Bodice Construction

Current Format: 1 Day
2011 Availability: TBA
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Every tutu-skirt needs a matching bodice, whether simple or complex.

In this class you will make one bodice using your choice of any of our Adult or Child bodice patterns, from 6-piece to 16-piece. In Child sizes, we offer our Child's 6-, 8-, and 16-piece patterns. In Adult sizes, we offer our Adult 6-, 8-, and 10-piece patterns, multiple variations on our 12-piece patterns, and our 16-piece, and Peasant patterns.

If you have never made a bodice before, we recommend the 6- or 8-piece patterns. Those with more experience can choose from the more complicated 10-, 12-, or 16-piece or Peasant-style patterns. The Peasant-style in particular demands advanced skills and prior bodice-making experience. The 12-piece pattern offers your choice of 2 neck-line styles, either Sweet-Heart or Scoop, and 2 hipline options, either Russian or Classic. Each pattern offers several sizes to choose from.

The importance of using proper materials will be discussed as well as the importance of proper grainline and seam allowance use, matching and sewing of the curved/princess seams, and various finishing methods (cording, bias tape, etc.). Proper fitting, lengthening and/or shortening the bodice, and other alterations will also be discussed and demonstrated. You will bone the bodice using your choice of steel spirals and bone casing, or with rigelene.

We supply 100% cotton Coutil for the bodice-lining.

The 'standard' top-fabric we supply for this class is Bengaline, in your choice of several color options. The color choices will typically include White, Black, Red, Ivory, Rosette, Dusty Rose, Paris Pink, Deep Corsair Navy, Lt. Blue, Lilac (although from time to time certain colors can be difficult to obtain). We may also offer additional colors depending on season, venue, availability, instructor's choices, etc.

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a Brocade or Silk top-fabric for an additional charge - be sure to talk to Claudia EARLY for this option and price!

You may also choose to bring your own top-fabric if you prefer (you will still receive our fabric to use in the future - no discounts for bringing your own fabric).

And of course, we supply the pattern, boning, cording, etc. - everything you'll need to go home with a beautifully finished bodice.

Are you also taking our 'Classical Performance Tutu Construction' Seminar?
You don't have to create a bodice in a 'matching color' for your Tutu, think a little bit 'outside the box'. For instance, a 'plain' White Tutu is absolutely gorgeous with a Corsair Navy bodice! You take it from there ....

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