Pattern Adjusting

Dear Cindy,

Is this a modern corset, or one for re-enacting? If the latter, there is a site to generate your own pattern by putting in your own measurements. I used to use it all the time for costumes, but am now retired and have a new computer, and did not save the site. I think you can reach it through costumes.org, then look under corsets in the list. This is a great site for research and costumes of all kinds.

Teri

Teri, What a great site! I have added it to my favorites so I dont lose it. It certainly has a wealth of information. This is a modern corset. Simplicity 5006. I was hoping to create an evening gown effect with it such as on the front of the pattern. Luckly I had created a muslin prototype before cutting into the really $$$ material!

Thanks Cindy L

Dear Cindy,

I have had students use sixteenth and seventeenth century corset designs for modern gowns, with great success. Since you're working now in muslin, why not try one to see how it looks? The corset generator will get the correct bust size, and drafting a corset using these directions is very easy. Good Luck!

Teri

I can not seem to find the generator :( ..

Indeed it is. You can see how I did mine, using Drea Leed's corset pattern generator, on my website (URL below). The project is called 'Corset Works'.

anyone have a link to how to adjust patterns? I am so p*ssed that I just made a corset for myself and of course it doesnt fit through the chest ( as usual) I made the pattern by a size 20 thinking I could pull in through the waist and hips but I need to add inches through the chest and length. Anyone have any links or ideas? Thanks! Cindy

Dear Kate,

I went to look at your corset, and stayed a while. What a great site.

Original corsets had leather bindings. Of course, the ones in the collections I have curated were quite brittle with age, and some appeared to have been glued, rather than sewn, to the raw bottoms and around the tops. I usually use thin satin bias that I cut myself, or a piece of the gown with which it will be worn. I have also used the type of satin piping that looks like cording, but has a finished seam allowance. The piping becomes the finished edge, and the seam allowance becomes the facing that I hand sew to the wrong side.

Teri

These are all refinements I have discussed with other historic garment makers and curators,including Susan North at the V&A. They are things I hope to include in the Margo Anderson Underpinnings version I want to do next... I have a rather nice bit of soft brown leather I might cut into strips for it... That project will become part of the Court Gown project

- though it may have to go on hold again for a bit as I seem to have 10 bridesmaids happening this summer, plus 25 velvet panels for the photographer...

The Drea corset was a 'quick and dirty' version I did just to see how difficult it was! The answer was 'easy-peasy' compared to some of the other things I have made! :D I've lost so much weight since making it that it has gone to live in the USA, and will get to more ren fairs than I ever will...