1850's-1860's Corset

It's been a few months since I have made this, but I decided to post about it as I haven't been able to find if anyone else on the internet has made this.

My pattern for this corset comes from 'Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques' by Jill Salen. I absolutely adore this book. There are things about it that I wish were different, but it doesn't really matter.

My old American Civil War Era corset was falling apart (the grommets had almost ripped through the fabric - stupid me for only using one layer of fabric), and I needed one for a reenactment. I didn't want to spend any money on new materials, so I decided to rip my old corset apart and put the bones and busk into a new corset. I used the 'Red-and-black Lasting Corset, 1860' pattern in the book as my base. It is entirely corded with a wooden busk.

I was pleased to find that I didn't have to change the pattern much in order to fit me - I am rather thin and usually these things are too big. I followed the cording guides and used casings and my spring steel bones at intervals instead.

1860's Corset from 'Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques' by Jill Salen

The materials of the corset are a tweed-like denim (2 layers - I didn't want any mistakes this time), and a light blue silk for the top and binding. I also used some crochet lace beading that someone gave me for the top decoration. I was thrilled to discover that it is the exact same pattern as the original antique corset!

I've posted this because I have found that other people's postings about the corsets in this book have been invaluable in learning how to make the corsets. I hope this helps someone! If you have a question about the make of this corset, or anything else, drop me a comment below!

This week....

I started this blog with good intentions! I was going to try to write on here more often, but alas, work does get in the way. My annual show, 'Olde Salem Days' is September 8th, and I have been working since June to be ready for it. It's almost here!

Actually, when it comes to work, I haven't been doing much of that this week. My hands are getting worse by the day, and I've done almost everything that I need to do. yay! So, that just leaves homework to be done.

I am taking a class on Javascript, JQuery and AJAX. Basically they are computer and web programming languages. Computer programming is really not my 'cup of tea' (huge understatement), but I need the class in order to complete the requirements for my certificate. I was hoping to finish the certificate this semester, but it will have to be in the Spring. I simply can't handle more than one class right now.

If you want to see what I have been up too with new designs and sewing, I have just posted on my other blog. I've been busy with that too!


"He widens our path under our feet" - Psalm 18

Here we go...

As most of my friends know, I'm not much of a blogger. However, I am attempting to do a personal blog along with the blog I keep for my business. I have a couple reasons - firstly, I want to be able to write more about my personal life than I can on my business blog, and secondly, there are some things that I would rather not post about on facebook for obvious reasons. A personal blog gives me much more freedom on both fronts. There are many people who I love and do not often see anymore (you know who you are!), and I would like a way to have more contact, especially since they might not be on facebook.

So, I'm going to try this. I'll try not to leave it alone for long periods of time!