Warning: Construction

Pinning the rouleau loops to the combined net layer, outer layer and corset layer (I'll be hand sewing in the lining)

I top stitched around the whole neckline and down the back seams, securing the rouleau loops.

I then got some practice in with whipstitching the raw edges. I have an overlocker but know that in couture sewing this is not the done thing! A hand finished raw edge lies flatter and therefore looks better. I borrowed and later bought a thimble for this.

This is my finger before I resorted to using a thimble! I've never really used a thimble before and it took some getting used to. Its now a good friend.

I trimmed the bottom of my corset layer with this gold. It get covered with the underlayer anyway but I like these little details that you can put into your own home sewing.

Useful sewing reading, construction and

I had to do a bit of reading for the next stages - here are a few excerpts from a book I bought called Bridal Couture

Heres the process for making the corset loops (actually called rouleau loops) - heres a good online tutorial for the entire lace back process. I sewed my fabric right sides together in a pipe and attached piping cord to one end.

I then used my rouleau loop turner (absolutely ESSENTIAL for doing this)

Ta Da! Corset loop cord.

Heres the dress starting to be constructed.