Custom Bodice?

[batninja]

As I wear a kilt with a district tartan to festival, my girlfriend would like to have a bodice custom-made, with my tartan as a trim.   Love that girl.  Our design, so far, looks something like this:



Can anyone recommend a a good bodice-maker that might consider helping us make this a reality?  I have access to the tartan fabric, just need someone to step up and actually sew it.  My skills are pretty good in that area, but I'd rather trust this to the professionals. 

Odd Bodkins comes to mind, as I mimicked the 'wench' design from their website.

Additionally, my SO has a large Lotus flower tat on the middle of her back, and would love to show it off; so, maybe a low-cut back?

[Rani Zemirah]

You might ask Lady Kathleen if she can get to it before the season starts. 

[isabelladangelo]

As I wear a kilt with a district tartan to festival, my girlfriend would like to have a bodice custom-made, with my tartan as a trim.   Love that girl.  Our design, so far, looks something like this:



Can anyone recommend a a good bodice-maker that might consider helping us make this a reality?  I have access to the tartan fabric, just need someone to step up and actually sew it.  My skills are pretty good in that area, but I'd rather trust this to the professionals. 

Odd Bodkins comes to mind, as I mimicked the 'wench' design from their website.

Additionally, my SO has a large Lotus flower tat on the middle of her back, and would love to show it off; so, maybe a low-cut back?

Although I realize this won't be H/A, I will say I'd re think -seriously- a low cut back.  A bodice is made to hold up, a low cut back will prevent the bodice from doing it's intended function.  Imagine a bodice like a bridge - if you take out the suspension, you will still have a bridge but it won't be able to hold that much weight if any.

It might work better -also- if she did a stomacher front.  Not H/A for the 16th c, but she could change out the tartan with a solid front for other times/days.  (several stays from the 18th c work on this idea!)

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I also second Lady Kathleen of Olmsted.  You can renmail her.  She has done custom work for me, my husband, our adult son, and many others on this forum.  For pictures of her work, check out the sewing thread. 

My noble garb, made in 2007, still looks as new as the day I first put it on.  Her garb is made to last & is beautiful.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I heard my name mentioned. So I will respond.

A low cut back might not be as supportive as a back that sits at the shoulder blades. Because Bodices have boning to support the back as well as to prop up the "girls", a bodice such as this would be better served to have the Tartan as a Stomacher piece as Rani stated, then back lacing.

Would there be Tartan in the back as well? Or just in the front?

Nice design idea by the way!

[Rani Zemirah]

I heard my name mentioned. So I will respond.

A low cut back might not be as supportive as a back that sits at the shoulder blades. Because Bodices have boning to support the back as well as to prop up the "girls", a bodice such as this would be better served to have the Tartan as a Stomacher piece as Rani stated, then back lacing.

Would there be Tartan in the back as well? Or just in the front?

Nice design idea by the way!

Oops... I think it was Isabella who mentioned the stomacher... and I like that idea along with the back lacing, as well!  I always like having as many options for custom sizing as possible, though...     

[batninja]

Thanks for all the suggestions, gang!   Lady Kathleen, I'll PM you directly, if that's okay!