preparing the board for the bodice

There are records that "paste board" was used inside bodice during period.  Most likely this would be layers of something with glue to make a stiff insert to keep the bodice smooth and after many experienced with padding and coats it would make sense to have something to smooth out the bodice.  If that was sail cloth or more layers of a canvas like material we are not  sure.  This time I'm following another costumers idea and I'm using plastic cross stitch and flannel to smooth out the front of my bodice.  It's the first time I've tried it but after seeing the great results she gets I figure is worth a go