Comments | steamfashion: Springs and things

corsetrasewing in steamfashion

Springs and things

Feb 14, 2011 15:33

I am about to embark on a project. A costume projects and while it in itself is not steampunk, I am sourcing a material for it that I thought you might be able to help me with ( Read more... )

metalworking, brass, sewing, tools

Comments 6

brockulfsen February 15 2011, 02:22:43 UTC

A moderately sized city will have at least one specialist store that sells springs or at the least a nut-n-bolt specialist with a good range.

Brass springs are fairly rare (read expensive), and true stainless doesn't "spring" (can you say work hardening).

You may find that using concealed elastic and hanging the springs under a little tension as purely decorative trim works much better than relying on the spring to cinch your garment.

msmcknittington February 15 2011, 04:20:14 UTC

You may find that using concealed elastic and hanging the springs under a little tension as purely decorative trim works much better than relying on the spring to cinch your garment.This is a really good suggestion! The coils of springs move apart as the spring flexes, which means you can get hair and skin caught and pinched between the coils, which hurts A LOT. Unless you have a very firm fabric, preferably in multiple layers and tightly fitted to your body, between you and the spring, you run the risk of getting blood blisters just from wearing the garment. It doesn't take much room to get a good pinch of skin ( ... )

brockulfsen February 15 2011, 09:13:19 UTC

If you make fake springs, use transparent silicon rubber tube as an inner support. Any kind of contact will crush, bend or distort the mock-spring unless it is supported.

corsetrasewing February 15 2011, 17:43:56 UTC

"You may find that using concealed elastic and hanging the springs under a little tension as purely decorative trim works much better than relying on the spring to cinch your garment."

thanks for that suggestion. maybe it will inspire someone else, I have already considered that and it does not work for my intents, as I am replicating a historical piece that did use springs, totally encased in the fabric.

I did some internet searches and have found a few places that sell continuous lengths in 1/8" OD

k1yok2tog February 15 2011, 02:47:55 UTC

You might find someone who winds coils for chain mail. I'm not sure where you are located, but my husband does.

beatrizwench February 16 2011, 01:29:09 UTC

For someone who winds coils for chain mail, check with your local SCA.