Progressing through almost two centuries of corset-making, this fascinating collection showcases an astonishing range of period pieces, from the 1750 whale-boned corsets, through the invention of the sewing machine and mass-produced corsets of the 1850s to the makeshift corsets of World War I. Reflecting the changing fashions and attitudes of women throughout the centuries, the collection includes corsets for pregnancy, riding corsets for sportswomen and hard-wearing corsets for housemaids. There are even corsets for small children and their dolls. The book is packed with practical information on how to recreate these stunning period pieces for yourself. Each corset features an annotated pattern, a detailed drawing and close-up photography so any historical detail can be captured accurately by the maker. A brief overview places the corset within its historical context and explains any features or alterations necessary for making up the patterns. For those new to dressmaking there are two step-by-step projects - one for a hand-stitched, pre-1850 corset and one for a post-1850 corset made using the sewing machine. There is also invaluable advice on a range of corset-making techniques, from cutting and fitting the patterns to adding historical detail. Information on lacing the corsets, inserting eyelets, gussets and split busks and on stitching and flossing is all included.
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"Although aimed firmly at costume makers, there is still much to interest the historian, textile connoisseur, or indeed, closet corset-wearer." --Embroidery magazine
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The description of the book on your Amazon page is wrongcan it be ammended please
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By DG
Format:Paperback
Corset making is a suprisingly large subject, and this book is a welcome addition to the range.
It opens with some thoughtful comments about dating corsets and how typical are surviving examples, among other subjects.
The main body is devoted to an interesting selection of corsets, including finely boned and half-boned stays, hand stitched corded corsets, and later ones with a 'zone' waist band or gussets as well as the usual vertical panels - not forgetting the underbust and ribboned. Each corset features a full page colour photo, half a page or more commentary, and two page pattern. The patterns are generally to half scale, and all on graph paper with balance marks, grain lines and boning etc. indicated.
There follows a section on corset construction, including step-by-step guides for two corsets and how to insert gussets, floss and cord as well as the usual binding and busk insertion etc.
The book ends with lists of references, museums and suppliers.
If you know nothing about sewing but want to knock up a fashion corset, then this book is probably not for you - until you've got the bug! However, if you can follow a sewing pattern and want to recreate a period corset, this is the best single book available due to the large patterns and colour photos and the wide range of construction tips, including some not published elsewhere. Yes, more could be written about construction (where does one stop?), the 'close-up' photos touted in the blurb do not zoom in on any unusual feature, and the photos of the black corsets could be clearer, but I am happy to recommend this book: it is a steal at full price. 4+ stars
It opens with some thoughtful comments about dating corsets and how typical are surviving examples, among other subjects.
The main body is devoted to an interesting selection of corsets, including finely boned and half-boned stays, hand stitched corded corsets, and later ones with a 'zone' waist band or gussets as well as the usual vertical panels - not forgetting the underbust and ribboned. Each corset features a full page colour photo, half a page or more commentary, and two page pattern. The patterns are generally to half scale, and all on graph paper with balance marks, grain lines and boning etc. indicated.
There follows a section on corset construction, including step-by-step guides for two corsets and how to insert gussets, floss and cord as well as the usual binding and busk insertion etc.
The book ends with lists of references, museums and suppliers.
If you know nothing about sewing but want to knock up a fashion corset, then this book is probably not for you - until you've got the bug! However, if you can follow a sewing pattern and want to recreate a period corset, this is the best single book available due to the large patterns and colour photos and the wide range of construction tips, including some not published elsewhere. Yes, more could be written about construction (where does one stop?), the 'close-up' photos touted in the blurb do not zoom in on any unusual feature, and the photos of the black corsets could be clearer, but I am happy to recommend this book: it is a steal at full price. 4+ stars
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By J. Britton
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a profesional corsetiere and I found this book inspiring. This is less a book about how to make corsets, although that is covered, instead, it's a much more valuable deconstruction of several historical corsets. Each corset is dissected and presented piece by piece, so that we can recreate each one. Fantastic!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has an introduction to the history of the corset, many historical examples with complete patterns (these require scaling up) and complete instructions for making two styles of corset. There is also a section of technical tips and instructions. Excellent range of patterns and comprehensive instructions; however, unless you have made corsets before and know how to fit them, these instructions alone may not be sufficient if you want to create a perfectly fitting corset. Also if you are a complete beginner to dressmaking this may be a little beyond you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great starting point
As a costume degree student I have used several examples from this book to make period undergarments to help give my costumes the correct foundation. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Nicola Reeve
5.0 out of 5 stars
very very good
i never come a cross with a book like this so espesific and clear to undertand.some of them can be difilcult for me but I will try to se if i can make one the easy one good good
Published 4 months ago by m e acevedo
3.0 out of 5 stars
Its great. But, is for the more progressed builder.
This book is very nicely put together. Its gives you the history of each corset in the book as well as a picture. Read more
Published 15 months ago by BenJae
5.0 out of 5 stars
best book
This book is an absolute gem, if anyone is intrested in corsets from days gone by. loads of information, pictures and diagrams. What next? - get sewing :-)
Published 16 months ago by linda
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not perfect but close!
As an art and design student with a strong interest in historical fashion and costumen I have found this book both interesting and helpful. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Sean A. Massey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Creating corsets
A great book, but definitely not for the beginner. In the book, the author goes through corsets from museum collections and sets out detailed patterns as to how those corsets were... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Freya
1.0 out of 5 stars
Bought this for my gf - she took it back
Bought this as my girlfriends into corsetry - she was unimpressed, not as good as her other books apparently, so she took it back n used the money to buy fabric to make a corset -... Read more
Published 21 months ago by P. Bridges
4.0 out of 5 stars
Value for money
A great book for the money. Nice clear pictures and diagrams, but brief on the written details. Glad I purchased it, good value for money.
Published 23 months ago by Jacque69
2.0 out of 5 stars
not a how to book - a fashion history book
If you want a book which will give detailed info on how to make a traditional corset this is not the book for you. Read more
Published on 2 April 2011 by April
5.0 out of 5 stars
simply wonderful!
As a corset fascinated stage designer, I really was looking for such a book! every corset has a short text description a good large colour photo and a wonderfully accurate pattern. Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2010 by zubmum
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