Knowing how stays were really made allows us to imitate those techniques and produce an accurate garment. We study the genuine article in detail.

Hallie Larkin provides the pattern and sizing instructions, and walks us through period-accurate construction and replication of these authentic stays.

Two questions and an embroidery library on the Letters page this month.

Marion shares with us a knitted silk undervest with a crocheted yoke that could date anywhere from 1880 to 1910.

Marion walks you through all the different layer options of the nautural form era, starting from the skin out, with variations in necklines and politics.

Marion shares a linen chemise circa 1879 from her collection.

Sandra Stuart walks you through enlarging a small diagram to the correct size for the creation of a working pattern, using an 1878 original and Photoshop.

Sandra Stuart tackles re-creating a gusseted and gored corset using an 1878 patent diagram, from pattern enlargement to construction and fitting. 

Sandra begins constructing her intricate 1878 corset by tea-dying the fabric, then carefully cording and embroidering the pieces to match a favourite teacup.

Sandra Stuart shares each step in the construction of this real Victorian corset patent, finding it an illuminating experience with stunning results!