So, long story short, I do not know that I will have any money for alterations or anyone to help me with them. At the very least, I'm going to have to do something with my train. Does anyone know of any good sites that explain and SHOW how to do a bustle?
For the record, I do know how to sew and have made some clothes before. I've never altered anything before, though, particularly something like this.
I've found descriptions of bustles, but I'm much more of a visual person... if I could see someone doing the sewing, I would understand.