This is the first corset I made using white satin and heavy duty hooks and eyes for the front closure. It was quite comfortable but not quite Victorian enough!
This is my favourite corset. It is the second one I made and I sent to the UK for the proper corset busk this time. It cinches in the waist and rounds off the hips perfectly for that Victorian look. Made of dusky pink damask.
The back view. The corset needs to be a bit tighter at the bottom but my husband thought he had better not get too carried away since I had taken up Martial Arts!!
The same corset but pulled tighter!! My husband getting ready to pull the laces tight! Why did women subject themselves to this every day?? The back pieces actually met this time so there was no gap in the lacing! I was glad I had already put my shoes and stockings on! I love the shape it gives the body. A real hourglass.
This crinoline was fun to make. I will probably never make another one!!! I had to import the steel hoop boning from the US as I couldn't find a supplier in New Zealand and it cost me a small fortune! The material I used is just a light weight satin.
To hide the boning of the crinoline, a petticoat was worn over it. This one is made of a very light cotton with a little bit of trimming lace around the bottom.
I use to use just a bustle cushion but in the end decided to make a full wire bustle to add more strength and body to the bustle dress skirts and it work wonders. I looked at a few pictures and made it up the best I could. Does the trick. I had ordinary garden wire in it but I replaced it with the left over steel hoop boning from the crinoline. Best thing I ever did. Now I don't have to mold the wire back into shape everytime I wear it!!!
Before the crinoline was invented in 1856 and used for 11 years before the bustle became the fashion, many petticoats were worn under the dress to hold out the skirts. These became very heavy for the wearer. Here I am wearing only two petticoats. I wear these under my 1850's pioneer dress.
