HSM #1: Foundations Challenge

[bethzylla]

Historical Sew Monthly
Challenge #1: Foundations

The Challenge: Bustle-era corset

Fabric: Silk exterior, coutil flatlining, cotton lining

Pattern: Laughing Moon #100

Year: 1837-1899, according to the pattern envelope.  It's intended for mid to late 1880's.

Notions: Busk, spiral and flat steel boning, two-piece grommets, round polyester lacing, thread

How historically accurate is it? I'd give it an overall 80%.  I used some modern materials, but the pattern and fabrics are plausible for the Victorian era.

Hours to complete: About 20, which includes a fully boned mockup and fitting.

First worn: January 10th (four days ago) for a costumed visit to an Impressionist art exhibit.

Total cost: Around $75.  Most of this came from the stash, so that's my best guess.

Comments

[starlightmasque.livejournal.com]

Zowie! That is stunning!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

That is one sharp looking corset! I hope you have some sort of Victorian-esque event where you can wear it out in the open so everyone can see how stunning it is!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thanks! A few of us have been kicking around the idea of trying to find an Old West styled bar where we could dress as saloon girls. This corset would be perfect for that!

[quincy134.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful corset! The contrast boning channels really pop.

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[isabelladangelo.livejournal.com]

Lovely! I really like the pink/black contrast.

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

OMG that's a beautiful corset!! It seems like a crime to cover it up!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Colorful undies are the best.

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Lovely corset!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[theladyrebecca.livejournal.com]

That's gorgeous! What did you use for those exterior boning channels? I think it creates such a powerful look!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thanks! The channels are bias-cut silk sewed into tubes and pressed flat. Some people insert thin strips of coutil into the tubes before they sew them down (for extra protection against bones popping through) but I don't bother with that. For occasional costume use this works perfectly.

[sadievale.livejournal.com]

Beautiful, love the bright color and the contrast!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!