Tuesday 1 May 2012

Vintage corsets

I've just done an interview with Sew Magazine about 'vintage' corset patterns.  In the interview, I explained that a good way to learn all sorts of things about corsetry techniques, and fit, is to scale up antique patterns and make them up.



Where does one find these patterns?  In books.  Namely, Corsets and Crinolines by Norah Waugh (and others), which is where this one was.



I scaled it up according to the scale given, and hey presto .. it fitted me! Which was a surprise as usually, antique patterns need much adjustment for the modern figure.


I did make a minor adjustment to the hips, in order to include 'fins' which I realise I should have padded in order to make them stand out more.  Other than that, the pattern came together very easily.



It's made from a single layer of coutil on the inside, with boning channels sewn to the inside and the outer shell is made from double sided silk stitched together with lapped seams.


It's OK but still not the standard i'm aiming for.

6 comments:

Liz said...

That is stunning! You have inspired me to try and create a corset from a vintage pattern now, as I've only done ones from commercial patterns so far :-)

dottycookie said...

Cough splutter, that's not up to standard? Blimey. I think it's amazing.

snippa said...

Absolutely gorgeous lines.
I WANT one!!!

Unknown said...

Hey, the corset looks fantastic! Could you tell me what are the measurements? I am about to try the pattern, but I wanted to check the size before I make a mockup. I just can't seem to get it right from the pattern pieces.

JuliaB said...

thanks for all the lovely comments :) from memory the measurements are something like 34 bust 24 waist and 39 hip. That would fit an average size 10-12 figure with a bit of space in the hips.

Unknown said...

Oh very nice! I love the design and the fit is gorgeous.