Narrator first fitting

This morning the Narrator came in for his first fitting and I was pleased with how well it went. The shirt Grace and I found from the costume store fitted him perfectly and John found it very comfortable as it is roomy but also a lovely fabric.

Shirt from costume store

There were quite a few changes needed for the trousers to raise the crotch but also to shape the trouser legs so they match the style of the era and my design. The trouser hem was also shaped and raised so it fitted over the shoe in the correct manner.

Trouser fitting

The waistcoat fitted well overall and only minor changes were needed; the design line along the waistcoat bottom edge and also taking some fabric off the shoulder at the neck. The fitting was also used to mark up the checks for when the waistcoat is made from top fabric.

Waistcoat back view

Waistcoat checks being matched

The jacket fitted extremely well at its current stage, the bottom edge was raised again to suit the design line and pockets moved around slightly to concur with the research images from the period. The armholes were opened as John felt quite restricted by them and it was made so he had plenty of movement which is essential.

View after all alterations have been made

Close up of jacket and tie combination

Overall, John said he found the outfit very comfortable and was surprised by the amount of movement he had which will be necessary in his role as Narrator. This is an excellent result for this point in the process. I felt the really looked great despite my original doubts it flatters John and looks far better made up and on the body than it did on the role. The colours are characterful and warm relating well to his character but definitely gives a feel of the era. While he was in the outfit I tried out various coloured ties, the colour I settled on was a burgundy red which worked well with the green toned fabric, more so than the blue I originally intended in the design. This tie had a subtle spot design but I think a plain tie will be best so it won't be too overpowering when combined with the suit check.