I'd like to make a bodice similar to the Khadija bodice on Moresca. It's lovely and all, but I'm limited on funds and I'd like to have it look a certain way. http://www.moresca.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=306
I thought about following the guide on how to make a simple bodice, but can you suggest any tips on how to do this in the style I'd like? http://www.reddawn.net/costume/bodice.htm
Mainly the problem I have with it is I have no clue on how to put in boning and that I'm still a novice at sewing. I'd also prefer to put in eyelets instead of grommets. I've heard they hold better than grommets do. I really have no time limit at the moment, so I can still take my time with it.
I'm a big fan of Red Dawn's patterns, but I think a better choice for an online bodice pattern would be the one at the Elizabethan Costuming Pages:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html
That link will take you to the corset pattern generator; this one will show you how to take that pattern and make a bodice out of it:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/kirtlepat/
One (or both) of those links will have good advice on boning.
Alternately, McCall's has a pattern for a short bodice like that, which might be easier still: http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4994.htm?tab=list/costumes&page=all
If you have a JoAnn or Hancock Fabrics near you, you should be able to buy that pattern for $1-2.00 during their pattern sales.
Take any short bodice pattern for the base. For the wings, draw a crescent moon shape that has an inside line that measures to the same length as the inside of your bodice armhole. Make a point about mid way on the outer side of the crescent moon shape. Gather a piece of material to the short bodice for the skirt.