Thanks for taking the time to reply with all the suggestions. I did wonder if putting in the woman’s sleeve would be a problem but it seemed to fit. Maybe, I should redraw the sleeve instead of all the armhole alterations?
I did consider starting from the woman’s pattern and using the men’s pattern for reference on the lapels and collar. But the woman’s pattern is princess seamed in the front and looks like it’s just designed to be worn over regular modern underwear so I didn’t think it would fit right when I’m wearing the corset. :-/ An explanation I’ve read of 18th century corsets is that they’re intended to give a flat look in the front to contrast with the roundness of the bust coming out at the top; the bust gets smushed and pushed upwards. With the corset, my normally 38” bust gets flattened out to 35”. And my waist comes out to 30-31” although it’s only 27-27 ½” without the corset. (I think all the boning and my huge ribs keep me from being able to pull it tighter at the waist.) So, it’s a different shape than what modern patterns are designed for. I’ve looked for patterns for that time frame but most tend to be for gowns and the few jacket patterns I’ve seen (all from historic pattern companies) aren’t even close to the style I need.
I’m going to put it aside for a bit and try messing with it again in a few days.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-04-10 04:21 am (UTC)I did consider starting from the woman’s pattern and using the men’s pattern for reference on the lapels and collar. But the woman’s pattern is princess seamed in the front and looks like it’s just designed to be worn over regular modern underwear so I didn’t think it would fit right when I’m wearing the corset. :-/ An explanation I’ve read of 18th century corsets is that they’re intended to give a flat look in the front to contrast with the roundness of the bust coming out at the top; the bust gets smushed and pushed upwards. With the corset, my normally 38” bust gets flattened out to 35”. And my waist comes out to 30-31” although it’s only 27-27 ½” without the corset. (I think all the boning and my huge ribs keep me from being able to pull it tighter at the waist.) So, it’s a different shape than what modern patterns are designed for. I’ve looked for patterns for that time frame but most tend to be for gowns and the few jacket patterns I’ve seen (all from historic pattern companies) aren’t even close to the style I need.
I’m going to put it aside for a bit and try messing with it again in a few days.