Alterations
Well, I got a chance to fit the doublet pattern this morning. Fortunately, I cut everything a good bit bigger than I thought it would be. The changes were as follows: widened the bottom of the armscye took in the side seams changed the slope of the shoulders lowered the neck opening curved the upper back to fit the shoulders The last bit involved adding a seam to the center back, which is no big deal. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, even with just the single layer of lining, the shape over the kirtle was quite smooth. I was entertaining thoughts of padding and/or boning the front of the bodice, but it looks like I can get away without it. I was also ocncerned that there might be a need for a front seam to manage the curve at the sides of the bust, but that wasn't the case. As soon as I get the changes made and transferred to the paper pattern, I'm going to go ahead and cut the velveteen and start putting the body together. After that will come the collar, then buttons, then sleeves. I was planning to make tabs for the shoulders and waist, but I think instead I'll do the same clipped edging that I did on my own doublet. I always intended the two doublets to match, and everyone always does tabs. If this doublet works out well, I may make some more. I'm always picking up remnants of pretty brocades and whatnot and saying "oh, I could make a bodice out of this". Of course, I never do, and they just pile up. Besides, most of the time you don't see bodices that don't match the skirt. Doublets, on the other hand, are another matter entirely. We'll just have to see.
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