So...

As I think some of you know, I actually have a bodice to a gown from the 1790's (it might be 1780's, but, if it is, it's late 1780's). I tried that on over my corset since I've been very very slowly restoring the gown as best I can. (Many years ago, someone looked to take most of it apart and cut the skirt off. I've been putting it back together the past few days, mainly to see the construction. I'm not adding a new skirt but I'm trying to figure out a different way to save the bottom edge...)

Anyway, I can almost close the bodice in front over the dress dummy. The dress dummy has the stays on. For the most part, it looks really interesting. But, in a good way.

I'm thinking I'm probably going to "remake" the gown I have and wear that. I was going to do a slightly earlier styled gown but I really like this style as well. The only problem is that I will probably have to cut down the stays a lot or just give up and make a new pair that actually work.... The stays I made over the weekend are about three inches too high in the front.