February 27, 2010

corselet boning test


It would be horrible to finish this corselet then wish I'd used a different type of boning. Horrible. So I did a test. The top casing would hold plastic, the middle spiral steel, and the bottom flat steel. 


The original pattern showed the bones to be only 4 inches across. I had a piece of 5 inch flat steel that was already cut and finished at both ends so I made all test pieces 5 inches. After they were slipped in place I tried the corselet on.


Spirals right? I hate the way the ends of the flat steel poke outward. That's not pretty. I'm thinking of adding one more row of boning at the bottom. I may wait until the garters are attached to see how the fit is when anchored down though. 

Look at that straight 1920's silhouette!

8 comments:

  1. I agree with the spiral steel. I think it wears nicely and holds up to whatever asked of it. Not sure what its downsides are...

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  2. I'm also in favour of the steel spiral - you can really see the difference in your photo.

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  3. Yep, spirals it will be.

    Jenny, I think the biggest downsize to spirals is the weight. They are a bit bulkier than flats too, but in these pictures it appears the bulk is still less that the plastic.

    Clare, I was afraid the differences between the types of boning would be more subtle. I'm glad it was so clear.

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  4. that why i love youre blog also!!!..that we can see how you make a corset..i never made one..but its on my to do list

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  5. Thanks mijndroomhisje! You can do it! I think the secret to corsets is taking your time. That and proper pressing!

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  6. I'm intending to make a civil war corset, does the book you're using have specifics on authenticity for those?
    Great Blog, BTW

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  7. Hi Lizzie! the is a pattern for a 1860's pair of "light French stays." (Traveling with a Zouave?) But nothing specifically to the Civil War. Sorry.

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  8. I am so excited to see this newest project finished!! So far, it is beautiful-like all of your corsets thus far :)

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