New Corset is Finished!

Yesterday I finally finished this thing. It is definitely the longest any corset has ever taken to make. But I was able to work on it just a little at a time and think about my next step before moving on, so that was kind of a new experience since in the past I've been more of a speed sewer. I'm really happy with how it came out, except - I haven't been able to try it on yet!

I need to get corset laces. In the past I've used shoelaces or twill tape or cording-of-uncertain-fiber-content from Jo Anns. For this one I really want to have the proper cotton laces. I haven't gotten around to ordering them yet so I need to do that. In the meantime I need to make a new chemise and drawers. Maybe I'll get that done this week but I don't want to be too ambitious. 

I ended up doing minimal cording on the back. Just a bit around the hip gusset and then some slanty lines across the middle of the back. To be honest I became a bit bored with it and was eager to hurry up and get these done so I can start on my next corset, which will be early 19th century corded stays. I watched many episodes of M*A*S*H*, Mr. Belvedere and Three's Company while doing all the handwork, including the eyelets. 

This last photo is of the inside. It looks pretty much the same as the outside, except for the where the lining is stitched to the gussets. 

Thought about adding lace to the top edge but decided nah. I like the way they are plain. I hope (hope) to be able to participate the Historical Sew Monthly for next month which I believe is themed "Brown". I have some fabric for a simple working appropriate dress that I'd like to make to wear over this corset! (Pink with brown stripes. It delights me.) 

OK. Off to order corset strings. 

Love,

Sarah