Costuming My Bliss

For the shift, I'm using Simplicity's version of the Sense and Sensibility pattern.  It's all cut out and ready to go!  So watch this space.  I hope to have it completed in the next couple of weeks.

As you can see from the pic below, it's finished!

These things are very simple to put together, but they take time.  This is because the seams need to be flat felled (my arch nemesis) for strength and durability.

*note:  I believe the simplicity pattern is out of print.  But you can still purchase the S&S pattern.  If you go to the web page linked above, you can even download a PDF file.  It's about 1/2 the cost of a paper pattern, plus you don't have to pay for shipping!

I used the Simplicity pattern for these as well.  Overall, I'm happy with the pattern, though it does run a smidge large. But, I ended up with a finished priduct that does what it's supposed to do, (i.e. give your bosom that up on a shelf look) and is very comfy.  Frankly, I find them more comfortable than modern support garments.

I'm using the Mantua-Maker pattern for these.  Right now I'm in the process of the first mock up.  I've got the body of the stays sewn together and the bust gores and 2 hip gores in.  I've yet to add the other 2 hip gores and the straps. 

I had to take a little break from these to work on some other things for myself and the L.P., but hope to back to work on them in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

This is one of the projects I put the long stays on hold for.  After wearing the Archery dress out, I decided I needed one of these to give the dress the proper shape.  Besides, I think they're pretty. 

Corded petti's were worn during the Romantic era, to help support the wide skirts of that time.  They were heavily starched to minimize the number of petticoats needed to give the fashionable silhouette. 

At 16 rows, this particular one has less cording than you would find in a Romantic Era petticoat. But to add more would throw off the lines of the Archery dress.  I'm in the process of making one for the L.P. that will have at least 20, perhaps 25 rows of cording.

They're really quite easy to make. You basically make a big tube of fabric, fold it in half and start shoving cord between the two layers.   I've found them quite relaxing to make.  They require little measuring, and less thought!

I'm hoping to get a tutorial page up for these, so stay tuned!