I wish you luck with finding a costumer (I figure it's not going to be too much trouble out in LA). If I were co-located, I'd offer. But I'm on the completely wrong coast :)
You may also need to purchase some muslin/cotton for lining(s).
And yeah, a proper corset is a bit ambitious for a first time costume project. however, with the popularity of medieval stuff, you can probably find commercial patterns (Simplicity, Butterick or Vogue) that may work for you. Those also have some pretty decent instructions (and also, your new roommate seems handy with sewing, IIRC) - that is if you can't find anyone else locally.
I did find commercial patterns (McCalls), but I also have no real experience working with patterns -- especially those that would need to be scaled up to fit me (what they claim is a size 20 or 22 is significantly smaller than what my size 18-22 frame actually wears, and I have yet to see patterns larger than that).
I'm sure Silas can be of assistance, but he also has no real experience working with patterns. His skill level is about where mine is -- fixing popped seams, sewing on outside-pockets, etc... He's had more practical experience at it, but it's still primarily the same stuff...
Anyway, I'm sure someone from faire will be able to help me. Just not sure who/where/when and whether it can be complete before costume approval is due... :)
Do they require corsets for lower middle class costumes now? Wow. Of course, I love mine and I wore it under my middle class as well as for my Court dress, but I know a lot of people try to get away without wearing one.
They're very easy to make. I would offer to help with your costume, but unfortunately I'm already helping a girl in Court with hers, which will take up a good portion of my time. But good luck! There are loads of seamstresses out there!
No, the corset would be if I did a "proper" middle class costume. The normal front-tie bodice is fine for lower middle. But considering I've never made a bodice before and I know how difficult it is to make one well, if I wasn't just going to be re-covering my old bodice I'd need someone else to make at least the top of my costume for me, and so may as well go all the way to middle class rather than lower-middle
( ... )
Looks like I'm probably going to be avoiding pre-made patterns in their entirety. I'm going to do the lower middle class thing, and I've got old peasant skirts I'm going to reverse engineer, and an old peasant bodice that I'll hopefully be able to reverse engineer as well... at least with the help of Silas. He's got a bit more experience with this stuff... though admittedly not much. I'll probably be starting with muslin and bringing the results out to workshops to get feedback/tips before taking scissors to real fabric.
I'll definitely take a look at those sites to get some ideas. Maybe I'll get inspired. :) Thanks!
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You may also need to purchase some muslin/cotton for lining(s).
And yeah, a proper corset is a bit ambitious for a first time costume project. however, with the popularity of medieval stuff, you can probably find commercial patterns (Simplicity, Butterick or Vogue) that may work for you. Those also have some pretty decent instructions (and also, your new roommate seems handy with sewing, IIRC) - that is if you can't find anyone else locally.
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I'm sure Silas can be of assistance, but he also has no real experience working with patterns. His skill level is about where mine is -- fixing popped seams, sewing on outside-pockets, etc... He's had more practical experience at it, but it's still primarily the same stuff...
Anyway, I'm sure someone from faire will be able to help me. Just not sure who/where/when and whether it can be complete before costume approval is due... :)
Reply
They're very easy to make. I would offer to help with your costume, but unfortunately I'm already helping a girl in Court with hers, which will take up a good portion of my time. But good luck! There are loads of seamstresses out there!
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I'm booked up too much right now to take another commission, but I could probably get you started and help you get unstuck if you get stuck.
May I start by saying please, by all that's holy in this world, stay away from the Big Three pattern makers!
If you want a good pattern that you can get a fairly accurate result from, I recommend Margo Anderson's patterns.
http://www.margospatterns.com/
Or you can start with the custom corset pattern generator by Drea Lead.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html
Let me know if you want help from a fellow Ives-er. :-)
love3angle {at} yahoo {dot} com
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Looks like I'm probably going to be avoiding pre-made patterns in their entirety. I'm going to do the lower middle class thing, and I've got old peasant skirts I'm going to reverse engineer, and an old peasant bodice that I'll hopefully be able to reverse engineer as well... at least with the help of Silas. He's got a bit more experience with this stuff... though admittedly not much. I'll probably be starting with muslin and bringing the results out to workshops to get feedback/tips before taking scissors to real fabric.
I'll definitely take a look at those sites to get some ideas. Maybe I'll get inspired. :) Thanks!
Reply
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