Foundations Revealed introduces you to the varied and beautiful world of corset patents.
These historic diagrams show the cut of original Victorian corset patterns. They help us to see into the mind of the expert designer of the Golden Era of Corsetry, allowing us to uncover the secrets of fit and style that modern corsetry is only just beginning to explore.
For those who are working with modern corsetry, these designs will allow you to branch out from the ordinary, standard, vertical seamed “Victorian” style which is so common now, and into something fresh and new, yet classically elegant. They also allow historical costumers to move beyond the limited number of commercially available corset patterns that may not be appropriate for your body type, and explore styles more suited for you.
Our writers figure out and test each pattern for you, so that you can both benefit from their experiments, and make interesting choices for your own work.
Hearts 4: Edwardian Posture
Jenni alters the antique "Hearts" corset pattern to emulate the archetypal “Edwardian” posture on a modern body, and weighs up the effect on comfort.
1 comments1911 Cupped Corset
Jennifer tells us how much she enjoyed the construction of this beautiful & romantic 1911 Cupped Corset from Jeremy's previous article.
Reconstructing a Teens-Era Corset 2
Jennifer shows you how to alter the pattern from last month, then sew the corset step by step, using the same vintage techniques as in the original.
Hearts 3: First Toile
Last month a very decisive 73% of you wanted to see the pattern re-worked twice for the model. This month, we will focus on the first version, as it came off the pattern block.
Re-creating the 1913 E. F. Hume Corset
Kelly outlines the process of recreating this low-busted early 20th century corset from the original 1913 patent and pattern through to flossing and garters.
Reconstructing a Teens-Era Corset
Jennifer shows us an intuitive way to take a pattern from an existing corset. Includes pattern & shopping list for a simple, authentic 1910s corset.
Hearts 2: Pattern in 3D
Re-creating a real Edwardian corset pattern for a modern body, using antique drafting books to find elusive clues.
add Read more...CL Olmstead's 1912 Corset Patent
Michelle tackles C.L. Olmstead's 1912-13 corset patent and learns a lot about good corset making, especially about fabric selection...
Story of a Vintage Corset
A tatty old Ebay find leads to a fascinating journey of discovery, recreating both the corset itself and its owner's story.
Hearts 1: Draping a Pattern
Interpreting this unusual and sophisticated Edwardian design into a contemporary corset is a wonderful challenge that I am thrilled to share!
