Ok, so yesterday I started working on getting the new chemise done.  I pulled out my instructions from Festive Attyre and went through my fabric stash.  I found the white cotton lawn I was looking for and got it ironed out.  I measured out the front, back and sleeves.  I was a little worried that I wouldn't have enough for the gussets, but it turns out that when I cut the sleeves down to the size I wanted I had enough.

I pinned the gussets to the sleeves and sewed them on using french seams.  I knew this fabric will ravel unless the seams are finished.  I then sewed the sleeves to the front, finished with french seams and moved on to pinning them to the back piece.

Now, this pattern is simple except for when you start sewing the sleeves to the back.  That gets a little tricky making sure that you have it lined up and the sleeves aren't twisted.  But I managed to get it right the first time.  YAY for me!!  It would have been a bitch to rip out french seams!

Once the sleeves are on, the fabric starts to get a little unmanagable because of the size and shape of it.  I pinned the sides together leaving a 4 inch section open by the wrist area and sewed it up.  Surprisingly, the pieces fit wonderful, so I won't have to trim the hem line.  Sometimes I don't always cut straight, but it all works out in the end.  I haven't ironed and finished the side seams yet, nor have I completely decided on how to finish the neckline, but that will come.  Since I'm feeling better today, I'm off to work, so no sewing today.    But I will have at least the chemise finished by tomorrow eve, as there's really nothing on TV to watch. 

My mind keeps going to the gown and the beading of it.  I may break down and buy some nice red or copper beads and bead them where the diamonds meet.  That section, even though it doesn't show in the pictures, is reddish, so it should look great!   I'm also still looking at pictures to decide on how to make the sleeves and which bodice style I want.  I'm thinking that I will do the fold back "prayer" type sleeves, but like I said, I'm undecided. 

I'll keep you all updated!

on a side note.....These posts are on MySpace.com.  These have all been completed in April.