There are tabs under the sleeve flanges with brass eyelets in them to tie the sleeves onto. But the eyelets are rough on one side, so I'm going to head to Joann's later to find small grommets instead. I don't want the sleeve eyelets to rub a hole in the shirt and I don't think Reko will want codpiece eyelets to rub a hole in …whatever.
The doublet is a lot of work. Let me repeat. A. Lot. Of. Work. None of the work (did I mention there is a lot of it?) is particularly difficult. It's just that there are many, many separate pieces to cut and get ready before you put them all together. I started working on the doublet Friday evening and spent all of Saturday and all of Sunday (with few breaks) to get it to the stage you see in these photos.
Simplicity would have you hand-sew the entire bottom hem of the lining onto the fashion fabric by hand. BY HAND! Hahaha. Not me. Not to mention how much of a PITA it would've been to press a hem into the shifty lining fabric.
Instead, I sewed the lining as you usually would for a vest — armholes, neckline, and leaving the bottom hem open so you can turn each side of the doublet separately, then sew up the sideseams in one continuous seam. Which would be OK except the sideseams aren't really sideseams. They are princess seams that curve to the back. So, it wasn't one continuous go but two per side because everything didn't want to line up without some rearranging around the curves. But that was still OK, since I could do all of it by machine.
Where I went off on my own was to re-open a section of the center back seam of the lining. Through that hole, I turned the doublet sort of inside out ("burrito style" if you're familiar with that on yokes and collars, etc.) so I could sew the lining and doublet hems RS together by machine. The CB seam is still open in case I need to make any adjustments. I'll sew that 5 inches by hand instead of the complete hem of the whole doublet. I can handle that.
Here's a preview of the completed pieces. After the sleeves today, I'll work on the hat. Reko will be here Wednesday evening for a final fitting and will then wait while I make any adjustments or, hopefully, just sew up the open seams.
WOW, WOW, WOW, that looks spectacular! And make everything look so easy, so seamless! You are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI have to echo sewsister, Wow. Deb its just gorgeous! He's going to be the best dressed man at the fair!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing outfit! You did a great job picking out fabrics and embellishments. I hope it's been fun- I'm sure Reko's reaction will make it all worth it!
ReplyDeleteTerrific job. Hope Reko appreciates what a gem you are for making this costume.
ReplyDeleteHere's another "Wow"! You did an amazing sewing job (to echo another responder).
ReplyDeleteOh he is going to make a lot of folks jealous in this! Amazing. Maybe he should have your business card to give out to potential customers! You do want to do this often, right?
ReplyDeleteamazing, he will be the best dressed guy there.
ReplyDeleteI have been watching this come together with great interest. The results - AMAZING! You should be very proud of your efforts.
ReplyDeleteThis costume gets more magnificent every day! It is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteVerily thine project is fine work methinks!
ReplyDeleteI am totally blown away. The costume is breath taking. You should be very very proud of this costume. It should be on a mannequin in a museum someplace when he is done with it. mssewcrazy
ReplyDeleteWow, this is awesome. You are so talented and have an eye for color. That is so professional and perfect. He is going to have so much fun and look great and authenic.
ReplyDeleteJust forgot something....get pictures with him in so we can see the total pictures. I am sure you will, but thought I would remind you...look forward to more posts.
ReplyDeleteDitto the above comments. Wow! You've done an awesome sewing job. Lots of hours of work.
ReplyDeleteThis is a work of art. You inspire us all! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete