As written in previous posts, I have really enjoyed slowing down and taking care of what I’m doing with this project. I have found myself having to do less ‘creative’ techniques with finishing touches. I basted the skirt onto the jacket to see how she was going to hang, position the pockets and get a better sense of the overall look. She was really taking shape and looking pretty! While the skirt was attached, knowing that I wanted to do something different with the hem, I took note of where the hemline fell, decided it was a good where it was. I’ll describe my hemline idea in another post because this is where the project took a major turn. Notice in the picture above how the bodice is reacting to the weight of the skirt…this comes into the plot line soon.
Once the pocket placements were sorted, the skirt came off! The pocket flaps had already been constructed with a little creative piecing. Since welt pockets have been known to raise one’s anxiety level, I knew this was the perfect time to just do one after work each day. Time to tidy up, make my notes and start getting ready for the work week ahead. With the skirt neatly laid out on the worktable and the bodice back on Betty (my dress form) it will have to wait a day for any progress. I dutifully focused on the curved welt pockets each day, no issues. The day after the pockets were done, after work, I popped into my workroom to assess and think about the next step. Thats when it hit me. I really liked the shape of the bodice and where it hit on Betty’s hips. What if I kept it short? How about leaving off the skirt?
This was not a decision I wanted to make quickly. I gave it some thought, took a picture to consult with my sister and even scribbled black over the image to get the idea that was taking over my mind out. I had to sleep on it, and get some feedback.
I consulted some trusty advisors, real women who liked pretty things and understood functionality and getting the most out of your wardrobe. It was unanimous. The shorter style made it a little more contemporary and versatile. Also, take a look at the picture above, where the skirt is basted onto the bodice. The heavy skirt was pulling the shape out and the overall look was heavy. The skirt would just have to live on as a separate. I wasn’t going to let those beautiful pocket flaps and welt pockets I masterfully conquered go to waste.
