Thursday, September 19, 2013

Hand-Sewn Linen Stays

Or, the doomstayers.
My first pair (which excuses a few of the mess ups, I think.)  I really need to make the bust larger next time I make this, but other than that I think the pattern worked pretty well.
 I don't yet have proper 18th century undergarments, so enjoy my post-school loungewear outfit and mussy hair.
 Bosomlicious!
 I didn't have anybody to tie the top off for me, so I'm just holding the loose end (it's spirol laced.)
As for the stats, it's two layers of thick linen from B&T, boned with reeding from the same, stitched with silk thread, bound with brown cotton and the eyelets are done in gold cotton embroidery thread.  It took me from the start of school (late August) until now, so that should give you an idea of the time it took to make.
Hopefully the gap-osis will be eliminated one I tie it all the way up, erp.
And now I have no projects to do at school... I hope my cotton organdy arrives soon so that I can start on Project Hide Dupioni with Lots of Organdy Puffs.
Cheers!

7 comments:

  1. Those are beautiful!!!! All your hard work payed off, and it payed off super sweet! :). Aren't they comfy too? I love stays :D. And yours turned out real well I think. The binding and fashion fabric look complimentary with each other as well(they actually look good with your shirt too :P). Are you going to be able to lace an even gap the whole way down? When you've got it laced all the way up, you will probably notice a ridge/gap at the top in the back. This can be eliminated by thrusting your shoulders back. Yes, it is a bit odd at first, but that was the posture they were going for back then. Shoulders back, chest outward! :P Great job!
    ~Theresa

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    1. Thanks so much! Yeah, they're really different from corsets. The bust area is so small that I either end up flat as a pancake or cup-runnething-over-ing. If I feel up to it one day I'll make new side pieces that are slashed and spread open and put them in, but until then I have to live with an uneven gap :c
      I was worrying about that, thank you! I thought I might have to take them in a bit at the back but I'll try that.

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    2. Yes totally true! my stays meet at the waist and have a 5 inch gap at the top...and I'm still "running over" :P I think part of that is impossible to get rid of though. It gives great support!
      ~Theresa

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  2. They look a little small to me. Mostly in length. I hope they are comfortable on your hips. Either way you did a good job!

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    1. I anticipated that they would be a bit short (I'm pretty tall) so I lengthened them about a half inch, but I suppose I'll have to do more next time!

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  3. Oh those are beautiful, Frieda! :D congratz xD

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