I started this project over a week ago. I couldnt get any striped silk so used a pair of curtains which was checked in blue and white Id purchased second-hand. This actually made the top look like a Vivian Westwood or 80's style.
The jacket is shaped at the front and back this is to accomodate the pannier which is under the underskirt. The jacket overlaps at the front. This proved to be the hardest because I didnt get the shaping equally sized I should have used a template or worked on a pattern. I cut the jacket out larger than I needed and pinned the sides to the dressmakers dummy to get it to fit snuggly at the sides and cut the neck which was squared off to the correct shape. I had a problem with the lining which I cut unevenly so it was pulling the top material. I actually thought Id have to start again which was pretty upsetting but when I came back to it the next day I was able to alter one half of the front. To be truthfull I'd overtired myself I then oversewed the button holes using two narrow strips of fabric ebut now the front needs stiffening up!It's all very exciting at first wheen you see the garment coming together but the hand-finishing is the important part as it makes it look professione and I have a tendancy to rush to get it finished and am already thinking about the next garment. Sometimes I leave it and take ages to finish it this may not be a good idea!
This all goes to prove that making a pattern would have been time well-spent in this case. I made one after in case I need to make it again.
