April 13, 2009

design questions


I can't let this corset be just plain white. I'd like to add flossing, but need to choose a color. Dark green? Pale Blue? White on white? Input is appreciated. To find inspiration I researched what else was going on design wise around the time the original corset was patterned, the late 1880's. Look what was finished in 1889.


The Eiffel Tower site is great, there are tons of pictures and drawings to use as reference. I love looking at all those Xs supporting the structure, so I think the flossing design will be Xs of different sizes and weights. Xs are also simple enough that I should be able to handle them with my beginner embroidery skills.

I’m also wondering how to tackle the waist tape issue. Normally, the waist tape is stitched inside around the waist to add strength the area where the most stress on the garment is, and to prevent any stretching of the fabric. But because of the mesh fabric the waist tape will be visible and a straight white band around the middle isn’t the most pleasing to the eye. It will just cut me in half. Look at how elegant the red belt around the waist is on this corset from the The Symington Collection.

© Leicestershire County Council: The Symington Collection

They also have a ventilated corset cut similarly  to the pattern I'm working with, and the exposed waist area is that same inverted triangle shape.

© Leicestershire County Council: The Symington Collection

And that corset is boned with cane instead of the usual steel. Something else to consider. While I'm mulling over using cane please give me some color suggestions for the flossing.

8 comments:

  1. If you're inspired by the Eiffel Tower, I suggest using a silver or smokey gray color. It looks great against any skin tone, just like black does, without being as generic as black.

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  2. How about using multiple shades of the same color? Something soft and subtle, like a powder blue and a slate color, or dusty rose and a mauve..

    Someone posted a flossing sampler recently in one of the LJ corset forums, had lots of multi-colored flossing, added a lot to a plain white background.

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  3. I hadn't thought of anything like that. That could be a subtle way to add lots of dimension. Hmmm.

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  4. I love the stark contrast of black floss. Yes, I know it may be generic but me likes anyways. Depends on the fabric being stitched upon. But I do like going dark so you can see how much time, and precision work you've accomplished. It's a flashy finish full of ooh's and ahhh's so really show off then.

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  5. I do like getting ooh's and ahh's.

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  6. I'm with Lingerie Diva, I like the idea of an eiffel tower inspired color. It would stand out, but also remind you of the tower. But white on white is a timeless classic also. I'm sure it will look nice whatever you choose.

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