Mock up...Done

Thanks are due to my sister who lent me her sewing machine while mine is on the fritz. As a result, I was able to piece together the muslin on the dress.

Already I can see where modifications are needed...

It does, however fit like a dream. Perhaps a bit too loose in places, but given all of the layers involved, the boning and the fact that is does lace on the left side, I'd rather leave the fullness in. The boning will take up some of that space. And should it need a bit in at the waist, all I need do is lace the side a smidge tighter.

One major modification, for modesty's sake, is raising the neckline. When the darts and princess seams sit at their appropriate points, the cut edge matches the line of my bra. I'm all for a little decolletage, but given the formality of the situation, I suppose a little more decorum is required. So I suppose this means I am including the ruffled edge afterall. And I'll need to add at least an additional 5/8" to the neckline. Perhaps and inch would be safer.

The second alteration has to do with the position of the straps. As patterned, they fall to the outside of my shoulders. And fall they do. I would fit the urge to constantly pull them up unless I modify the pattern slightly....a small tuck out of the front of the strap where it curves from the body of the dress...and a slight enlargement of the armseye....

I will have someone pin and mark these alterations on me. I dare not do it myself. Besides, I have a whole shop full of co-workers to act as a fresh pair of eyes. I best take advantage of it. Hopefully when I nab one of them in the next few weeks to do the fitting, I will manage a few pictures as well.