Hi Joan, I agree with much of what you wrote completely. My students are seldom inclined though to shop for patterns outside of the Big 4, so I feel that I should be familiar with what they'll be up against when they insist on using those. And too, I have plenty of those on hand so it's hard to resist the temptation to play with them.
As for the Laughing Moon pattern, it's partly cut and awaiting assembly, though I'll probably have to recut it since that one was cut before the sad size change...urgh. I'll be moving beyond Laughing Moon as I'm looking at a late 18th century model in the immediate future, as well as several others. Nothing like setting myself up for a lot of boning channels to stitch! Nah...I'll make my own. I've done enough ballet bodices and theatrical costume work to be pretty confident with corsets. As to the measuring of the patterns and totaling up the measurements for comparison to me, before settling on a size...hmm...I had that previous discussion on how the Big 4 tend to run big so firmly on my mind...I was just curious to what others thought, but YES, I'll quit being lazy, sitting at my computer and thinking about it and JUST GO MEASURE! Laurie Taylor (480) 560-7016 www.costumeraz.blogspot.com -----Original Message----- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of Joan Jurancich Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:30 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: [h-cost] Corset patterns, was Re: Question re: pattern sizes At 10:02 AM 2/23/2010, you wrote: >Hi, > >I recall, from somewhere in the vast world of online costume discussion >groups, a statement that many of the Big 4 patterns for corsets tend to run >really large. It was said that, at least for some of these patterns, it's >necessary to cut them 1-2 sizes smaller than one's measurements would >indicate, in order to get a finished corset that can actually lace properly >and function as a corset should. > >Do any of you have any experience with this concept/issue? Any thoughts on >specific patterns that should or should not be cut smaller than one's normal >pattern size to get the proper result? > >Should I be directing this to any other group? Don't want to create >duplicate e-mails for those who subscribe to more than one group, so I am >starting here, but if you think some place else would be better, please so >advise! > >Laurie Taylor > >(480) 560-7016 > >www.costumeraz.blogspot.com Well, you need a one to two inch gap in the back when you are laced in properly (if it closes completely, it's too big). If the pattern does not give the finished size of the corset, you will need to measure yourself, then the pattern pieces, and then choose the size that comes closest to the one that fits your body shape (ignore the pattern sizes, only pay attention to the actual measurements). If you are planning on wearing the corset frequently, I really recommend that you have the corset made by a corsettier. As a docent at Sutter's Fort, I am fairly regularly in my 1840's attire and a properly fitting corset is a necessity (it cost me a bit under $300, but is worth every penny). Also, I am very short-waisted (we had to chop off a full 2 inches at the top), so I found it best to have the corset made for me. You MUST make a "muslin" for fitting before you make the final corset. All in all, I don't recommend that you use one of the "Big 4". The Laf'n Moon Victorian Underwear pattern is an excellent starting point (it's what was used for me); in addition to the corset pattern it also has chemise and split drawer patterns. I must admit that Joann Petersen, the owner & designer of Laf'n Moon patterns, is a friend of mine, but I still think that her patterns are the best. From drizzly Sacramento, Joan Jurancich joa...@surewest.net .com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
