Florentine update

I've finished the forepart.  I actually just made a complete skirt.  I thought it would be more useful that way...

It looks like I will need to make a farthingale as the photo above shows the skirts over my corded petticoat.  The skirts just don't stand out like I want them to.

I really enjoy hemming a skirt by hand and the old style of construction where you hem the skirt and then attach it to a waistband.

As you can see below, I built the skirt with a side opening and a box pleat in the front and an inverted box pleat in the back.  That way I can change it up if I want or need to.  

Next up: the lower sleeves.  I'm debating on how I want to embellish the dress and I will still need to add a ruff.