The Merry Corsetier

I am excited to finally list my corsets.

2008-07-20T06:24:46Z

I have been working very hard to get these up. Drafted by me, made my me with lots of love. Please check them out.

corset maker name for this beauty

2008-07-19T21:45:07Z

I would love to ask if someone know the name of the maker or companie of this corset and pearhaps outfit, seams to be made a long time ago if i beleived the date i upload it (2003)
But, don't corsets are outside pure fashion industry laws?

corsetmakers @ 2008-07-19T14:09:00

2008-07-19T18:28:21Z

Hello all. I'm spending a lazy Saturday attempting to clean out my sewing closet (er, um, ONE of my sewing closets anyway...) and I came upon a box of completed projects that have pretty much just been sitting here since I finished them. So I thought I would share them at least before I figure out what to do with them next. If anyone would be interested in buying this, please make me an offer! I'd love to see it go to a good home where it might actually be worn.

So I was thinking menswear, and I had all this grey denim. I made this back when I was playing around with shapes and learning to draft corsets, so it is boned with Rigilene to keep it cheap. Stainless steel busk and grommets. It is self-lined in the denim and I think at least one of the layers was interfaced, but I can't recall for sure.

My natural waist measurment is around 30 inches, and I think I managed to get a bit of reduction despite the plastic. The pants are wide legged with a cuff at the bottom and belt loops, but they were made before I bought my serger so the inside seams are zig-zagged and pinked. They are approx. size 10 (modern sizing, not pattern).

Here's my friend (who is a bit smaller), showing off the details and again about 1.5" reduction.

Both pieces were only tried on that night, and will probably stay in that condition in my closet ad infinitum unless someone is interested in taking them off my hands. Thanks for looking!

My latest corset comission=extremely shaped underbust

2008-07-19T02:06:06Z

Here is a pic of the latest custom corset I finished. It was made for a local burlesque dancer, Calla Doll, and has a very extreme shape. Finished measurements are 27 underbust, 18 waist, 36 hip. It's made of dark pink satin with lighter pink satin outer casings and has flase hip gussets (pieces cut shaped like the dome of the hips, but are not true gussets). It has two sets of loose straps (lined with the same fabric) she is going to tuck the back straps into the front of the corset to eliminate back fattage and tie the front ones around her neck halter style, weird request I know, but when she tried it on it looked just fine. She can also criss cross them and tie the fronts and back together. It's backed with thin batiste and lined with medium weight cotton trigger and of course has waist tape and bi-directional back lacing. Boned with 1/4 flat steels on all the seams. Outer Casings are decorative only, bones are actually sewn on the inside of the corset lining.

Corset has a few pulls/wrinkles in the photo this is due to the following factors:

A) It doesn't fit the pillow and is being pulled funny, and also it's extreme waist to hip ratio was a beeyotch to fit together nice and totally smoothly.
B) Is SATIN (Satan)
C)It was made for a burlesque dancer who wanted a lot of movement and a very lightweight corset so it is not heavily backed/lined
and
D) Did I mention It's hellish satin?? Good. :)

I like how it came out overall but I still loath sewing satin.

Also I would love to have an 18/36 corseted waist to hip ratio but alas I live in the land of 28/44 :)

Here is the picture:

Who would like to see a Cupped corset tutorial part 2? (sewing)

2008-07-19T00:45:53Z

With all the questions wandering around the various corsetry communities about sewing cupped corsets lately I am thinking it is time for me to take some free time to do the 2nd part of my cupped corset making tutorial, the one about different construction methods and sizing etc.
Is there enough interest on here that you guys would like to me to go ahead with that? It takes some time to do one (since I need to pretty much make a mock-up for the visuals) but I would be glad to share if you guys think it would be something helpful to add to this community.

the never ending quest for the perfect pattern

2008-07-18T22:16:29Z

Hello all,
I have been lurking for quite a while and have noticed that many of the questions that arise are on the topic of how to make room for breasts in a corset pattern, whether making room at the top or adding cups. I know there are several different approaches such as bringing a mid-breast corset up higher, adding gussets, making an under-bust with incorporated cups, and having a sweetheart-type neckline that has the boning go all the way to the top, but what patterns are best to start off with? I tried to meld the neckline/top portion of the simplicity 5006 pattern with the laughing moon dore. This worked to some extent but wasn’t the most flattering result. I was hoping all the talent on this board might have ideas about which patterns are the best to modify for cups, or more of a defined breast area?
What I have gleaned so far:
Laughing Moon Dore can be brought up over the bust
Laughing Moon Silverado and simplicity 9769 have gussets
TV 110 and Past Patterns are shaped with cup size in mind
What do you all suggest?

Support advice?

2008-07-18T02:50:12Z

I have been wearing corsets for several years, but have so far only purchased underbusts due to my er...challenging bust size. I wear a 32 DD bra (I measure roughly 36 inches around the bust) and have a naturally smallish waist (I usually aim for 26 or 24 inch corseted waist size). I am shopping for a corset to wear at my wedding in October. I love the look of the Mechantes Diva design, but I fear it won't offer the support my "girls" need.

Any suggestions, or experiences with similar situations?

(Also, off subject a little...if anyone has any suggestions for where I can find a good floor length bustle skirt and/or bolero jacket to wear with said corset, it would make my day!)

I'm very open to other corsetmakers and designs, I just really like the look of the Diva. Good bust coverage, a defined hourglass, and a nice slope over the hips.

[X posted to corsetry]

Pricing stays

2008-07-17T23:26:18Z

I have a client wanting me to make her 18th century stays for historical reinactment. Actually making them doesn't look like it will be too much of a problem, as like with most sewing it's only a matter of figuring out how the puzzle pieces fit together. My main problem is that I have no idea how much to charge her. For my Laughing Moon corsets, I've been considering somewhere around $150.00 (plus the cost of materials--this seems to be pretty normal--I hope), but for the stays... I've never made anything like them before, so I don't know how much they'd be worth to me. I was hoping that someone might be able to suggest a price or price range, perhaps? USD is preferable, as that is the only currency I accept :P I didn't see anything about this in the community memories. (BTW, I love the fact that those are all listed on the community user info page. It makes me very happy.) Halp!

fashion fabric question

2008-07-17T16:48:54Z

I've been lurking for a few months and have a fashion fabric question for my first corset, which will 1) be worn as a top with a skirt, not underneath a gown, 2) have coutil as the base and 3) not be tight-laced. I looked through all the posts tagged fabric, but I didn't see what I needed.

I went to Britex Fabrics last night and spoke to a corset maker there who said I could use whatever I wanted for the fashion fabric. I had a vague recollection of not wanting to use anything that was 100% polyester, but I asked her and she said it would be fine. So I bought 100% polyester bridal (duchess? I don't remember) satin. When I got home, I looked through my emails and saw the email I had vaguely recalled from a corset maker I've been emailing with that said shiny satin made of polyester tends to bunch and wrinkle around the waist unflatteringly. I don't know if she's referring to the super shiny stuff, which my fabric is not, but now I'm worried. Would this fabric work or would it wrinkle the way the second corset maker described? Would interfacing take care of the problem or should I just buy something else?

Concerning Stay boning.

2008-07-17T03:28:48Z

So I am attempting to make the 18th century stays on page 134 from Period Costumes for Stage and Screen and I was looking for some help/feedback on boning.

1. The pattern instructions call for Rigilene Boning (http://www.corsetmaking.com/CMSpages/CMSboning.html) but I'm not sure I want to use something so...flimsy. I was thinking about using something more like this (http://www.corsetmaking.com/CMSpages/CMSplasticboning.html) but because of the way the boning is, the boning needs to be easy to taper, or cut down the sides to fit. Has anyone used the second kind of boning before, or know of a better alternative too both of these? I am wanting to avoid metal boning, I have used metal in a 15th century corset before, and while I love the corset, I find it very heavy.

2. Their are places in the pattern where the boning overlaps, and I have been pondering the different ways I could make the boning channels without stitching through the boning. I have enough fabric that I can make a two layer corset (Stitching the channels) or one layer with boning tape. Either way the overlap will be more lose, and look like one bent channel from the outside. The stitching lines on the pattern look more like this (http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1357456.html#cutid1) from the blue side. That is, the boning is stitched through. Any feedback?

Made in 1926 - 1928!!!!!

2008-07-17T03:25:11Z

It's an AB Series Model Singer!! It's 80+ years old! OH...MY...*GOSH!!!* =D It's as old as my Grandmother, oh goodness!!!

Sooooooooo...don't mind if I show it off! ~This~ time with REAL quality pictures! =D

Marking on the inside of the cabinet...

Drawer in front...

Leg detail...

*Mmmmmmmmmmmm...legs...*

The Undercarriage!

Ya just don't see wiring like this anymore. =D

Ze foot pedal...

Ze power plug...80 years comparison, haha!

Putting her to bed. ^__^

The support arm...

Support arm tucked away...

The back.

AND what sewing machine porn wouldn't be complete without a teaser video of it in action?!?!
http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/SetzzzersDream/Corsets/AB%20Series%201926-1928%20Singer/?action=view¤t=P7162659.flv

First Corset Show Off

2008-07-16T23:33:29Z

I finally managed to snap some photos of my corset and bustle! I made these last semester in my Advanced Theatrecraft class. I was intimidated by the idea of making a corset, but my wonderful professor helped me step by step and really broke it down into easy parts.

Technical info:
Theatre style (unlined, seams on inside for easy alteration) One layer coutil, one layer fashion fabric (heavy curtain fabric).
Spiral boning, with flat boning around the grommets in back. Standard busk in front.
This started out as a Butterick pattern, but has been changed pretty completely to fit my measurements.
There are a few alterations I will do with my next corset, but all in all I'm thrilled with my first try.

I managed a grand 1" reduction. Hah, oh well. I was looking for the right shape, not a tiny waist. Besides, I will be dancing in this and I'd hate to have it be too tight and faint or something.

I also completed a bustle skirt to go with the corset. The bottom edge ruffle is continuous....now I know I never want to make a solid ruffle that long ever again. It was a pain, but the final result is well worth the sore fingers.

More shots can be found here.

Enjoy!

~Shadow

Coutil

2008-07-16T17:55:14Z

I've never used it before, mostly because I cannot find it to save my life at my local fabric stores. I order my bones and busks from corsetmaking.com and they have coutil for sale also. It is a bit pricey and I'm wondering if anyone has used their domestic coutil before? The reason I'm looking there is because it would be so much easier to get it at the same time as the rest of my supplies.

I have been using twill, but lately I've run into issues due to the slight stretch in the fabric. I made the horrible horrible mistake of buying a spandex cotton blend twill for use in a corset and even though it was in between 2 layers of no stretch fabric, still managed to make the top stitching a nightmare. Never never again will I try that! :o

The other reason I have been using twill is it makes a nice lining. Does the coutil also work well as a lining as opposed to just an inter-fabric stabilizer? I like to avoid many layers if I can so I would be looking for a fabric that doubles as both liner and stabilizer.

I live in Canada, so if I did not go with the corsetmaking coutil, then I would be interested in ordering from somewhere within the country to avoid duty and extra shipping charges. Any suggestions for places with good coutil at a good price in Canada?

interesting construction

2008-07-16T16:41:14Z

Hey folks!

How are you all doing today?

I happened upon this auction, while perusing ebay, and I was very fascinated by how the boning channels were constructed. Check out how easily removable the bones are. Easy for cleaning, it seems. How neat is that?

The corset itself is not the most spectacular but I really think this is a neat construction technique. What do you guys think? Think it's something that can be implemented in a variety of styles? Obviously, it would work best in an interally boned corset (although visually it could be neat in an externally boned piece, dontcha think?), I'm thinking of trying it out!

Quick question about cheating!

2008-07-16T10:54:52Z

Hi

First time poster, I was wondering about a possibility I had to cheat at making a leather corset. Basically, I want to make a leather armour corset from really thick leather - 3mm plus. As I don't have a sewing machine able to cope with this, nor any leatherworking tools, I have thought of a cheat.

Could I possibly cut the entire corset out as one piece, and then wet-set it against myself to get all the correct inny and outy bits? Then just glue the lining and binding on afterwards. No seams, and the only working would be some studding and the eyelets for the lacing at the back. I'm not very big on the bust, and I would have thought that the thick leather would provide me with enough support. I would also be wearing it over a shirt, so am not worried about the showing of the flesh :)

Or, if it wasn't possiblt to go all the way round, simply lace the side and back panels to the front one which had been wet-set.

Would this work in any way, or would I simply be wasting my time and/or money.

Corset with Cups

2008-07-15T19:05:21Z

Another lurker enters the light...

Long post, lots of explaining to do.. But, there is a question, with pics!

Please feel free to point and laugh.. Even if you tell me this isn't a corset, or that I never should have attempted to do such a thing, I really will be grateful..

So a few months ago, I was in the middle of planning my wedding.. I had tried many dresses, but just hadn't found "the one" I finally found it, only they don't make it anymore (how was I supposed to know I was looking at a 5 year old catolog?) Anywhoo... I've wanted a corset for soooo long..... And why spend a couple hundred on a dress I only wear once.. when I could have a corset ?

I decided I should have one for my wedding dress. Now I'm a decent sewer.. but I wanted a professional to do this, so I contacted a corset maker.. but she never wrote me back.....

Pretty soon after that, I found this community. And Wow... You guys are amazing.. (Oddly enough, that corsetmaker is here too, guess that means I picked a good one, right? :) ) It gave me the knowledge I needed (afterall, I had NO clue what a busk was, let alone coutil)

So after pouring over the memories for a few months I finally ordered some stuff and began my work. The issue I'm having right now is about my boobies... I wear a awfully f---ing big size. 34 ribs - 44 bust.

I don't really like the look of gored busts on me, and I wanted a long corset, so I decided to go with the Vogue 2810 pattern. Haha..... boy did I ever pick wrong!
Great pattern, don't get me wrong... but not right for me... not at all. It squished my boobies into some awful completely unatural very flat shape.. and then the other half was up above the top.. I should have taken pictures, it was hilarious and so discouraging at the same time. It was perfect around the waist, drew me in 4 inches.. but the boobies were all wrong. I've seen a lot of pics of corsets, believe me.. it was like no other I've seen.

So I cut gores, and still didn't like the triangle shape on me. Round about that time I found Madame Sher's website and fell completely in love with her overbust with cups design.... Here's one that shows it.. Isn't she amazing?

So.... I decided to cut cups. Oh the math involved! Ick.

Believe it or not they turned out similar to the MS cups, only they're really wimpy...

Please ignore the mess.. I'm just trying to get a good mock-up here..
See how they pucker? So frustrating!

Here is a side view

You can see the odd shape they give me.. as well as how the busk does not sit next to my skin.

I tried lacing the corset up with a molded bra underneath to see if that would help, which it did, but it still doesn't have the strength to withstand the busk pressure.

I was thinking of adding a few small bones perpindicular?... what do you guys think?
Maybe some spiral steel?.. horizontal and veritcal?
I also thought if I could come across some hard plastic insert-shaped thingies... that would hold up very well too.

Oh, and did I mention the busk? I bought it from Farthingales
Is it really supposed to do this?

Leather Question

2008-07-15T15:28:26Z

Hello all, time to delurk with a question. I am planning on making a underbust corset in leather for a costume and I was wondering if anyone else had worked with leather before and had some advise? My main question right now is quite specific though, what weight(and thus thickness) would you think is best for this kind of project.

I have done a fair bit of leather work before, but this is my first clothing project (I don't count shoes as clothes), so I am a little unsure.

I literally squealed the whole way home!!

2008-07-15T04:45:37Z

Hi everyone,

I am proud to say that I am the owner of this sewing machine! I happened to be bored this evening and decided to browse around my local thrift store and I stumbled upon THIS! They test all their mechanical and electrical donations to see if they work, and this WORKS! It's got a new tubular rubber belt on the back of it. It has a needle, but no presser foot on the machine. The foot pedal and electrical cord are in fantastic condition. It's in its own cabinet and looks to be made of a cherry wood or some dark wood. Today was yellow tag day, which meant everything was 50% off...so I walked out the door with this beauty for $100!!! I will certainly need to have it cleaned, and I will be looking forward to having parts replaced for it, if I can find them, but I am SO tickled right now, I could pee myself!

The wheel on the back turns SO smooth, it's smoother than my new portable sewing machine I've been using. I can't wait to actually get it in my house tomorrow. I didn't take a good enough look at the model before I left, so I'm not certain how old it is, but from pics I've seen online, I'm betting it's around 1950. The best part...I got it 50% off in the last 5 minutes that the store was open on yellow tag day! I've been light headed since I saw it in the store.

Anyway, sorry for all that, and for the horribly low quality cell phone picture, but I just had to share. ^__^

An idea for boning casings...

2008-07-14T14:56:32Z

I don't know if this would work or not, but I thought of this a while ago and thought it might be worth putting up here.

In my textiles classes at school, we had top stitch machines (I think that's what they were called) that did overlocking at the bottom and double stitching at the top... I think that, if you sewed with two layers, you'd get a gap in between the layers. Would this work for quick boning casings (for those of us who can actually afford a top stitch machine... not me)?

Just an idea that I thought I'd put out there :)

New to the Group

2008-07-14T05:38:21Z

I just wanted to say hi and let you know I've joined the group :).

I have been into corset making for almost 3 years now, but haven't had too much practice in making them. I have made 4 for myself so far and trying to get a good standard going. I have gained a lot of weight over the past few years because of a hormone problem, so I have had to deal with change in size while trying to make thing work with my corsets. I have offered to make corsets for my friends on the advisory that they will be my guinea pigs, but no one has actually taken me up on it for as interested as they seem to be when I mention I make corsets. I just recently had someone say she would take me up on it, so we'll see if it works out. At any rate I am now trying to focus a bit more on making quality corsets and honing my skills.

.
I hope to see a lot of wonderful works of art and look forward to learning from you all :).

Ball corset

2008-07-14T04:45:27Z

On an offside note; hello all. =) I finally figured out how to work livejournal and spent about a month turning a delightful shade of fluro green after looking through everyone's work.

So this is the corset I'm going to wear to my seventh form ball. It's the fourth corset I've made, I believe, and the second for which I drafted my own pattern. The outer layer is chinese silk with a floral embroidery that I bought in Hong Kong a couple of months ago, fused to fabric interfacing (I tend to prefer interfacing to a strength layer as I have a whimpy little sewing machine that would probably break down crying at the thought of attempting three layers >.< ) and the lining is plain black cotton.

I had to use plastic boning (that crappy kind you get in fabric stores which come with their own casings?) as my parents don't seem to think ordering lengths of steel from america is a top priority, so it's double-boned on almost every seam (I ran out towards the end). I also couldn't get any grommets, the only ones I could find were far to thick and small for proper use. So I made do and used loops of cord.

I was a bit too generous with the hips, unfortunately, as they close up a little bit further than the top of the corset. I don't have any pictures of the back, alas, I underestimated just how tubular in shape I am.

So, what does everyone think. I'd appreciate any comments on the form, how to improve, and if anyone has any tips on how to improve the corset overall I'd be very grateful.

Best Hourglass Shape Pattern

2008-07-13T20:33:56Z

I am still somewhat new to corsetmaking, in terms of sewing. Although I have, interestingly enough, made 2 corsets that are made in Tunisian crochet, worked in rows and boning. They do not have busks. I still have some finishing to do to each of them, so when I get the rest of my supplies to put the edging on those I will post pictures.

However, I would really like to draft my own pattern, however I feel it would be better for me to gain experience from making a corset from a pattern first so that I can become more comfortable with the process before drafting my own pattern. I really don't want a "tube like" shape for my first pattern. I was really hoping there is a pattern out there that, with some adjustments, will really be a nice nice hourglass shape. I already have a very natural hourglass shape for a petite girl... my waist is 25" and my hip (at hip bones) is 36", my bust is about 33". I just don't want a corset to diminish my shape, which I really like... I want it to emphasize my natural hourglass.

I have considered doing the Mantua Maker 1880-12, but I see that the results come out a lot different than the drawing on the package. Plus I think it is also difficult for me to frequently compare my shape to other people when I have no idea what their body shape is in comparison to my own without a corset on. So I was hoping you corset gurus, or people with experience working with several of these patterns, could make a reccomendation on a corset pattern (regardless of complexity.)

I read one post (though I do not remember who wrote it) where she drafted the LM 110 or 113 pattern in a size 14 at the bust and hip and scaled the waist measurement down to a size 10 measurement and it gave a very lovely hourglass shape. I also love this corset that squeakykraken posted here: (http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1330979.html) but I know she drafted this pattern on her own. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. I just know you guys have more experience using these patterns, and for someone who hasn't tried and adapted them to her own measurements it is difficult to say which would be the most flattering. Especially when the results deviate from the fashion illustration on the packaging. Thanks in advance, apologies for redundancies or longwindedness.

corsetmakers @ 2008-07-14T02:12:00

2008-07-13T18:32:18Z

Here is a new style of underbust corset I have recently completed (new to my repertoire, that is!)

It features 2-colour flossing on the external boning channels and a reversible modesty panel - a different colour on either side. The satin strips for the channels were cut on the bias, interfaced, and then sewn into a tube (credit MUST go to thebatsmeow for that idea! Thank you!). I then inserted a strip of heavy duty 1/2" twill tape into the tube to reinforce it further. It was then basted down and then machine stitched along the edges.

I must say making the channels was quite enjoyable and very rewarding in the end. I will certainly be wanting to do more of this in the future! And I quite like the look of using 2 contrasting colours, with more contrasting flossing, on a corset ;)

Thanks for looking!

corsetmakers @ 2008-07-13T12:47:00

2008-07-13T17:48:01Z

So, bits of my sewing machine have been working less and less well for a while but last night it died a magnificent and catastrophic death. I had debated taking it into the shop for a while but I really wanted to upgrade to a machine with pretty stitches and a wider variety of options so I didn't want to waste much getting this one repaired. Last night, somehow (I have my suspicions, but couldn't swear to anything) the timing got messed up to where the needle is now attempting to go into the bobbin area while the metal bobbin case is spun closed and so the needle hits the metal each time.... meaning I broke 2 needles before I figured out it wasn't just the thick fabric causing the problems. On the plus side, when my husband got up this morning he just flat out said we should buy me a new machine. I had found one online last night that seems to good to be true, and he okayed it!! It is a sewing machine/embroidery machine. It is Singer Futura CE-250, I am SO excited, you can't imagine!!

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000UXT38W/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/product/iMainCat/2973/iSubCat/2975/iProductID/57093/57093.html

Check out those features!!

If anyone knows anything negative about this machine, feel free to let me know. If it is just brand snobbery/preference, I prefer not to know, I have been happy with every singer I have ever known.

First corsets!

2008-07-13T11:38:44Z

So, having spent some time quietly trying to make corsets, I thought I would upload my first attempts to livejournal. I am self-taught (so far) so I followed the usual route of Simplicity 9769 for first attempt (bought as a kit from venacavadesign) and got the laughing moon 113 patterns at the same time.

What I have learned quite rapidly is that everyone in corsetmakers is right: bought patterns are not the same as self-drafted ones.

The 9769 corset was too generous given the built in ease(!) and when making up the ribbon corset from 113 I followed two separate approaches to see what would happen as there isn't much info online on the ribbon corset. Making these three has really shown me a few things.

Also, Sylvia's wearing a couple of mini top-hats there too...

Simplicity 9769:

This yellow fabric started life as a mock-up (didn't want to go straight to the coutil!), but then I thought I would double the layers and finish it, just to see what happened. I don't think it would stand up to constant wear and I made it ten times harder for myself by treating the layers separately (the extra bulk made flat-felling a nightmare, so I know not to do it in that order again). I wanted to try flossing too (even though I get the impression it wouldn't be apt for this pattern), and that's still in progress.

As most busty ladies, I found that this pattern didn't flatter my breasts. It was too large round the top (amazingly!) and when pulled back or tighter it simply flattened them too much into that 'shelf' appearance. Still, it looks lovely on Sylvia there!

It did give me curve though, so I don't have that criticism of the pattern. I'll try to take some decent pictures of it being worn to demonstrate. I'm finding that I'm really quite squishy though, so pulled tight enough I think most patterns would give me curve!

Inserting my busk and grommets was a nightmare though... at this point I hadn't purchased an awl and was making do with a pencil! Never again.

Laughing Moon 113, Ribbon Corset1:

For this lighter corset, I used coutil and ribbon (as suggested), but couldn't find any ribbon at the mythical 55mm width. It all seems to stop at 50mm at my local haberdasher's! As a result, this corset ended up slightly shorter than it should be but I liked the effect on my body. I cut a standard 12 which fit with a few inches gap at back, but really I just wanted to make up a standard size and not deviate too far from the instructions. That didn't happen in the end as I got excited by the colour combinations, lined the inside of the ribbon sections with lavender poly-satin and bound the edges with that deeper gold. It wasn't very curvy though, which lead onto the following experiment:

Laughing Moon 113, Ribbon Corset2:

This one was cut with smoothed lines between sizes 16/14/18 to create more curve. I also added extra ribbon strips (trying to improve its strength) and the fashion fabric is fused then lined with a heavy cotton. When worn it did pull me into a much more dramatic curve, but the flaws of simply smoothing the lines between sizes all the way round the pattern became apparent. Yes, I might need more space around my ribs and hips than my waist, but does that extra need to be added on equally at the front, the back and the sides? No! Because I am not a cylinder! This was quite an important lesson for me.

Also, once made up I disliked the colour combinations! Oh dear. Still, the differences in fit between Ribbon Corsets 1 and 2 really explained a few things to me. I did persist in one mistake though, of placing the grommets too far inwards! Why? I do not know.

May I ask if anyone else has made up the ribbon corsets and what they thought of them?

But anyway, there they are. My first three corsets! I'm currently redrawing the top and bottom of a pattern having drafted my own from the instructions at yourwardrobeunlockd. As the mock-up fit like a glove I am quite excited to see how it turns out!

If you've read this far then thanks!