Dumb Question

[helwen]

Okay, in my last post I said I was starting work on a jacket, but the pattern name is actually "1879 Cuirass Bodice".

So, is it basically a shirt/blouse? Or am I supposed to make a blouse to go over the corset and under this layer?

Nerf.

Comments

[estela-dufrayse.livejournal.com]

Not a dumb question at all. The answer is not often explained well enough...

There should be a layer over your corset called a cover, it's waistband holds up any hoop or bustle you want to wear, by hook and eyeing their waistbands together. Keeps the hoop from going south. The corset cover also holds the girls in nicely at the top, keeping a nice curve or rounding. There should also be short little sleeves and the whole thing acts as a bit of a lining between corset and bodice. If you see what appears to be a blouse, it's probably what we know as a dickie.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

LOL There you are :)

Hm.... okay.... I'm doing a natural form style, so no hoops or bustle. Would I attach the petticoats to the cover?

And am I correct in believing that one wears a chemise/camisole between the skin and the corset?

[estela-dufrayse.livejournal.com]

short answer, I would, and Yes!

The petticoats will slip more-so than the hoops would, being of a heavier weight. What I have done is lined the waistband of the corset cover with a piece of twill tape and sewn the 'bars' through the layers of the waistline of the cover, so the tape takes a lot of the strain.
For your comfort, always wear some sort of layer underneath your corsets. It will get very painful otherwise. The shift/camisole/chemise will keep the corset from rubbing the skin and will keep the corset clean. In doing this, you should never have to wash your corset...an abominable idea, if you ask me as the metal will rust and the fabric will shrink!

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Awesome, thanks! Yes, this all makes sense :) Nice to know I won't be making things up, steampunk or no!