pretty! i was planning on doing something like this anyways but, tell you what: I'll make one with the underbust line and one without just to see if there is a difference in the silhouette/posture/ect. That way it can be a fun "theory" testing project rather than a "this way was the way everyone did it, see?" project. Not that is was going to be the later but you get the idea. Which ever comes closest to the period (I'm aiming for 1420's) silhouette will get to be the pattern for my lavender fitted gown (which has matching dark wool that is oh so pretty together and needs to be "special").

As for the back lacing...the only things I have that are back lacing are my 16th c gowns. So don't know on that one since the discussion hasn't been re-ignited for ummm...months now? hehehe....