Another pleather bodice for the books. This one in an incredible metallic green scale pattern sourced from my local fabric warehouse. I used the same pattern as my last brown bodice with slight modifications to the front so that it would close fully instead of leaving a gap. The two bodices were constructed one after another, so much insight was gained from the construction of the first, which I employed in the second. As a result, the finishes on this second iteration are cleaner.
I did not bother to line this bodice as I did the last because the pleather is already backed with solid black felt and is perfectly presentable. To cover the raw edge in this case, I folded a thick braided trim chosen at the same time as the fabric over the pleather and stitched the sandwich together using a light thread color.
All of the seams are top-stitched to force the pleather flat using a long stitch as always to maintain structural integrity in the fabric. There are no second chances with pleather: it does not heal, and so once the needle makes a hole, that hole is there for good. To finish the front of the garment, I folded under the pleather and top stitched, having made sure to leave enough allowance in my initial cut pattern to do so. The lacing holes were hand poked and sewn using a blanket or button-hole stitch and embroidery floss. The lace itself is a suede cord.
I had considered spot dying the braided trim with green or black tea to lessen the contrast between the trim and fabric, but once paired in an ensemble with my Moresca Kadijia bodice on top, I felt the contrast was a positive, not a negative, so I left it alone.
I am very pleased with the combination of long and cropped bodice. The two compliment each other perfectly and match many of my other costume pieces, as seem in my recent outfit for the Vermont Winter Faire. Now all I need is better color laces on my Moresca…maybe in gold or pea green.
