Looking like a dress.

We have the bodice almost complete, save for the bertha and the sleeves. I always manage to leave the sleeves until last. Don't know why. I just do!

Ever have trouble with men getting too close? Well fear no more! These pins will do the trick! I had just pinned the skirt to the bodice and saw how they were sitting and found it funny enough to share.

This is to show how sheer this material. In some photos it's not as sheer as that, but there you go.

I know I should have gotten Anthony to help take photos, but he was busy. Plus the dress isn't entirely finished, hence why you can see my chemise at the sleeve holes. Still have to sew on the sleeves, the back of the skirt, the sash and await my crown in the post!

Gertie models a pinned Queen Victoria Gown

I pinned the bodice and part of the skirt this afternoon. And for all those purists out there who have spotted my dodgy cage, yes I am aware that a crinoline cage was probably not an 1842 thing, but I do not have the time to sit and make a proper corded petticoat. And here are some progress pictures to see how pretty Gertie is looking:

This is Gertie in her corner, which is my corner of the lounge room, I can't help but find a funny resemblance between the fact that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had desks next to each other, and Anthony and I have desks as good as beside each other. This 'naaw' moment was brought to you by one loved up gal.

The pinned and being cut bodice pieces.

As pinned on Gertie. Skipper the penguin is making one of I'm sure many photo bombing opportunities.

A close up of Gertie

The lace bertha. I found this cutting of lace at the Gerringong Tin Shed, which is no longer. The brooch is a $4 find at a cheap store in Figtree. It's love heart shaped, which Victoria's was not. There had the exact shape I wanted, but not in the right colour. I did contemplate scratching off the back and painting it to the right colour, but for a $4 bit of jewellery, it's not worth it. I'll keep an eye out though. And the sleeves are yet to be cut also.

Gertie again, with the beloved sewing machine in the background.

A reminder of what the original looks like again: