pleats and such

currently I am frustrated with my 1860’s dress. I have not even started on the bodice , I had to put it off as the pattern was missing a few pieces. but the company sent me a new one so I don't have that excuse anymore. I need to get working on it. while the design on the bottom of the skirt turned out pretty good, I probably could have made it more even but I think it will be alright. I highly doubt anyone is going to be measuring them. the thing though that is frustrating me is the pleats in the front were pulling weird when I put the hoop on, so I pulled them all out and am currently trying to figure out how to make it work the way I want it. the pattern isn’t going to help with this, as I am going for a slightly different look then on the pattern. I was looking at pictures of the dress I am using for inspiration, AKA nearly copying, and realized that that the front pleats appeared to be double pleated. so I am going to try that. because it seems there is not enough fabric in the front of the skirt. I am trying to make it flat in the front. I may need to make the flat part not so wide, but I am going to try the double pleats. if it doesn’t work I will try making the flat part smaller. if that doesn’t work.... well I will try something else.