A Late 1860s Sheer Bodice

On the left, the 1/4 inch cotton tape used to reinforce the shoulder seam. The fabric is a loose weave and since the shoulder seam is cut on the bias, would stretch very easily. On the right, the inside of the collar. The facing covers the raw edge of the neckline.

The inside of the waistband. The facing was sewn right side to the back of the gathers and folded down. The edges of the facing and sheer fabric were then folded up and sewn together with a running stitch. On the right, a detail of the placket.

Close ups of the hooks at the collar and waistband. The picture on the right also shows a detail of the lace and how it's attached to the collar.