Saylor Sew Along Day 3
Assemble Bodice
Welcome back to the Saylor Sew Along! Playing catch up, be sure to check out Day 1 and Day 2.
Today things start to come together. We’ll construct our bodice per the pattern directions and give it a quick fit test to be sure we measured properly! Sew up your shoulder seams and press the seams open so the shoulders lay nice a flat. Pressing is SUPER important and whenever I am lazy and skip this step, I notice it in the finished product.
When I do the shoulder tabs I pin those to the main alone first. Then I place my lining on top and pin at my shoulder seams first to make sure they line up neatly. Pin your neckline, back bodice, and armholes then sew it up! Every version of Saylor has some right angles which you will want to be careful to sew around evenly. I set my needle to the down position, some machines allow you to set this so when you stop sewing the needle always stops in the down position, in the fabric. When you come to a corner you can stop with the needle in the fabric, lift your pressure foot and pivot the fabric to switch directions. This will help you create a perfect 90-degree angle.
Before we turn our bodice it is very important to clip or curves and corners. I like to use pinking shears on the curves and then I cut triangles into my corners to decrease bulk.
When it’s time to turn go slowly and pull your back bodice through the front. Now you’ll want to be sure to press the bodice so it lays neatly. If you’ve embellished your bodice with lace that is sandwiched in the neckline you may choose to understitch so it lays flat on the chest.
We now need to close our side seams to finish the bodice. I like to start at the center seams and pin them in place then work my way down the sides. If I am using stripes I am sure to line the stripes up and pin them in place so they line up when sewn. Once you’ve sewn your bodice sides press the seams open and fold your bodice closed! Press the bodice sides again now and take a break because we’re done for today! Don’t forget to post your photos in the fan group! 
