My elliptical hoops took so long to make that I lost a lot of time for the next challenge: the bodice. I had one week to make the due date which was yesterday. But, there were obstacles. The biggest one? My boss would not have been sympathetic if I missed a day or two for sewing. (We should be given sewing days AND sick days).
For that reason, I’ve had to adjust my goal a bit. My submission for the challenge is my mock up for my bodice.
I think it fits pretty good: fitted but with enough ease to leave room for all the other layers that still need to be attached. 
I wont see this submission as a loss because the reason I needed to do a mock up in the first place (I never do them-I know, I’m bad) is because I’ve lost some weight and I was going to need a different combo of pattern pieces (if you work with Truly Victorian patterns, you know what I mean). I didn’t want to start hacking into my real silk (another thing I rarely do-I usually use poly blends because of cost) without knowing if I could make it fit. I’m going to use the mock up for my lining.
The Challenge: 5 Bodice
Fabric: cotton broad cloth
Pattern: TV443
Year: 1861
Notions: thread
How historically accurate is it? Pretty high actually 95%. The fiber content is good and I think the materials and colors are appropriate for what I intended for the dress (and afternoon or day dress). The machine sewing is plausible. The fact that I made a mock up at all is more authentic than usual for me.
Hours to complete: 6
First worn: not yet
Total cost: $0 all stash.
Wanda B Victorian 
I’m rooting for you- this will be sharp!
Thanks, I think so. I’m quite pleased with the shape of it and if I use my imagination with the colors, I am pleased with how it might look.
Creepy head 😀
Well thank ya! That is what my neighbors think too.