New mockup pictures; please advise/comment

[gem]

Ok, here we go again!  As I mentioned in the last thread, I lopped 3" off the waist and 1" off the bust, making the entire thing loads smaller.  Unfortunately, even though I left generous seam allowances (3"), Milord was unable to get it pulled snugly into place, so I know the next step is going to be adding lacing strips (see lacing strips thread!), so I can truly judge the fit.  Milord insists that it's way too small, but I can't really tell.  I think I can squish more.

A few things.  First, it looks WAY better in person the mirror, for some reason.  I think I'm *almost* at the point of doing away with the gap at the bustline; proper fitting and the drawcord should achieve that, yes??



So in these pictures, I'm pinned properly on the right (my left).  The straps are sewn symmetrically (Molly, I promise!), but fit better on the poorly-pinned side.  I think this means they're too long?

I'm also not sure I'm so fond of the totally stiff shield shape it's giving me.  This is the look I'm after, but my version looks so rigid and bulky.

Ok, happily accepting comments and suggstions!

Thanks!!

[PrincessSara]

It definitely looks better at the waistline now.  I think the armscye could be cut smaller at the front, which might help with the gaping at the top.  It kinda looks like you might be able to pull your bust a little higher so it fills some of the gap.  You got the squish but you could probably do more lift.

I think, if you want a more rounded look, you might actually want to go with the more flexible cable ties you were talking about.

[operafantomet]

It might have nothing to do with your fitting questions, but I'm thinking the straps could benefit from sitting further out on the shoulder. It MIGHT secure a tighter fit over the bust, and it would give you an even more period look.

But I think your idea of trying it on with lacing strips is the best one, as it'll give you a much better idea of the finished fit. It's definitely heading in the right direction, I think the finished result will be lovely.

[Kate XXXXXX]

Try sewing the side seams rather than pinning them.  If you are only pinning where the lacing will be, you'll get a better idea of where it fits and where it doesn't.  Then, even if you can't get pins in to pin out any excess, you can get the fitter to DRAW it on the corset, and you can then sew it and try again...

[gem]

Kate, it laces at the sides.  If I sew them, I won't be able to get into (or out of) it! LOL

Operafan, the straps I'm trying to emulate actually angle in sharply toward the neck like that (see here), so I was very pleasantly surprised when they came out like that naturally!  I want to change where they fasten from the front edge to slightly below the shoulder, but I think I want to get the fit of the overall bodice correct first.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I must have missed that!  Silly me! 

Oh, well...  Lacing strips up the sides then.

[operafantomet]

Operafan, the straps I'm trying to emulate actually angle in sharply toward the neck like that (see here), so I was very pleasantly surprised when they came out like that naturally!  I want to change where they fasten from the front edge to slightly below the shoulder, but I think I want to get the fit of the overall bodice correct first.

Oh, I see! Sorry. I was thinking more Tudor style. I take it all back, the straps are perfect!