December 16, 2011

1911 corset sew along - FAQs


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. From there we'll sew a mock-up and do a fitting to assure the finished corset fit well.

Can you recommend a fabric other than coutil?
Mmmmm, coutil. It's the fabric engineered specifically for corsets so it's the perfect fabric to use, and with the deals offered by Sew Curvy and King & Co. Corsetry it's possible to get great fabric at a great price. However, I will do a post about fabric choices to help if you'd like to sew with something other than coutil.

Will this be a single or double layer corset?
Single layer. All the extant corsets I've seen form this era were constructed from a single layer of fabric so that's how I'll be constructing mine.

You specified steel boned in the supply list, will plastic boning work?
The corset I used to draft my post Edwardian pattern from has steel boning so that's what I'll be using myself. Flat steels can be purchased either already cut to length and tipped, or in a continuous length that you cut yourself. High quality synthetic whalebone can be substituted for some of the steels, but the boning on either side of the grommets should be flat steels, plastic just won't cut it there.

The list says six garter grips but the corset you made from your pattern only has four garters, why six then?
The Corsets and Crinolines pattern looks like it has six garters so that is how many I'll be attaching to my corset. Four will do the job just as well.

Are there specialized tools needed to make the corset?
There are a few items, like an awl or a grommet setting kit, that you not already have. They are readily available and there is time to procure them before we start sewing. If you decide to cut your own steel boning you will need tin snips and either metal tips or Plasti-Dip to cover the raw ends. Other than that your standard sewing supplies will do.

This will be the first corset I make, can you explain all the little things for me?
Of course! I'll break the project into small steps, which will give me time to thoroughly explain each step, and give you time to complete it before moving on to the next.

How long will the sew along last?
We'll have our corsets finished by the end of February. I'll post a complete schedule next week.

What can I do to prepare before we start in January?
Procure supplies and take your measurements. We'll enlarge the pattern during the last week of December.

You posted a badge but no code to link with it, where's the code?
Whoops. Code. It's been added. Here is the URL.


December 15, 2011

1911 corset sew along - supply list and some wonderful offers



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.


And Julia at Sew Curvy Corsetry, near Oxford UK, will give participants a 10% discount on corset supplies. She has a wide selection of coutils, busks and metal findings. This offer also expires January 15th, 2012, but at 11:59 PM GMT. Use the code bridges at check out.


I'm going to take advantage of both offers. There are black grommets at King & Co. that I would love to finish a corset with, and Sew Curvy has satin coutil, which I have been wanting to use. A big thank you Caitlin and Julia for supporting the 1911 sew along!

Here is a list of supplies needed to make a corset that fits approximately size US 6-8, a UK 10, or a European 38. If you are a few sizes larger, or smaller, you will need to adjust quantities accordingly.

pattern - either Corsets and Crinolines 1911 corset, or the post edwardian pattern I drafted for Foundations Revealed
1 yard fabric - I'll love coutil, but if you want to sew with another fabric I'll be posting about fabric choice soon. (If using 54 inch wide fabric only 1/2 yard is needed)
1- 9 or 10 inch busk
12 - 9 inch ¼ inch wide flat steel bones
8 - 16 ½ long inch ¼ inch wide flat steel bones
2 -10 inch long ½ inch wide flat steel bones
1 yard – lace or broderie anglaise (optional)
1 yard twill tape for waist stay
10 yards - 2 inch wide bias to trim top & bottom edges, bone casings & garter covering
5 yards - 3/4 inch wide bone casing
1½ yard - elastic for garters
6 garter slides and grips
42 - size double zero grommets
7 yards - double face satin ribbon or cord for lacing
1 - spool thread

Tomorrow I'll post a list of answers to some of the frequently asked questions I've been receiving. Until then, we can gaze at the lovely Diana in the C.B. Corset ad from Dessous Elégants published in March, 1912.

December 14, 2011

1911 corset sew along - inspiration


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 you'll completely loose track of time. Have fun researching!

December 13, 2011

it's official, the 1911 corset sew along


I'm glad there is so much enthusiasm for a sew along!


We'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 please let me know. I'm looking forward to sewing with you!

December 12, 2011

titanic sew along


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 pattern can use the one I drafted for the corset above. If I organize a schedule now the corset(s) should be completed in plenty of time to wear to commemorative events. Thoughts?