an excuse to wear stays

There aren't many places where one can wear a taffeta petticoat over panniers, stays covered in pearls, and a glittered ship perched on a pompadour and feel underdressed, but the Coney Island Mermaid Parade is one of them.

I did not bring a camera with me. Big mistake. But a talented parade goer shared this beautiful portrait with me, and I found the picture below on Gothamist.

This ensemble felt extravagant when I was getting ready but was nothing compared to the fabulous costumes on display once I arrived at the staging area. Look at these photos at the Village Voice to see some fine costuming. 

My favorite thing about this costume is that I knocked it out without a pattern.  I wasn't worried about perfection, there was none of the regular pattering, fitting, re-patterning that I normally do. I didn't even use a ruler. Fabric was just draped on a dress form then sewn together. The panniers were made first, then the petticoat was draped over them, and the stays were done last. They are reed sandwiched between two layers of linen, and a outer layer of cheap taffeta. They're just three pieces, a front cut on a fold and two sides that wrap around to the back. They work. I felt secure in them and I can easily rip the taffeta off if I need stays for another costume. Which I'm sure I will. Dressing up in 18th century garments is so fun.

I should acknowledge the long absence. I could make excuses, but we're all busy, right? I just couldn't seem to find the time to pattern, sew, and document. But the Corsets and Crinoline corsets aren't going to sew themselves so I have to find a way to make the time. Thank you for your continued interest!

taking the 1911 for a spin

I recently wore the 1911 corset. At the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. I did not dress like a mermaid though, maybe next year. My outfit was so normal that someone pointed at me while I was standing amidst fellow fellow parade goers riding the train to Coney Island and said, "You could wear that to work!" and except for the sailor hat they were right.

Photo by Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Just before this picture was snapped I thought about how I hand't had time to apply red nail polish so I turned my palms out and ended up with weird flipper hands. Brother.

I was surprised that such a long line corset was so wearable. I was concerned the long bones at the center back would get on my nerves, but they didn't. The best thing about this corset is that it doesn't scream corset. Since there is no exaggerated shape it doesn't call attention to itself, it just smoothes. It was 80 degrees, sunny, and humid, but I didn't feel hot and uncomfortable in the corset, though I do think the summer corset is cooler to wear in warm weather. It's been awhile since I've put a corset on and I forgot how when you take one off you still keep standing straight. I really need to do something about my slouching.

A quick word about the parade, if you have the opportunity to see it go! It is such a fun way to spend a day. So many crazy costumes and there is a pleasant, non-judgemental vibe. No one is going to tell you dupioni wasn't historically accurate or look down their nose if your trim is glued on instead of hand stitched. Everyone's costumes are appreciated. Even if it's just a sailor hat and striped shirt.

channeling my inner norah waugh

Can any of you guess what this is?

I'm sure it won't take many guesses. It's part of a project I'm working on at the Kent State University Museum. I'll give you more details soon!

undergarment pinterest

The Kent State University Museum is always looking for ways to make the collection accessible. Sharing images is a way of bringing the objects to those who can't make it to the museum to view them in person. Check out the museum's pinterest boards for an overview of what's on view. Of course the Underdress exhibit is one of my favorites.

Ribbon corset, ca. 1900
KSUM 2011.12.12 © Kent State University Museum

Enjoy!

so i had this little idea ...

It came to me one evening and I submitted it to Kickstarter the next day.

It's already grown beyond my expectations. It looks like I have a few weeks of craziness ahead of me. I'm already knee deep in MFA thesis work so I have to accept there is no way I'm going to be doing any corset building for a while. I will be posting a few images of corsets snapped behind the scenes at the Kent State University Museum so do stayed tuned. Thank you for your patience and thank you for reading!