Curtains away! This pattern is one of the easier bustles I have made. I had to think of Roman shades a bit while I was working with it. The directions are typical of Truly Victorian: some diagrams and lots of written steps. Really, these basic bustles are very easy to assemble.
The tie system Truly Victorian uses gives very good results; however, I think I would have to add that using either small D rings or the Roman shade rings attached in strategic places on the skirt near the bustle top may help in keeping the fabric and shape from shifting. Bustle poufs tend to move around unless that are controlled through engineering.
The waistband is generous. I recommend securing the the apron to the skirt using snaps or hooks. This will help keep all the skirts in place and aligned (more or less). Pictured in the photos to the right with the #TV463 1884 French Vest Bodice.
Rated 4 out of 5
Lorraine –
I really like the way the pleats at the side fall on this bustle. It’s worn here over Underskirt 201 and the bustle TV101 (yes, I am a confirmed TV devotee!) This went together with no issues at all, though I did add hook and eyes the full length of the side opening, to keep it from gapping. I also lined the back piece in netting, to help the puffs keep their shape. Note from the experienced: if you attach the skirt to the bustle tapes with small safety pins, you can remove them and launder the skirt more easily. Otherwise, it’s really a chore to iron out any wrinkles (caused when you sit down), because you’ll have to cut all the thread tacking that you painstakingly put in to hold its shape.
Rated 3 out of 5
Kendra –
Another beautiful, simple Truly Victorian skirt. It is very easy to put together. Because I lengthened the skirt (I’m 5’11” barefoot), I added more attachment points in the skirt back. This worked well. The only quibble I have is from a design perspective. The front and back pieces are pleated up the sides; the pleats don’t match up. I think it would be prettier if they did.
Janet –
Curtains away! This pattern is one of the easier bustles I have made. I had to think of Roman shades a bit while I was working with it. The directions are typical of Truly Victorian: some diagrams and lots of written steps. Really, these basic bustles are very easy to assemble.
The tie system Truly Victorian uses gives very good results; however, I think I would have to add that using either small D rings or the Roman shade rings attached in strategic places on the skirt near the bustle top may help in keeping the fabric and shape from shifting. Bustle poufs tend to move around unless that are controlled through engineering.
The waistband is generous. I recommend securing the the apron to the skirt using snaps or hooks. This will help keep all the skirts in place and aligned (more or less). Pictured in the photos to the right with the #TV463 1884 French Vest Bodice.
Lorraine –
I really like the way the pleats at the side fall on this bustle. It’s worn here over Underskirt 201 and the bustle TV101 (yes, I am a confirmed TV devotee!) This went together with no issues at all, though I did add hook and eyes the full length of the side opening, to keep it from gapping. I also lined the back piece in netting, to help the puffs keep their shape. Note from the experienced: if you attach the skirt to the bustle tapes with small safety pins, you can remove them and launder the skirt more easily. Otherwise, it’s really a chore to iron out any wrinkles (caused when you sit down), because you’ll have to cut all the thread tacking that you painstakingly put in to hold its shape.
Kendra –
Another beautiful, simple Truly Victorian skirt. It is very easy to put together. Because I lengthened the skirt (I’m 5’11” barefoot), I added more attachment points in the skirt back. This worked well. The only quibble I have is from a design perspective. The front and back pieces are pleated up the sides; the pleats don’t match up. I think it would be prettier if they did.