictures, they will get here I promise. But the camera is currently with husband on work trip, so it won't be until later.