Pattern was Simplicity's 9769 size 20...had hoped that it would fit me (size 20 in pants/skirts fit me), but is way too small. Like, 10" between the laces in the back too small.

Anyway, I think it turned out pretty good. Cell phone pics + I'm not a photographer = blurry pics but oh well...criticism is warranted, if you know what you're talking about. I'd like to do this well enough to make my own, based on my dimensions.

(Corset is loosely mounted on a wubby blanket, not tightened at all.)

Here's the pics:

Front first:



Then the back:

(Yes, I know one loop isn't tied...couldn't find the 72 inch laces needed, so used two 45")



Whatcha'all think? Did I done good? 

Did a little sewing, mostly flags and quilts. Tried clothes, but that was when I first started so they weren't the best.

This was actually similar to a US flag, because of all the flat felled seams. A bit more curvy than the stars and stripes, though. 

Boning was 1/4" steel (a couple were 1/2", in the back).

You done did good! Hugs, Devlyn

Looks Great!

Looks good, a nice bit of sewing.

I must get back to sewing I really like it.

I feel inspired too! Looks great.
If it doesn't fit you could always sell it on eBay.

Just finished my second third corset today. (The second was a prototype, used to adjust the pattern I'd made)

Can't find the website that I used for instructions, but when I do, I'll post it. Excellent instructions, and best of all--they worked!

eta: Found it! http://www.foundationsrevealed.com/free-articles/74-draft-your-own-corset

Here's a couple "in progress" shots, might post it on me later.

Putting in the stays (aka "bones"):



Lacing:

I think it looks amazing! Store bought quality look too. The picture quality is good enough to see the detail. I tried making clothes myself before it was difficult and most of what I did try look terrible. I may not know much, but I can really appriciate the quality of your work, its really really good.

Quote from: Beth Andrea on March 17, 2012, 11:38:23 PM
Just finished my second third corset today. (The second was a prototype, used to adjust the pattern I'd made)

Can't find the website that I used for instructions, but when I do, I'll post it. Excellent instructions, and best of all--they worked!

eta: Found it! http://www.foundationsrevealed.com/free-articles/74-draft-your-own-corset

Here's a couple "in progress" shots, might post it on me later.

Putting in the stays (aka "bones"):



Lacing:

And young lady whose bones are you using Is this a 'I'll just pop down to the cemetry for some supplies' corset?

Sorry  it looks great, are you using an overlocker or a straight sewing machine? No doubt you can add lace and fancy features after. I use to see all sorts of ruffles and bows available to make a cute finish. 

How do you get laced in it?

Cindy

The bones are probably from the Terminator...steel with a covering (plastic, I think) that makes it less damaging to the fabric. 

Just a normal sewing machine, straight stitch. Most of the seams are "flat felled seams", which are found on jeans, flags, etc. Makes a really strong seam when sewing two pieces together.

Ruffles and such are nice details, but I'll wait until I get better. These first corsets are basically "throw-aways", intended to be destroyed during/after the process of learning.

For example, this third corset has already failed...put it on, laced it comfortably...worked well, etc but then had the wife tighten it properly, and about a third of the grommets were torn out! Lessons learned: First, put interfacing inside that piece; and second, use washers to reinforce the location.

And yes, I did feel *very* sexy with it on.  And no, sorry, no pics! LOL

Quote from: Beth Andrea on March 30, 2012, 07:24:54 PM
Just a normal sewing machine, straight stitch. Most of the seams are "flat felled seams", which are found on jeans, flags, etc. Makes a really strong seam when sewing two pieces together.

Wow, you are smart girl!
I read an article several years ago by a post-op woman who had worn a corset 24/7 for a seemingly long time, but the net results of that was that her mid-section no longer resembled anything like that of a former male. Her waist had become much smaller than her hips, and the constant pressure caused her lower ribcage to become smaller as it moved the ribs into a tighter circle and it also served to deplete the fatty build up over her kidneys (love handles) until it was gone. The fatty bodies had been redistributed on her hips and fanny. There was no before photo but she looked awesome in her after photo, although it must have been like going through hell to get there!

Permanently reducing the waist using a corset is called "waist training." Yes, it takes a while (at least several months) but it can be done.

Even if one doesn't "train" their waist, a corset can reduce the waist by 2"-4" inches easily; more if you like that kind of thing (people who are into bondage etc might like it better LOL)

I'm told that the reputation of corsets being tight, restricting, and uncomfortable comes mostly from the Middle Age and Victorian era corsets, when anatomical knowledge--and construction techniques--were not yet fully known.

Mine was completely comfortable, and visibly reduced my waist area from a 'beer gut" to a "fit-but-not-6pack-yet" gut. (I didn'it measure) I felt no discomfort, either standing or sitting...bending over at the waist was difficult, but if I squatted I could reach the floor (which is important in my job; squatting is better for the back anyway).

OK, I'm off for more craftiness...

Quote from: Beth Andrea on April 01, 2012, 12:35:59 PM

Mine was completely comfortable, and visibly reduced my waist area from a 'beer gut" to a "fit-but-not-6pack-yet" gut.

Not to change the subject too much but I used to sport a small keg, but over two years have converted it into a six-pack. Once you're on HRT the tummy fat increases and becomes unacceptable so one has to take drastic action and get off the couch, change the sedentary lifestyle to one of a daily purposeful workout coupled with a lean diet to get on top of it. That being said, the residual love handles that most MtF's have continue on and do not go away but will have to go somehow. I think that corset training would far outweigh liposuction as an alternative. Just thinking out loud...

Quote from: Shantel on April 01, 2012, 12:51:30 PM
Not to change the subject too much but I used to sport a small keg, but over two years have converted it into a six-pack. Once you're on HRT the tummy fat increases and becomes unacceptable so one has to take drastic action and get off the couch, change the sedentary lifestyle to one of a daily purposeful workout coupled with a lean diet to get on top of it. That being said, the residual love handles that most MtF's have continue on and do not go away but will have to go somehow. I think that corset training would far outweigh liposuction as an alternative. Just thinking out loud...

I'm going to quote and paste this in my weight loss thread, to remind me...MOTIVATION! That's the key! 

Thx 

I was under the impression that HRT redistributes fat from the stomach to the ass and legs?

Quote from: Rubberneck on April 04, 2012, 05:36:44 AM
I was under the impression that HRT redistributes fat from the stomach to the ass and legs?

The belly is where a genetic male stores fat, most lose fat on their rear end in their early forties and wind up suffering from gone-ass. HRT adds fatty bodies to places that it usually accumulates by genetic pre-destination. MtF's who aren't terminally skinny to begin with need to eat lean and get daily exercise just to keep it under control. Corsets and or liposuction is yet another option for sleeker body lines.

(I know this is an old topic, but I just noticed it. )

Beth, your corsets are very beautiful and looks like they are very well made! Good job!

Quote from: LearnedHand on December 20, 2012, 06:15:26 PM
(I know this is an old topic, but I just noticed it. )

Beth, your corsets are very beautiful and looks like they are very well made! Good job!

Thank you!

I haven't touched my machine or thread since....I don't know when. Too busy struggling with my depression issues ...thank goodness I seem to be on an upswing now, what with HRT and having GREAT friends!

:-)