Pleating Froufy

Last year my Big Froufy Gown was such a last minute rush I was sewing on the morning of the fair. The skirt waistband was the dodgiest last minute fix. I just stitched ribbon on and relied on the bodice to cover it.

This year the skirt is getting a proper waist band and cartridge pleats. It's also getting the over-skirt which means more pleats. The front is left flat and the pleats are denser at the back then at the sides. 

To bustle the skirt I'd cut some lengths of cotton tape, laid the skirt on the table inside out and pinned a length of tape along each of the side back seams about 3 minutes before putting the skirt on. I didn't have time to see if the positioning and spacing was going to work or not.

In the car park at the fair I realised the hem was off the ground so I took the bottom row of pins out and hopped I didn't flash anyone. 

Now that the waist band is on I will be able to revisit the tapes to achieve a more pleasing arrangement.

I wont' be making any changes to the hem or decorations. I did want to swap the pocket out but I don't think I'm going to have time to do so.

I've got lots more in store for you however you may have to wait just a little longer. I'm behind schedule and there's only 3 days left to the Guildford Heritage Festival.