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
( ... )
You can use spring steel corset boning (not spiral steel) if you want to spend the money, and you can get it at Farthingales in Santa Monica. Looks liek this: http://www.farthingalesla.com/steel_bones.php
Or you can use heavy duty plastic cable ties from the hardware store if you want to cheat like the rest of us. :-) You will not find anything you can use at a normal fabric store. F&S, et al. only carry riglene or featherweight boning for bathing suits and prom dresses.
You can also make a pettern from your current corset without taking it apart, as long as it fits you well & comfortably.
As long as your top skirt is of the same fabric as your bodice, you will look middle class as far as the faire is concerned. You will need sleeves as well, since the Queen hangs out in our area in the afternoon.
The fabric is 100% cotton, kind of a medium weight, and the two colors are a forest/hunter green and a nice rusty color that I can't recall the name of (a deep reddish brownish orange). The ribbon trim is a light beige-ish brown tone. I'm planning to use the green as the main color with the rust as a contrast.
If you'll be at the guild meeting next week (or at the newbie orientation this weekend) I'll be there with fabric in tow.
As for the bodice, the old one "fits", but I'll have to lose some weight for it to fit perfectly. If I could figure out a way to adjust it for my somewhat larger frame, I'd do that... or that corset pattern you linked me to seemed like it'd be easy to work from, so maybe I'll do that corset and do a side- or back-laced top. Still have to figure all that stuff out, I guess.
Thanks for all your helpful information and links and suggestions. I'm becoming more confident about my ability to do this. :)
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!
Reply
Reply
You can use spring steel corset boning (not spiral steel) if you want to spend the money, and you can get it at Farthingales in Santa Monica. Looks liek this: http://www.farthingalesla.com/steel_bones.php
Or you can use heavy duty plastic cable ties from the hardware store if you want to cheat like the rest of us. :-) You will not find anything you can use at a normal fabric store. F&S, et al. only carry riglene or featherweight boning for bathing suits and prom dresses.
You can also make a pettern from your current corset without taking it apart, as long as it fits you well & comfortably.
As long as your top skirt is of the same fabric as your bodice, you will look middle class as far as the faire is concerned. You will need sleeves as well, since the Queen hangs out in our area in the afternoon.
What color and type is your fabric?
Reply
If you'll be at the guild meeting next week (or at the newbie orientation this weekend) I'll be there with fabric in tow.
As for the bodice, the old one "fits", but I'll have to lose some weight for it to fit perfectly. If I could figure out a way to adjust it for my somewhat larger frame, I'd do that... or that corset pattern you linked me to seemed like it'd be easy to work from, so maybe I'll do that corset and do a side- or back-laced top. Still have to figure all that stuff out, I guess.
Thanks for all your helpful information and links and suggestions. I'm becoming more confident about my ability to do this. :)
Reply
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