Summer Corsets
September 2nd, 2010Even though it has been crazy around here with the consturction on our bathroom, I have been busy – here are a few examples of this summer’s work. 
Open During Construction!
June 22nd, 2010Hello Everyone, I didn’t think I would ever need to use these words! But, yes, the time has come, and we are having our bathroom re-modeled – from the studs out. But, I”m still working on your corsets, and other than it is reather facinating to see what is under the walls on our 103 yr. old house, I’m getting work done and seeing clients as usual. Sorry for the long gap with no posts, but I’ll soon have the review of my trip to New York to see the Costume displays at the Met, Brooklyn Museum, and FIT. Great stuff.
Wish us good luck and a minimum of rot…
Marie
Antique Brass Grommets
May 26th, 2010Just wanted to let you know that the Antique Brass two piece grommets are back in stock – they blend in well with Browns and Reds – or contrast with black. Very useful, and good for the Steam Punk look. (1.00per dz, 10.00per gross)
More new corsets!
April 18th, 2010Here is my latest crop of corsets – much progress has been made on my mountain of work – thanks to those clever mice….
Corset History
April 9th, 2010Here is an small part of an interview with Valerie Steele – possibly the most knowledgeable fashion historian we have today. It was origionaly part of a ’Big Think’ video interview, recorded Sept. 24. 2009
Topic: The evolution of the corset
Valerie Steele: “… I think it’s the single most controversial garment in the entire history of fashion. I think most people look at it as being something which was deeply oppressive to women and that somehow a patriarchal society forced women to wear it. But if you look at the history more carefully, and it did last 400 years, you see how it’s more complicated than that. Women had a number of reasons why they choose to wear corsets often in the face of male opposition. I mean, male doctors more or less would say ‘don’t wear corsets’, they are unhealthy, they’re bad for you, and they’re bad for your unborn child. But corsets were associated with upper class status because upper class wore them first. They were associated with physical beauty, because that whole hourglass figure, and particularly the waist/hip differential are associated with female sexual beauty and being at childbearing age.
And they were also respectable that if you went out without a corset it was like in the 50’s going out without a bra. I mean, you were bouncing around. It was sort of embarrassing. What kind of a woman would do that? So, if it made you look more upper class, more beautiful, more respectable, etc. and your mother and your grandmother were pushing you, oh, you have to wear a corset. A man can’t dance with you if you are not wearing a corset; he would touch all this flesh – sort of soft flesh. There was a lot of pressure. Often pressure put on by other women for women to keep on wearing corsets.
And when corsets began to go out of fashion, it was in large part because new ideals of beauty came in. So, for example, one of the fashion magazines that I was looking at around 1900, when women still wore corsets, they would ask these actresses, who is your favorite couturier? Who’s your favorite milliner, who’s your favorite corsetiere? And a lot of these actresses would say, I don’t need to wear a corset. And you’d look at the photograph and you’d go, Babe, you are so wearing a corset…”
This is just a taste of a very interesting subject of study – and will be continued. I have been working on an artical based on a question I ask my clients - ”Why do you wear a corset?” – and someday, I’ll finish it and post it here for you!
Marie
No time to talk, must keep sewing!
March 5th, 2010It has been a very busy winter – thank you for keeping me busy – here are just a few of my recent creations. Happy Spring!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 9th, 2010Here is a bit of eye candy for you – pink and beige lace over silk shantung. The style is an ‘over the bust’ version of the early Edwardian cut. Lots of hip emphasis to make your waist look smaller. Just the thing for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. 
Regency Short Stays
January 27th, 2010
Regency Short Stays
I want to share my version of the Regency short stay. I just finished this prototype and I’m very pleased with the results. I have made the full length stays in the Regency/Napolionic/Directoire (take your pick) style – early 1800′s. This version comes just below the high waistline, has a drawstring across the top front, gusseted cups, and adjustable straps. It laces in the front and the back, for ease in dressing. Though possibly not the most authentic corset of the period, it certainly will make the proper sillouette for this style gown. And, considering the number inquiries, the ‘Jane Austen’ style is very popular at the moment!
Do you teach corset making classes?
January 27th, 2010
Dawn's first corset - Front
I’ve been asked this question quite often lately, and the answer is yes! I do teach corset making. I have been taking students on a ‘one on one’ basis. This seems to work well for both me and the students. The hardest part is the scheduling – finding the time to teach and get my custom orders done.
My class takes two 8 hour days, with some homework in between. It is intense and a lot of hard work, as I cover as much as I think the student can absorb. I don’t take beginning sewers. You need to be well acquainted with basic sewing terms and skills and have a good rapport with your sewing machine. You also need to be the kind of sewer that likes fine detail. Corsets are, to say the least, ‘nit picky’. It takes patience. It is not the kind of project that you start the night before the ‘big event’. Although I’ve seen some great stuff done very quickly, that is not how I work.
In my class you will start from a pattern – usually one I have prepped for you – and it will not fit quite right, as half the class is learning the fitting technique. You will make a mock up, and we will fit, and then you will transfer the changes to your pattern. Then, we learn to cut and assemble your corset, by the method that I have developed, and finally, do the finishing. You will learn about the various bones and hardware, as well as appropriate materials. When we are through, you will have a well fitted pattern, and a finished corset. My class fee includes the hardware (busk, stays and grommets ) for one corset, the lining and interfacing, and a ‘corset fitting aid’ (as shown on the web page), as well as handouts . If you are interested, e-mail me for the current class fee and available times.
I can take up to two students at a time – more than that, and I don’t have the space. I have taught larger workshops and I might consider it under the proper circumstances.
Last fall I had a great student – Dawn. She has a infectious enthusiasm for corset making. Here is an excerpt from the note she sent:
“ Hi Marie, …..Thank you so much, I really had the best time and feel like I learned a ton. You are really a great teacher, so patient. I told my husband on the way home I had two of the most fun days that I’d had in a while. Just to do something I love and learn more about it was wonderful……”
Back of Dawn's First corset
I usually don’t print testimonials, although I have a book full (which I read when I feel blue). But, Dawn gave me permission to share her note and some of her pictures. This is her first corset that she made in class. I’m so proud! Thank you Dawn, I had great fun teaching you.
The State of the Corset!
January 17th, 2010Happy New Year – If I have counted correctly, this is our twelfth year! I am as surprised as anyone at the continued popularity of corsets. No end in sight. Business, while understandably a bit off last year, has picked up remarkably since the New Year and promises to be as busy as ever.
I”m often asked if I do mostly weddings or historical or waist training corsets – and the answer is yes! ‘all of the above’. I have a wide variety of clients – all with their special corset needs – and that makes me very happy. Nothing boring around here – I’m constantly surprised and pleased by the creativity of my clients. I”m looking forward to more Steam Punk styles – as corsets seem to be an integral part of the genre.
So many thanks to all you corset wearers out there who keep me busy and challenged and I look forward to meeting you all – whether in person or over the Internet. And do have a wonderful 2010!
Marie