Its all prepared

The neckline of the tunic has been an issue from the start, however to support the actresses bust a channel shall be placed around the boat shaped neckline which shall have black leather thronging running through. This can be pulled on and secured at the front by a simple bow. The cut of the neckline has been duplicated to the right side from the left hand side which was cut on the actress to the correct length. This has also been neatened up and turned to make the channel for the neckline. The real challenge was the facings around the neckline and the strait cut down the centre front. From the newly cut neckline I placed a cut down to the safety pin which was placed during the fittings and then cut a 5mm into the corners to create the square, this was ironed into place. Due to it being square cut the facing had to mimic this, so using the facing instructions I placed the facings where the eyelet were to be inserted and again used stay flex to maintain the materials strength. Eyelets were inserted and these shall be bound after the dress fitting.

Once the tunic was complete, the flat binding process which was used on the skirt was applied to the tunics edges. An issue which crept up was the edges of the tunic constantly puckered and created a ruffled effect. Im slightly worried about this and though the designer has said I may ruffle the bottoms slightly, it doesn't give the effect that ties in with the character who is proud of the clothes she wears. This will hopefully be addressed at the dress parade and a way to rectify this shall surface.

Finally the tunic's sides were gathered up to the safety pin mark and hand stitched together for security.

The capes for the kings have also been draped and finished. On a male mannequin I took the fabric and using the historical referencing I paced gathers on and around the neckline. This shall make the capes float around when the actor moves across the table. The cape which lays on the shoulder had to have uneven plating placed in to take the shape of the shoulder. These were turned over twice and slip stitched secure as well as bound with bias binding over the top of  the pleating and then used as a tie around the neck.

Monday is the dress parade so this weekend shall consist of going over the garments and making sure everything is ready.