To tightlace or not to tightlace? There is no question. TIGHTLACE!!!

When most people reflect on the beginnings of corsetry, they think back to around the 16th C, but in fact the corset can be found depicted in paintings and sculptures as far back as 1700 BC.  As centuries passed and current popular standards of society changed, so did the silhouette change to reflect the current fashion of the period.  Some corsets were meant to emphasize the waist, others the bust or hips.  Well fitting stays, another term for corset, of the 18th C would have felt comfortable, allowing women to work and breathe properly.  This is still true for today.

"To put on a corset properly is as much of an art as to make a corset properly." ~ Anna Held

Making a corset is no small task.  I've made corsets with as little as 8 pieces to each side and as many as 26 pieces to each side.  Depends on the era and design.  The tricky thing about making a corset is you can't rush it.  Even if you are 1/8 of an inch off in stitching even *one* seam, it will throw the whole corset out of whack and it will twist out of shape.  Been there, done that.  ;)

So I will share with you my collection of corsets from the first one I made in 2001 to the most recent one I constructed in 2009.



Repro 1869 corset in black satin with burgundy sheer overlay.

Repro 1869 corset in black PVC.  This was not the most fun to make, but rewarding when it was complete.

Underbust waist cincher in black coutil.

Repro 1890 corset made in black silk satin with red silk brocade front and trimming.

Repro 1860 corset made in black silk satin with teal silk brocade gores and trimming.

Underbust waist cincher made of brown faux snakeskin.

I have a few more photos of 2 other corsets I've made floating around somewhere so they'll have to wait for the next corset posting I make.  I hope you have enjoyed this post.

Now go tightlace!!!

Devi