tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68633499424813178622012-01-28T15:38:50.254-08:00I'm sewing my way through every corset pattern in Norah Waugh's book, Corsets and Crinolines. People do this sort of thing with cookbooks, why not a book of patterns?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.comBlogger2991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-10358851885474629352012-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:56:52.490-08:00

Can you imagine cutting and sewing any of these corsets?Yikes. This ad was found in the January 28, 1912 edition of the San Francisco Call. I'll say it again. Yikes.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-46592778406051671052012-01-27T11:55:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:00:49.381-08:00

Hooray! Today is the halfway point of the sew along! And at last we're sewing! I enjoyed reading what keeps you going when sewing. You know what else motivates me? Seeing the patterns and mock-up posted on our flickr page and feeling part of a group working together. Teamwork and all. So thank you for participating!There are two kinds of seams I'll go over today, one for those sewing the post

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-5323790368407520612012-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:58:26.105-08:00

Bone casings don't cover the seam allowance on the 1911 Corsets and Crinolines design, so those working with that pattern need to finish the seams, otherwise the raw edges will fray. Start by placing the fabric pieces wrong sides together, so you can see the face side when sewing, and sew a seam 1/2 inch from the edge of the seam allowance.Press the allowance to one side. The allowance of the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-47128972979215571522012-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:002012-01-28T11:36:37.699-08:00

If you are sewing the post Edwardian pattern then you need to simply sew a plain seam and stay stitch the allowance in place. Start by placing the two pieces together, face-to-face, and sew a seam 1/2 inch from the edge of the seam allowance.Press the allowance to one side. On the corset used to make the pattern all the seam allowances were pressed toward the center back.Next, the seam allowance

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-25759485390804070312012-01-26T05:06:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:00:12.733-08:00

I was going to write about marking the bone placement on the pattern after alterations, but I'm tired of looking at that pattern, which means others must be tired of looking at it too. Plus, marking the placement is simple, it can wait. We've spent half the sew along preparing patterns and fitting mock-ups, and soon our corsets will start to look like real garments. Hooray! The desire to see if a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-73765335610922855302012-01-25T05:04:00.000-08:002012-01-25T05:05:15.841-08:00

The Year of the Dragon began a couple days ago so I'll start this post with a picture of the little iron dragon I use as a pattern weight. Happy Year of the Dragon!I mentioned that I don't pin patterns to fabric. Pinned patterns are always bumpy near the pins and I like the fabric to lay flat. If fabric is slick or floaty I'll pin the layers together outside the pattern piece, but I use small

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-69197460552955701342012-01-24T05:06:00.000-08:002012-01-24T05:12:15.848-08:00

How has the last of the patterning been going? Are sew along participants ready to start constructing corsets? Before tracing the pattern to fabric press, press, press, your fabric.I've probably said it before, but the secret to good sewing is ironing. Patterns trace neater when the fabric is flat, fabric stitches evenly when the pieces are are smooth, and seams lay better when they are pressed.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-76526977821058750172012-01-23T04:46:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:28:35.409-08:00

Welcome to week four of the 1911 corset sew along! Your pattern may be a mish-mash of taped paper scraps by now, mine is. One could trace it on new paper or card stock. I rarely do this. A pattern has to be pretty battered for me to take the time to trace and cut out a copy. I'm going to add to the frazzled look of my pattern by using brown craft paper originally used to wrap art supplies. Waste

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-55540661340081271902012-01-23T04:45:00.000-08:002012-01-23T15:35:13.708-08:00

We're almost finished patterning. Unlike the separate back facing piece I'll be patterning the front facing on a fold. The corset used to make the post Edwardian pattern is cut this way. The openings for the loops are slits cut in the fabric so that's what we'll be doing when the time comes. Place the front pattern piece on a piece of paper and draw a line along the center front, then draft a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-52224364598635451952012-01-22T08:59:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:01:14.878-08:00

Perfectionism can cause me to get lost in a fitting quagmire. Quagmires are no fun. Fortunately this corset doesn't have to be fit over the bust and it's not intended to severely reduce the waist, so the difficulties of pattering the bust curves and dealing with displaced flesh are avoided. One nice thing about this style, and the patterns we're working with for the sew along, is that we can

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-69304248858432183372012-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:01:40.168-08:00

Afternoon gowns in satin, velvet and crepe de chine. From The Woman's Page of the Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, January 21, 1912.Our sew along corsets would provide a perfect foundation for any of these gowns, don't you agree?

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-61328736691676334362012-01-20T04:58:00.000-08:002012-01-20T05:09:23.703-08:00

We're already three weeks into the sew along! I hope everyone is enjoying it as much as I am. I'll post this weekend about dealing with some of the common fitting issues. In the meantime, I thought I'd share the fabric I'll be using for my corset. I had so much trouble deciding. I thought of dying coutil, or maybe using brocade coutil, and the stiped ticking kept pulling at me. I needed something

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-15658892142784280002012-01-19T05:07:00.000-08:002012-01-19T15:58:01.526-08:00

Let's start the day by looking at a picture from the article I posted a couple days ago."The right kind of corset allows you to sit down comfortably." I couldn't have put it any better. The fabric may skirt the thighs, and the wearer may even sit on the fabric, but the bones do not poke into the chair seat. Because the center back of the Corsets and Crinolines pattern is roughly 2 inches shorter

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-69807635956293466392012-01-18T05:45:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:41:06.168-08:00

Once you've sewn and fit a mock-up you've already used all of the skills needed to make the a finished corset, drafting, tracing, cutting, sewing, grommet setting, and fitting. For the rest of the sew along we'll just be building on and refining those skills. Yea.So the fit works, now it's time to transfer the changes to the pattern. You will need paper, tape, pencil, a ruler, a tape measure, a

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-58228094152940488302012-01-17T05:45:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:03:47.130-08:00

How is the fitting going? Remember that while the adjustments may seem small, an extra 1/8 inch on a seam will add 1/4 inch to one side, 1/2 inch to the entire width. So a few small changes can really add up and make a big change in the overall fit. Since we're fitting our sew along mock-ups it's the perfect time to share this article on correct corseting by Lillian Russell.Click here to read

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-85188862962163415022012-01-16T04:45:00.000-08:002012-01-16T14:42:57.981-08:00

It's been exciting seeing the patterns and mock-ups posted on the sew along flickr group page. If you haven't already joined, please do! I've found the fitting advice I've received from readers such a help, the flickr page provides the same opportunity for all sew along participants. Don't worry if you're running behind the schedule, it's not too late to share you work no matter what stage your

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-75707832570377135192012-01-14T05:25:00.000-08:002012-01-14T05:25:00.258-08:00

The world's three best corsets. Except for ours of course. Found in the March 29, 1911 edition of The Arizona Republican.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-31967406233544524592012-01-13T05:04:00.000-08:002012-01-14T09:34:09.701-08:00

We're almost done with the mock-ups. Hooray. A quick reminder, the discounts offered to sew along participants expire this weekend. If you are just joining the sew along and still need a few supplies, or if you just want to take advantage of a wonderful offer, you have until this Sunday, January 15th. Thank you Caitlin and Julia for supporting the sew along!King & Co. CorsetrySew CurvyToday we'll

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-30284756468188615602012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T05:34:38.456-08:00

If you sew corsets you need lacing strips. Sew along participants who don't already have a pair will want them, and I need a longer pair, so it's the perfect time to explain how to make them. Start with two rectangles of fabric, mine are 18"x 5." Use something strong, like canvas or coutil. I'm using denim, which can stretch so if you use denim make certain it doesn't have a lot of give. Fold the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-47906556081889265212012-01-11T04:45:00.000-08:002012-01-11T15:08:47.032-08:00

Before we start sewing make sure the pieces are pressed and that pins, a ruler, scissors, and a pencil or chalk are nearby. Also, I realized when I said one spool of thread in the supply list that was for the finished corset only, you'll need more than one spool to sew both the mock-up and the finished corset.Start assembling the mock-up by pinning the center front pieces together, face to face,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-50460210832967214832012-01-11T04:43:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:31:12.978-08:00

There's just one extra thing that needs to be done to assemble the Corsets and Crinolines pattern, insert the gores. There are a few steps that will make this much easier. First, draw lines on the fabric 90 degrees from the point of the gore to the edge of the seam allowance.Now cut almost to the point. Do the same for the point on pieces 3 and 4, the pieces the gores will be sewn to.You can

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-77570090983310659002012-01-10T05:02:00.000-08:002012-01-11T15:15:16.979-08:00

How's the tracing of the patterns onto fabric going? I forgot to mention that after I cut the pieces from the fabric, and clip the notch marks, I flip the pattern pieces over and trace them on the the untraced pieces. Does that make sense? I like all the cut corset pieces to have the pattern nicely delineated because then I don't have to think about seam allowance or where to sew, I can just sew.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-63242193374041750482012-01-09T04:44:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:54:42.211-08:00

This week we'll sew our mock-ups, but before we start sewing we'll need to trace the pattern to muslin. Today we'll need our patterns, a ruler, tailor's chalk or a pencil, and muslin. If you haven't already pressed your muslin do iron it before tracing the pattern. It makes it much easier.Start by folding your fabric in half with the selvedges together. For those who are new to sewing the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-64381645702039942982012-01-07T06:30:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:10:55.515-08:00

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't read it myself. From the October 13, 1911 edition of the New York Daily Tribune.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-17252430585454009112012-01-06T05:09:00.000-08:002012-01-06T15:10:09.461-08:00

Almost done patterning! Today we'll be cutting out and notching the pattern so we'll need sharp scissors or and x-acto knife, and a pencil. If you are using the Corsets and Crinolines pattern you'll need tape and paper too. First cut out the pieces. If you are using scissors please make sure they are not the same ones you use for cutting fabric. For those new to sewing, paper dulls the blades and

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-36015976462971213962012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-05T05:21:41.265-08:00

It's so exciting seeing the first images of the patterns posted on the flickr group page! Tomorrow we'll put notches in our patterns and, for those working with the Corsets and Crinolines pattern, add length. We won't be adding any seam allowance to the patterns yet, we'll wait until we've done the fittings and drafted alterations before we do that. We'll add a hearty 1 inch to the fabric when we

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-39842949396884024322012-01-04T04:53:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:31:41.714-08:00

We've adjusted the pattern to the reduced waistline, now we need to reconnect the broken seam lines and make adjustments for the hips. We'll need our hip curves, tape measures, and pencils today. I mentioned yesterday patterning the hip alteration is optional. And I genuinely mean that. I'm not doing any hip adjustments to the pattern myself, but I will explain for those who wish to boldly go

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-73980808724519971542012-01-03T05:08:00.000-08:002012-01-03T05:12:22.927-08:00

I thought I'd share the view from across the ironing board in my sewing room, which doubles as a dining room, when I got up this morning.Picturesque, but brrrrrr.I had a great question yesterday about expanding the hip gores for the Corsets and Crinolines pattern. Why slash and spread those the gores when we were adding width to the waist? The answer is it's always easier to pinch away fabric

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-82352917027571945612012-01-02T05:27:00.000-08:002012-01-02T05:28:58.718-08:00

The 1911 corset sew along starts today! Eight weeks from now we'll have the perfect foundation garment for those most elegant Titanic era dresses and gowns. Your comments and suggestions have always been a great help to me while patterning, fitting, and constructing corsets and I'm thrilled there is a group of us working on the same corset together. It's motivating! I look forward to seeing

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-39246503122520877752012-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:002012-01-01T11:58:24.198-08:00

I want to wish everyone a happy new year! All the best for 2012!The 1911 corset sew along starts tomorrow! It's not too late to participate. Supplies can be ordered while we are patterning and fitting mock-ups, we won't be cutting the fabric for our corsets until the end of this month so they'll have time to arrive. Before we start I thought I'd share one more pretty corset form the Met.©

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-84776839457550591502011-12-30T08:21:00.000-08:002011-12-30T09:52:20.628-08:00

The schedule is posted above the machine, materials are organized, and I'm looking forward to starting the sew along next week! I'm also happy because when I returned home after being away for week I found two packages waiting for me. The corsetry supplies I ordered from both King & Co. Corsetry, and Sew Curvy Corsetry arrived! As a reminder, the discounts offered to sew along participants expire

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-75409547290376903612011-12-29T09:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:12:09.929-08:00

I've received so many questions about foundation options for women with a larger bust it makes me wish I could include steps for patterning and fitting the bust in this sew along. If I had already experimented with altering the patterns we're using to fit the bust I'd happily included those steps, but I haven't, and I don't want lead anyone astray. I can however share a few images of bust support

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-35290423697734146312011-12-28T06:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:12:30.704-08:00

The 1912 Spirella catalog says "the waist line is the base from which all longitudinal measurements will be taken." So we'll start there.Years ago I was told that to locate your waist for measuring stand straight, then bend bend to the side. The point where your body bends is where you place your tape measure. Works for me. Make certain the tape measure is snug, but not pulling, against your body

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-33806984118879211812011-12-27T08:06:00.000-08:002011-12-27T10:50:26.500-08:00

I've created a flickr group where sew along participants can post images of progress, ask questions, and offer advice. Yea!The images and discussions will be publicly viewable, but it's nice to know who is sharing the sewing and fitting room with you, so you must be a member to post photos or join discussions. To become a member go to the group page, click "join this group," and you will receive

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-9742202003481310512011-12-26T14:44:00.000-08:002012-01-19T05:23:28.591-08:00

I always enlarge patterns on my copy machine at home. First, copy the page from Corsets and Crinolines, if you are using the post edwardian pattern you just need to drag it to your desk top then print it out. Once that's done enlarge that copy (or printout) 200%. I enlarge the corner with the scale first, and once it is the correct size I copy the whole pattern, rotating and rearranging the page

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-49668225452439021032011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T09:00:45.987-08:00

Thanks again to all of you who took the time to comment and enter the giveaway. And the winner, drawn from a hat by my sister is...Comment number 24, Aija! Congratulations Aija! Please send me your email address (the link is at the right side bar) by Monday, Decemeber 26, 11:59pm EST so I can mail the coutil and shuriken off to you!I'll be back next week and we'll scale up the pattern for the sew

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-80958254662313497612011-12-22T06:55:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:13:08.537-08:00

One of the benefits to working in a museum is the opportunity to see the objects up close. I was given permission to snap a couple pictures of one and share them here.Kent State University Museum, accession number 1983.3.117A Warner's corset from 1912-14. Even though there are no extras, like flossing or lace, it shows how simple does not mean boring. Here is a closer look.The black satin is so

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-23514925148748129022011-12-21T09:46:00.000-08:002011-12-21T13:51:58.575-08:00

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway, you have until 11:59 pm EST tonight. The winner of the fabric and the tailor's shuriken will be announced Friday! © Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 2005.100.511)The shop window above was photographed by Eugene Atget in 1912 and you can see there are still plenty of curves in those corsets. I've had several questions about fitting this

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-56617938977588380142011-12-20T05:13:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:13:45.128-08:00

It has been so much fun reading your comments in yesterday's giveaway post. So many fun projects, you guys are inspiring! For those who haven't yet entered you have until Wednesday, here's the post. So then, 1911 fabric. I originally planned to make this corset from striped ticking, then I used the ticking I had for the post edwardian, so now what do I do? I could buy a red or black stripe

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-16066731334631541482011-12-19T04:56:00.000-08:002011-12-19T04:59:05.915-08:00

Time to celebrate! To thank all of you for following my corseting adventure I have giveaway.Coutil! Brocade coutil at that. The lucky winner will receive 1/2 yard of 54 inch wide brocade coutil. It's a cotton/viscose blend, subdued cornflower blue with darker shiny blue bells. Perfect if you're participating in the 1911 sew along. But wait, there's more!A tailor's shuriken! Have I mentioned how

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-66704091299185903302011-12-18T12:42:00.000-08:002011-12-18T16:35:11.138-08:00

The sew along is set up over the course of 7 weeks, them one extra week to add embellishments if desired. I want to make sure I have enough time to properly detail each step, and that everyone participating has enough to to complete it before the next one is posted. Plus there is time each to catch up over the weekend if the week becomes hectic. What do you think? Does this look like a good pace?

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-13446422654020775312011-12-16T08:55:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:06:57.519-08:00

It is so fun knowing there will be so many of us sewing together. We'll help each other deal with questions as they come up during the sew along, but this should help with questions right now.I'm larger/smaller than the size of the pattern we're working with. Will I be able to make this corset fit me?The first thing we'll do is pattern alterations so you have a pattern sized expressly for you.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-76950200161425809192011-12-15T04:32:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:14:32.045-08:00

There are two special offers on for sew along participants. Caitlin at King & Co. Corsetry, based in New York City, will give participants 10% off everything in the store, English coutil, grommets, busks, and patterns for future corsets. This off expires January 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. Use promo code SEW1911 at check out.King & Co. Corsetry And Julia at Sew Curvy Corsetry, near Oxford UK, will

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-82024942725026038162011-12-14T15:01:00.000-08:002012-01-07T14:15:00.778-08:00

Tomorrow I'll post a list of supplies needed to make the 1911 corset. Until then, I'll leave you with this advertisement for Warner's Rust-Proof corsets. This was published in The Washington Herald, February 19, 1911, as part of a full page ad for the Palais Royal department store. If you want to get lost in period corset advertisements visit the Library of Congress website. If you are like me

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-14037374480913523832011-12-13T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-19T05:24:15.510-08:00

I'm glad there is so much enthusiasm for a sew along! http://bridgesonthebody.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-official-1911-corset-sew-along.htmlWe'll start sewing, or rather patterning, Monday, January 2, 2012. In the weeks leading up to our start date I'll post a list of the supplies needed, a schedule, and some inspirational images. If you can recommend anything else I can do to help everyone prepare

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-82327838051406795422011-12-12T06:25:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:04:48.575-08:00

I've been receiving many requests for information about the teens corset I made, and with events marking the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic scheduled next year, I thought it might be a perfect time for a sew along. I need to make the 1911 pattern form Corsets and Crinolines at some point, why not as the first corset for next year? Those who don't have access to Norah Waugh's

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-67006899410177001302011-12-07T14:39:00.000-08:002011-12-09T04:36:17.608-08:00

A package arrived today.When I opened it I found this.The 1650 bodice! And wrapped in packing paper was this.The 1925 corselet! There was a reason I couldn't find these, they were still in California! I had planned to take them with me when I drove to my new home across the country, but space was tight in my tiny car and I left a few boxes behind. A shout out to Lisa, the best friend anyone could

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-35743111563185714392011-12-01T09:05:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:31:42.047-08:00

At last I've found some time to pick up the 1844 corset again.Grommeting begins!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-63284097418254536292011-11-24T18:30:00.000-08:002011-11-28T04:41:30.512-08:00

Over a year ago I was working on a project that was keeping me form the 1925 corselet. (Oh corselet, will I ever find you?) The project was for the book Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery by Leanne Prain.My copy arrived this week and it is so exciting to see my work in it's pages.There are some fun pieces in there and I'm so happy to be a part of it. Hoopla!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-21685633492192780072011-11-22T03:48:00.000-08:002011-11-25T18:28:18.647-08:00

I wanted to play a bit with the figure, to really sculpt a new shape. This corset doesn't look unusual from the three quarter angle, above.But from head on you can see the two halves are not symmetrical. I wanted to create a female torso as sculpted by Hans Arp, or painted by John Currin. I don't form clay, or paint canvases, but I can shape a figure with a corset so I started playing with

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-77970433322496721122011-11-12T08:34:00.000-08:002011-11-12T08:58:02.949-08:00

A quick image of one of the projects I'm working on that has been keeping me from the Corsets and Crinoline corsets. Since it's corset related I thought I'd share it even though it's not quite finished. I'm so pleased with how the quilting matches at the center front. I originally planned a separate panel for the busk but when I saw that chevron I nixed that plan. I'll be back next week with

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-49357219721161456462011-09-26T06:41:00.000-07:002012-01-14T09:31:15.688-08:00

I've had a few questions about what I use to lace up mock ups so I thought I'd share my lacing strips. Pretty low tech, just folded over denim with a couple of seams to make boning channels, and some grommets. They are 13 inches long, just long enough for to use for fitting, but I often think I should make a longer set. These were made for fitting my very first corset six years ago. I pounded

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-45849460745379859262011-08-23T05:27:00.001-07:002011-08-23T14:21:57.900-07:00

I'm waiting for my new camera to arrive! My old one died and descriptions of folding and stitching are just no fun without pictures. It should be here by the end of the week and I'll be back with pictures of grommets in a row and gores being fitted. Yea.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-14450933109996947762011-08-11T05:27:00.000-07:002011-08-11T05:29:24.319-07:00

When I'm not in front of a sewing machine I can often be found behind a camera. The Kent State Museum has a wonderful collection and this gown is just one of the beauties that will be shown during the upcoming Civil War exhibit. I can't wait to see everything installed!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-88753688924528048212011-08-01T14:23:00.000-07:002011-08-01T15:35:03.454-07:00

The treadle cabinet is here. Solid 1905 goodness. I couldn't resist the temptation to make it into a bar.The half empty pitcher of white sangria fueled the bar idea. It won't stay this way forever, just until the machine is cleaned and a new belt attached. In the meantime the bottles serve as decadent clutter prevention. Also, displaying them instead of just storing them in a kitchen helped turn

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-9199503910330697092011-07-29T10:58:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:11:57.377-07:00

I received an email suggesting I use a hook to pull a strip of fabric through the layers to add heft for the grommets. Why didn't I think of that? I have a tool for turning sewn tubes of fabric right side out that worked perfectly for this job too. First, I cut a bias strip of coutil, which is sort of the twill tape suggestion on steroids, and pressed it along the center back curve to help guide

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-16249383494914978712011-07-25T05:29:00.000-07:002011-07-25T05:29:00.969-07:00

I finally managed to get the channels for the bones sewn. I sewed 3/8 inch channels on both sides of the seam using a mystery foot that came with my machine as a measuring guide. Does anyone know what this foot is designed for? Normally I grade all seam allowances but this time I didn't because I'm using them as bones casings. The seam allowances are 1/2 inch wide and the channels are 3/8 so the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-3307219628604123802011-07-08T13:17:00.000-07:002011-07-09T13:47:23.848-07:00

I've been diligently sewing, just not the 1844 corset. I should be able to post some progress soon, but in the meantime I thought I'd share a corset I made for a Foundations Revealed article.The pattern came from La Mode Illustrée number 52, published December 30, 1906. If you've never seen a Mode Illustrée pattern hold tight, they are not for the faint of heart.I know! The most difficult thing

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-79748103348120091092011-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:55:49.763-07:00

Thank you for your suggestions regarding thread color for the quilting. White it is! I came up with a system so the quilting would be consistent on all four gores. First, I laid the three layers together, interior, filling, and exterior, (which in this case are all the same linen fabric) traced the pattern piece, and stitched the three together on the outline. I wish I would have thought of

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-69976795076639003092011-06-08T05:30:00.000-07:002011-06-08T05:47:47.044-07:00

I've decided to quilt the gores, or godets, whatever your preferred term is. Below is the test quilting. On the left is the just the two layers of linen stitched together, on the right there is another layer of the same linen sandwiched between the other two layers.Big difference, right? In addition to looking better that extra layer of fabric on the right helps add a lot of structural support

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-5313213458927316422011-06-06T05:20:00.000-07:002011-12-21T10:28:25.453-08:00

Wow. What an exhibit. Of course Alexander McQueen's designs are amazing and of course the craftsmanship of the garments displayed is out of this world, but curator Andrew Bolton and the team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art did much more than just show McQueen's garments, they created an experience. If I could I'd see it again. And again. For those planning on visiting The Met to see the show I

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-88547923111271002432011-06-02T06:34:00.000-07:002011-06-02T06:34:01.158-07:00

Yea! I still need to transport the cabinet and treadle to my place, but Singer B971954 is here.I'm researching the best way to clean this machine up without destroying what remains of the decals. Any suggestions?

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-16482612525566491652011-05-30T08:47:00.000-07:002011-05-30T08:47:00.058-07:00

This always takes so much concentration, but it's worth paying attention and not rushing.Stitching in the ditch,and from the other side...Whew.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-57008326558592221062011-05-27T14:37:00.000-07:002011-05-27T14:38:20.485-07:00

Basting didn't take nearly as long as it did for the summer corset.Sorry for the blue photo. I finished just as the sun was setting and didn't want to wait until daylight to take a picture. Tomorrow I'll sew the layers together. Progress!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-40868407079508959052011-05-25T05:40:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:41:48.280-07:00

It was fairly easy to align the seams of the interior and exterior layers, it's keeping them that way when sewing the layers together that's the problem. Here's what I'm doing to keep things in line. I laid the corset flat and pressed my finger on the seam, the allowances for the interior are pressed in one direction and the exterior in the opposite direction so it felt smooth when they lined up

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-511660153447847322011-05-23T06:50:00.000-07:002011-05-23T14:48:05.640-07:00

Before sewing the layers together I basted a waist tape to the interior layer.That is a rather narrow ribbon to be using as a waist tape. I have plenty of wider grosgrain, in a few lovely colors, but the only white ribbon happens to be 1 centimeter wide. It's better than nothing. So, I laid the two layers together face-to-face and stitched together along the center back. After pressing the seam

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-18378707342455828302011-05-20T08:54:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:46:12.806-07:00

Shaping seam allowance corners really helps when matching the pattern pieces up and it's not difficult to do. Since I add seam allowance when I trace the pattern to the fabric I do the shaping then. First I add 1/2 inch seam allowance.Then I flip the pattern piece over and trace off the correct angle.When it's time to assemble the pieces there's no question as to how the pieces should line up,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-15101108335342991952011-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:002011-05-19T14:42:39.587-07:00

The exterior layer has been sewn together. Here is how the pattern on the center front matched up.Not bad. The seam allowances of the interior layer have been pressed to the center front, the seam allowances of the exterior to the center back. Here are the two layers both face down, you can see how the seams match up with the allowances laying in opposite directions.When I put the two layers

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-14675797293785508722011-05-17T06:01:00.000-07:002011-05-17T14:18:58.748-07:00

Sewing again! Normally sewing wouldn't justify an exclamation point, but it's been too long since I've sat at the machine. The interior pieces of the corset have all been sewn together.Those sloppy looking pencil marks on the seam allowances will be never be seen when the interior and exterior layers are put together. Plus, since they are just graphite they should wash out, right?

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-69436574802037869462011-04-23T06:10:00.000-07:002011-04-23T10:07:24.418-07:00

Look what I found.The altered pattern for the 1925 corselet! Normally I put the pattern pieces for each corset in their own giant envelope and neatly print out a label with a label maker. Why was this one crumpled and sun faded and not in an envelope? I'm hoping this means I'll come across the corselet soon.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-7812259238577757492011-04-20T12:47:00.000-07:002011-04-20T13:27:50.731-07:00

I had one last pattern piece to alter before I could begin cutting. The bust gore. Even though I haven't fit the bust yet I did to the top edge of the corset so I need to add to the gore too. Here is the center front piece altered with a new top edge based on the last fitting, and the too short unaltered gore.I taped the pattern piece to some paper and lined the hip curve to the edge of the piece

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-68613685122599339302011-04-18T05:37:00.000-07:002011-04-18T05:37:00.517-07:00

A rainbow of possibilities, that is what a storage container of thread is. I love Gütermann threads, but lately, when I need to pick up a new spool I've been searching out Mettler. I could be imagining, but the Mettler seems slightly smoother. Has anyone else noticed a difference between the two?

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-73006318103656508182011-04-11T05:43:00.000-07:002011-04-12T05:47:02.820-07:00

As I recut the linen corset pieces I ended up a pile of linen ribbons. I thought I should save them, waste not want not and all, so I started dropping them in a bowl.Once I made the pasta connection I had to put the silverware next to the dish. I did not pull a Charlie Chaplin and take a bite though.Charlie Chaplin in The Gold Rush 1925

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-41690653444050200342011-04-09T09:09:00.000-07:002011-04-09T11:07:53.631-07:00

After unpicking all the seams used for fitting I finally got around to tracing the altered pattern pieces on the fabric.It felt odd using the mock up as the final fabric. With the lines from the original pattern and the altered version there are marks everywhere. I can't let the traced pieces sit around because if I wait I'll have difficulty remembering which line to cut.These pieces will become

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-63374092680043313842011-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:002011-04-09T12:09:30.601-07:00

I have the coolest readers. It shouldn't have taken an award from a fellow blogger to make me take the time to say that, but it did. Lizzi, who blogs at squelchbaker blogs was so kind to award me the Stylish Blogger Award. Thanks Lizzi! And Cao over at A Tailor to Become named me as a Leibster Blog, which translates from German as Favorite Blog, so thanks Cao! And thanks to all of you who follow

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-917252874972526352011-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:30:11.823-08:00

Oh no!Oh no! After over five years of wonderful service my laptop has died. I knew it was coming. It doesn't make it any easier. Hopefully this won't cause a huge disruption in my already sproradic posting, but I thought I warn you in case there is a gap. I'll be back soon!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-73704385151099959012011-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:002011-01-20T05:29:13.372-08:00

I shimmied into the 1844 corset one more time, pinned away all the excess I could, and marked the waistline. After carefully taking the corset off I measured all the pinned sections and wrote the amounts that needed to be removed from each pattern piece. Then I went to work blending the new points into the pattern's seam lines. To keep those lines nice and smooth and as true to the pattern as

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-41882903630287341432011-01-11T12:12:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:55:18.728-08:00

Thanks to all of you who had some busk solution suggestions for me. A few of you suggested a spoon busk may solve my fitting problems. That's a good idea, but the spoon busk wasn't invented until 1873, so I feel like I'll disturb the time space continuum if use a busk from the future on my 1844 corset. I realize I've already done that by using a 1950's sewing machine, but you get the point. And

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-55827054820863701792011-01-07T11:11:00.000-08:002011-04-09T20:05:40.411-07:00

I decided to pin the godets in place so I could do the second fitting without fabric flopping open. Then I tried on the mock up. It turns out that pretty hourglass shape I liked from the first fitting was the result of excess fabric.Too bad. It looks like I pinned out a little too much from the top near the shoulder blade. But other than that the back looks OK. Now from the front.I can see I

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-60263977189568168262011-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:002011-01-07T14:55:04.605-08:00

Warning. Fitting this corset without the godets at the bust is not pretty.Oh my. I had to cut the fabric at the bust to get the corset to sit properly, I only imagine it would have looked worse if I had cut the space for both gores. But I can see the shape of the corset starting to show, and I think it will make a very nice silhouette once the alterations are made so it fits correctly. Here's how

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-964335690750692802010-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:002010-12-31T18:43:20.571-08:00

I'm almost the proud owner of a Singer treadle sewing machine.This is a picture from the original manual. My machine-to-be was manufactured in 1905 and will look just like this one, including the seven drawer cabinet. I just need to figure out how to get it to my house and up the staircase!

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-68916838854100293252010-12-24T09:27:00.000-08:002010-12-24T09:45:30.693-08:00

Sometimes, even when double checking everything, mistakes are made.Ugh. This is not the 1844 corset, which I should have been working on, but another one instead. I marked the waist line and carefully lined the waist tape against it then anchored it place when I sewed the bone casings on. But look, one side I lined the top of the tape to the mark, the other I lined the bottom to the mark. I

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-16767841406799436392010-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:17:39.627-08:00

Thank you for all the compliments about the Titanic era corset. How nice!I had a request for an image of the corset on a person to see how it sits on a body as opposed to a dress form. Good idea.The top edge of corset sits below the bust and the bottom edge skirts the very top of the thighs. Look at that curve down the back! I love that line. Here is a view from the front.Such a smooth, long line

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-734955900336949482010-12-15T05:36:00.000-08:002011-11-19T07:47:52.542-08:00

This is the corset I made and wrote about for Foundations Revealed this past June, enough time has passed that I can share some of the images here. Yea. I started with an old corset in terrible condition found on ebay, and after drafting a pattern from it this is what I came up with. Here is a picture from the auction listing. Not pretty. In addition to the general grubbyness seen here, the

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-55173026036853129182010-12-01T05:18:00.000-08:002010-12-12T09:38:22.972-08:00

The illustration and pattern of the 1844 corset show a busk that would have been made of wood, or ivory, or baleen. Often busks were carved and given to a lady as a token of affection. This one from the Nicholson Whaling Collection at the Providence Public Library is one of my favorites.© Providence Public Library (identification number 008)I love the naïve quality of the artwork. It's carved on

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-37818646549762323852010-11-29T06:30:00.000-08:002010-12-10T21:32:06.610-08:00

The pattern pieces are traced onto the napkins with a decadent 1 inch seam allowance.I've laid the pieces on the cross grain because the notes about constructing early nineteenth century corsets found in Appendix I in Corsets and Crinolines read, "stays are usually cut in four pieces, all of which are generally upon the cross, as this assists materially in making them set better to the figure."

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-90805712520037164452010-11-26T07:08:00.000-08:002010-11-26T07:08:00.436-08:00

I made this corset quite a while ago.And a view of the front. I thought burgundy flossing and trim would really set off the anthrazite dupioni. It did. And yes, that is the way I described the colors in my mind as I was working. But once the corset was finished all I could see was The Ohio State University's scarlet and grey. So in honor of tomorrow's football game against Michigan I present what

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-31708919092053532172010-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-25T07:00:04.666-08:00

Wishbones are the most pleasing shape. The only thing that can improve them is glitter.Happy Thanksgiving.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-25064666970387851572010-11-24T07:21:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:00:51.513-08:00

A friend was flipping through the October/November 2010 issue of Vogue Patterns Magazine and discovered this.How cool is that? A big thanks to Vogue Patterns Magazine for the nice review and for bringing my project to a few more people. As it turns out the issue was totally worth buying because Claire Schaeffer, author of Couture Sewing Techniques, has written wonderfully clear and well

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-54571511649581906062010-11-22T06:08:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:06:33.285-08:00

The pattern is ready to go.Before I trace it onto the fabric I have to decide which side will be the face. From one side the weft threads float on the surface making the flower motif recede, or appear darker on a light background.From the other the floats create the design, bringing it forward so it appears lighter on a dark background.I'm leaning toward the lighter flower on darker background

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-59475486990924554292010-11-18T15:02:00.000-08:002010-11-24T07:51:23.728-08:00

Oh my goodness. Has it really been a month since I last posted? Time for more sewing and less sleeping. I dug through my storage bins to see what suitable fabric I had for the 1844 corset and found a roll of uncut linen napkins that will be perfect. Here is a lovely out of focus image that captures some of the design and the checkerboard cutting line.And here a close up of the selvedge side of

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-38098731921708607732010-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:002011-01-01T09:34:13.239-08:00

I'm not sure this space ever really served as a sewing room, I have a feeling it may have been a giant linen closet and the machine has been put there as a prop. No matter. I'd sew here.This pretty little nook was upstairs at the Stan Hywet House in Akron, Ohio. Stan Hywet is the estate built by F.A. Seiberling, the founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Definitely worth a visit if you

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-91910419282100391652010-10-08T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:21:59.735-07:00

Instead of sewing I've been traveling. Again. During my adventures I was able to visit the Victoria & Albert Museum and while there I picked up this book.Yea! Underwear: Fashion in Detail by Eleri Lynn! I have been anxiously waiting for this book to be released since I learned last year that it was being published. I was at the V&A the day it became available and snapped up a copy. Here is what

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-46294187832555175972010-09-17T16:05:00.000-07:002010-09-17T18:56:53.130-07:00

I still haven't found the 1650's bodice foundation. I was sure I would have found it by now, but I'm starting to think I may have to start again from scratch. I haven't given up finding it yet and hopefully I'll stumble across the bodice while working on the next corset on the list. The pattern on page 77 of Corsets and Crinolines, is described as "pattern for corset; to be boned on each seam (

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-12068277260386049052010-08-27T07:42:00.000-07:002010-08-27T12:02:12.560-07:00

I have double checked the box marked "corsets" for the 1650's bodice.There were several other corsets and stays, but no partially finished bodice.This means I packed it with something else, which probably seemed very wise at the time. I'm ready to get back to sewing, so I can either frantically search through everything again and not take another stitch until I find the bodice, or I can begin

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-11029661627044188312010-08-18T08:41:00.000-07:002011-01-01T09:38:15.200-08:00

Don't move. Wait, I don't really mean that. What I meant to say is, go to new places but sell everything you have because packing and unpacking is a hassle. No, that's not right either. Maybe the better statement is, take the leap. Move to a new place. Edit everything you have so you pack only what is important to you, but definitely and keep all your books, fabric, and corsets. And your

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-91201662357630495582010-08-11T15:06:00.000-07:002010-08-12T11:27:02.631-07:00

Why, why, why didn't I bring a sketch book? Why?! I was able to visit the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park and take a look at some of the corsets and stays in the Conner Prairie Historic Clothing Collection. So cool! And because I didn't bring a sketch book to jot down notes I hope I can remember all that I learned.You can learn a lot from looking at pictures, but there is nothing like

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-32025923921311931372010-08-04T18:42:00.000-07:002010-08-05T13:30:24.035-07:00

Finally, a really nice image of the late 188o's summer corset.The details come through really well in this shot. If you know where to look you can just make out where the major cleaning was needed. But don't look that hard.

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-11660850985842520042010-07-29T07:33:00.000-07:002012-01-07T14:23:30.566-08:00

The Gibson girl silhouette is so pleasing to eye. By 1908 the S bend line has softened a bit compared to a few years earlier, but the leaning forward, scooped in small of the back, and mono-bosum look was still the ideal. Here is an ad for American Lady corsets found in April 1908 edition of The Designer.The new snug hip! Let's compare the illustrated model's posture to a few photographs of

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6863349942481317862.post-1402859450188331482010-07-22T20:34:00.000-07:002012-01-07T14:20:22.761-08:00

A lovely illustration from an ad for Warner's Rust-Proof Corsets published in the April, 1908 edition of The Designer.Pretty, pretty, pretty. The copy explains how Warner's has advanced corsetry with rust-proof boning, stocking supports, and "now in 1908 the standardizing of the construction of our 61 styles, so that every corset bearing the name of Warner's, whether selling at $1.oo or $5.00,

Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621589278068001456noreply@blogger.com5