I had my doubts but this corset project was surprisingly easy, not at all frustrated-hair-pulling-inducing or, well, evil in that special way that only corsets and stays can be. I now dare to say it, having safely finished, that I actually liked making this corset. Shocking.
The pattern is from Norah Waugh's Corsets and Crinolines and I really didn't modify it at all. The top fabric is the same I used for my 1820s pelisse and it's still one of my all time favourite fabrics. There's a steel busk and spiral steel bones, metal eylets and I used jute yarn for the cording on the bust.
I feel very accomplished :)
 |
| I had trouble pulling the lacing evenly. I believe the fit of the top edge will be better when I adjust the lacing. |
 |
| I had a bit of fun with the flossing |
 |
| I sewed the busk in by hand, and also the cording and the topstitched boning channels on the front and front side pieces. Otherwise the corset is machine-sewn. |
So beautiful & inspirational!
VastaaPoistaThank you very much!
PoistaSuccess! What a lovely color (as it was for your pelisse, also). What is the fabric fiber? It looks great.
VastaaPoistaBest,
Quinn
Thank you! I think the purple fabric is cotton-viscose blend, it has a lovely sheen and it feels smooth and satiny.
PoistaI knew it was going to be a success! It's absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it!!
VastaaPoistaThank you very much! That's a high compliment, coming from you! I stared and stared photos of your fuchsia/purple corset to understand the construction :)
PoistaBeautiful! Late Victorian corsets could really be works of art, and I think yours qualifies. :) I love the color!
VastaaPoistaThank you so much! The colour is very nice, but very difficult to photograph :)
PoistaThat is gorgeous! I have the book but haven't tried to make anything from it yet. Your corset is so pretty, I might have to try it myself (though I doubt it'll come out looking anywhere close to as nice as yours)
VastaaPoistaThank you very much! Making this corset was definitely easier and somehow more straightforward than the 18th century stays, for example. None of those pesky diagonal bone channels to sew! I was very apprehensive at first with this project but luckily it turned out ok.
PoistaSo very lovely! I'm planning to attempt this pattern as well. Did you adjust it anyhow or just used the pattern as it is?
VastaaPoistaThank you! No I didn't adjust the pattern at all. I made a mock-up with the original pattern and it fitted me fine, so I didn't need to make any adjustments. I might tweak one little thing if I ever make another with the same corset; I think I could take in a little from where the centre front piece meets the side front piece below the waist. I suppose this has to do with the historical ladies having more flesh to fill out that area beside where the busk widens. This is not very clear but I hope you understand what I mean :)
PoistaOh my! You have done a fabulous job on your corset! I really like the color you chose and the flossing!! It is so very beautiful!!
VastaaPoistaThank you very much!
PoistaWow, the flossing is unbelievable, you are very talented. The corset is so lovely <3
VastaaPoistaThank you very much! This is my very first Victorian corset, so I'm rather pleased with the result :)
Poista