I actually started something last night! Whoo-the-hoo. I cut and tweaked the AlterYears Renaissance corset pattern to what I hope will be my size and shape. After doing all that, I kinda think I could have used the free corset pattern generator on the Elizabethan Costuming site. The corset shape is so simple. But then, I like to see things in patterns first before I try my hand at it. I’m slow that way.
I also wonder how anyone ever makes a corset for herself. It’s a royal PITA. Fitting outerwear is a cinch in comparison (slight pun intended). I just can’t get an idea of how a corset will actually fit by cutting it out in muslin and pinning it on. Corset fit is hugely influenced by boning and lacing, and I can’t replicate that in mere muslin. *sigh* I still wonder how I managed to get such a nice fit on my wedding corset all by myself. I’ve tried to make corsets so many times in the past, and that one (using the Laughing Moon Victorian pattern) was the only corset that really worked and fit right.
Still, I got what I think (fingers crossed) will be the right size and shape for this Elizabethan corset. I rounded the point in the front because, not only do I like that better, it will look right for Phoenix. I took the obligatory inch out of the length for short-waisted me. And I angled the back lines to fit my bust/waist proportion, plus I took an inch out of the center back so there’s a lacing gap — I can’t stand corset patterns that don’t do that! I rarely want the edges to meet. Besides, ya gotta compensate for weight changes ‘n stuff.
Pre-washed the black coutil (which lead to doing two loads of laundry after 10pm). Drew boning channels on the muslin so I could measure and order boning. Tonight’s a Sharks game and Friday we see Marie Antoinette, so I don’t expect to sew until the weekend. But I should be able to get all the channels sewn, and then hopefully the boning order from Farthingales LA will arrive next week. After that, it’s just the top binding and grommets (although I could start the grommets before the boning, since I’ll have the channels done). Oh and I found enough black grommets left in The Stash, yay.
If I can get the corset done in the next two weeks, I’ll be ready for bodice patterning help from the wise and wonderful Sarah! I’m one lucky duck to have such super-skilled and generous friends relatively nearby!