One thing done

Well, I finished the semi-mockup of my bridesmaid dress (the wedding is in less than two weeks, I think). I did work on the bodice, took in the side front seams and added side back seams, but when I put the skirtlet on I didn't really try to get it put on exactly as I'm supposed to as I really just wanted to see if the waistline is too high. Sadly, I think it is. I don't think I'll do a second mockup, but it should be easy for me to curve out a couple more inches on the bottom of the bodice.

What I wanted was for the seam between the bodice and the skirt to hit at my waist, because these kind of 1950s-ish dresses always look good on other people and not me because of the waist issue. Actually, sometimes I think they hit other people above the waist. But when I put the waistline at my waist, I look thick-waisted because it's so high, it's just not flattering. So I need to do what I did with a sundress last year, keep the bodice pieces the same length as in the original pattern, but shape them so that they curve in for my waist and the seam with the skirt is on my hips. The skirt is pleated, not gathered, so I think it ought to look all right even with the bulk of it on the point of my hips. I'm feeling very optimistic.