moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 17:35:15 +0000 UTC]

Awe, thanks! I'm obsessed with corsets, myself, and have been spending years, off and on, perfecting my work. I custom draft, these days, as I have an awkward frame for many mass-produced corsets, and it creates a much more comfortable garment. I've had many people ask me for classes, which is flattering, especially because I find that I'm always learning new techniques to make me better at constructing.

The best thing I can suggest is to start with commercial patterns, even simple ones you can find at your local craft store, and go from there. I learned by trial and error, googling the work of others, and inspecting corsets that my friends and I have bought from other locations (which have more often than not shown me what NOT to do!).

I'm going through my older pictures and I'm starting the long and slow task of uploading everything that I haven't been keeping up with, so keep your eyes out, as more is on the way!

Good luck on your journeys of corset making! Remember to remain patient, and take your time. I've learned that handsewing on bias tape, while a pain, produces results that are much more beautiful, and that's just one example of something I've learned through trial and error. :3

Thank you so much for liking my work!

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 18:43:18 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
That's more information from you than I have learned from anyone else I've tried to talk to!
I hope to one day start uploading my work so others can see as well, remembering you as one who spurred me on of course!

For another quick question though, how much does boning normally run for a corset? And what material works best, in your opinion, for making one?

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 19:03:04 +0000 UTC]

The boning I use is 1/2" white steel boning, but I've been considering knocking down to 1/4". Pros are that it's very sturdy, and when coated in plastic, can actually be washed without fear of rusting. Many people will use spiral steel bones for the whole corset, which I personally don't like because it has a tendency to twist if you're not careful, plus it can't be washed like plastic coated steel (you can still do it, but I'd worry about rusting). Spiral steel, however, has the advantage over flat steel when it comes to curved channels. I've only made corsets with straight channels, so far steering clear of more complicated patterns and extreme gussets for the hips and breasts.

When it comes to prices, you've just got to shop around. I've changed suppliers multiple times, going from Ebay shops to different internet stores, and I've only bought precut, predipped bones. I'm lacking the equipment for cutting bones, myself, but if you're interested in creating corsets with odd measurements, it's a good idea to invest in getting the clippers and dip. I'm currently limited due to my living arrangements, but I one day plan to obtain such things.

I've also done something rather inventive: using heavy duty zip ties from Lowes. The support offered by your corsets is more from the fabric and the construction, with the bones acting as secondary support, similar to how an umbrella works. That's why if your bones are slightly too short, your fabric will wrinkle up (I have some of those issues with my older corsets). But you do have to give the bones a little bit of wiggle room, or they'll rip right through your fabric, no matter how many layers you're working with (it might not be right away, but eventually, friction will do the job). Using zip ties allows you to get boning super cheap, yet still a whole heck of a lot more supportive than plastic boning at craft stores, and you're still able to cut it with a pair of heavy-duty scissors, and then file them using either a power tool or hand file. I also will take a lighter to my edges to make them super smooth! Downside to this boning is that while wearing the corset, body heat will soften the bones, actually moulding them to the wearer's body. Well, that can be either a plus or a minus. I have a corset that I wear that has these zip ties, and while it's super supportive, it's not as good for my back as my steel. But my curves are awesome!

Bah, sorry, that was rambling! I hope this advice helps you and anyone else reading this! <3 Thanks again!

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 19:06:06 +0000 UTC]

No, no no! This helps ALOT.
Thank you so much!
I hope to be seeing more from you again. And, who knows, maybe one day we'll both have etsy shops that are making corsets!

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 19:09:40 +0000 UTC]

I actually already have an Etsy shop, but nothing is currently listed! lolh!

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 19:10:54 +0000 UTC]

Woot!
May I actually ask for the name? (Just so I can start following it before I forget? XD
I happen to be quite ditzy sometimes.)

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 19:12:02 +0000 UTC]

WonderousItems.

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 19:12:21 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 19:13:37 +0000 UTC]

Omg, I spelled my own shop wrong! >.> WondrousItems. GO ME!

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 19:14:57 +0000 UTC]

XD
Thank you either way!
(It's actually reassuring to see and find people who are into crafting as much as I want to be. I haven't started at all, mostly because of funds, but also because I don't know what I'm good at just yet!)

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Carnival0fLust [2013-05-13 19:49:18 +0000 UTC]

Ugh, that's probably the hardest thing: figuring out what you're good at! I sew, crochet, weave, make jewelry, paint, and... well, pretty much anything I can get my hands on. If it's a new craft, then you can bet I'll eventually get into it. I might not be the best, but I'll still be interested in learning!

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Carnival0fLust In reply to moonelfpersephone [2013-05-13 20:51:19 +0000 UTC]

XD
I just want to learn so bad. I mean, I sew a little for cosplay and stuff, but I want to know more. That includes jewelry making, plushie making, ect. ect.

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Jyrotika [2009-08-23 02:28:05 +0000 UTC]

Nah, ya got the right person!

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Jyrotika In reply to moonelfpersephone [2009-08-24 01:22:54 +0000 UTC]

Awesome!

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pettyartist In reply to pettyartist [2008-10-24 19:28:34 +0000 UTC]

and thanks for watchin. X3

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moonelfpersephone In reply to Jameskaya [2007-04-08 14:30:03 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome. ^^ Your work is beautiful!

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