Foundation in a Flash!

In the next installment of my ongoing series about the importance of properly made foundations for Edwardian gowns, and how to construct them, here is a "flash" photo-tutorial showing the steps in order.  

This foundation was made of lightweight silk taffeta and fully boned except for the two side seams.  I generally like to leave two of the side seams unboned in order to allow for possible future fit alterations.  Since Edwardian bodices usually are not fitted to the person, but to the foundation, and are often fairly blousy or loose, it's the foundation that establishes the fit on the body.  If you lose or gain any significant weight and need to alter the foundation, leaving one seam unboned on each side makes the job far simpler! 

The foundation shown in the video was constructed for the formal velvet afternoon or dinner gown I recently made as the sample for sewing pattern #1910-A-015.  If you have good sewing skills you can make this gown for yourself.  To see details on the PDF pattern or to buy, click on the button below.  (The pattern is also available in paper format, to the U.S. only -- see the separate listing in my Etsy shop).   

Pattern #1910-A-015 (Etsy Listing)