Friday 24 April 2009

Corset Making Conundrum - which pattern?


I spent so much time last year making bags and other things for other people, that, although I did a whole lot of study on the subject, I didn't actually make a single corset!  Not a bad thing, because it was my research into corsetry which led me to my current fascination with pattern design and other forms of dressmaking, and these will tie together in the end.

I have two historical patterns which I want to try, but despite poring over them all morning, I simply can't decide which to start first, so what do you think?  I will do a 'sew along' if you decide which you would like to see bought to life.  Both patterns are taken from original patterns and are historically accurate.

Choice A:  This is an Edwardian "S bend" corset.  It gives a tiny waist, enhances the hips, and is gussetted at the bust to give a good cleavage.  I have some nice black coutil fabric for this which is embroidered with white roses.  I might combine that with some black satin for the bust gussets and hip gores.


Choice B:  This is a much earlier set of "stays", dating from 17th/18th Century.  The one on the left (pink) is a copy of one I have seen in the V&A museum, London. 




From these two, I prefer the pink because it was this that prompted me to acquire the pattern, and purchase some lovely dusty pink silk from which to make it - a bit like the real thing pictured.  It has laces at the front and back and I will probably make it without sleeves - unless I find something very inspiring to make them from. 

So which one first?  The Edwardian Corset or the V&A Stays??

Note added from the future:  I never did complete this one! (3/12/14)

18 comments:

  1. I think I would go for the edwardian one, but that is because I am rather taken with the ladies hair... not a reason to embark upon a sewing project I feel, but there you go!

    looking forward to whichever you choose.

    x

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  2. Oooh, I'd love to see the V&A stays - gorgeous!

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  3. I think the V&A one would have to be first it is so beautiful. Please do this one first. xx

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  4. I think the Edwardian, Love the sound of the black with the white embroidered flower.

    Although the pink does look good. but I am sure which ever one you choose will look fantastic. I so admire anyone being able to make clothes that fit a real "live" human as it were. lol.

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  5. Both are very lovely in design, so I personally would have a go at both! Look forward to seeing what you make of that pink on though. Oh, and LOVE the skirt you made that you showed last time...very va-va-voom! ;o) Happy weekend to you all ((HUGS))

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  6. Got to be the Edwardian one first... almost my favourite era (Victorian) then the pink stays... although they look great I personally dont think they give as good a shape to the body as the Edwardian corset... :-)

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  7. I like the V & A one ... it reminds me of those old films with the heaving bussoms and handsome heros racing to their aid!

    xAlex

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  8. Either or...I'd love to see both made up...it fascinates me that anyone can reproduce these things.

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  9. My initial impulse is for the V&A stays - I can see you in those (you are making them for yourself, right?) But I know you'll make a cracking job of the Edwardian one as well, so I say just go for what you fancy! x

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  10. I vote for the stays. I like the shape, and it's less obvious than the Edwardian.

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  11. I'd go for the stays, it reminds me of Gone With the Wind, Scarlett O'Hara, heaving bosoms, Rhett Butler etc, etc. ooo you are talented, can't wait to see whatever you do.
    Twiggy x
    PS My word verification is untie, how appropriate, looking at all that lacing!

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  12. Honestly, I love them both. I wish I knew how to sew. I have two great sewing machines gathering dust in my spare room :(

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  13. not sure which one I'd pick, but thought I'd mention that if you are ever up near Leicester, there's a good display of corsets at Snibston... I saw it once when visiting my MIL.

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  14. The V&A stays float my boat!!!!

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  15. I like the stays best.
    Maybe it's because the other one goes out to accentuate hips and that is anathema to me!
    Plus the other ones are pink :o)

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  16. The Edwardian one looks quite sexy. So I'd go for that.

    Having done 17th Century history, I'd also love to see the stays.

    So I vote for both.

    Er....

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  17. Would love to see them both... but perhaps the pink one first? I'm in awe of your ability to construc anything so complex!

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