This is basically done. I need to add the steel stays to the channels, put in the grommets I've already marked out, and bind the bottom. In the background you can see the two kinds of steel I use.
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This is the inside... I like seeing the colored thread marking the bone channels, it makes me smile. This won't look nearly as lumpy and bumpy once the bones are in.
But mostly to show off... my new tags! I found someone on etsy[1] who did small batches of custom tags, so I splurged and ordered some. They're super-soft and, from the stress tests I put them through, pretty durable.
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[1]username is JennifersJewels, and I paid $10 for about 30 tags.

What gorgeous fabric!! Can't wait to see the final version!

Nice.
I may send you my measurements pretty soon!

Oooooh...

Very nice. What a great treat to celebrate having her health issues (more) under control.

WOW. That is awesome craftsmanship. I am impressed .. and I love the fabric! You have one lucky friend.

Gorgeous! I also love the fabric; you have such a great talent!

Lovely. And such pretty fabric. And such a nice idea.

How long does one of these take you to finish? When do you find the time?

I love looking at well done stuff. No wonder you're smiling!

love it, the fabric looks like old Chinese embroidery. beautiful!

kd, I can't remember, do you do longer ones? Or. . .what measurements do you require? (I'm long waisted and have a belleh, so I'd love something that's, er, technical term, longer) than the beautiful photos I see here, and I remember seeing before, but like I said, I can't remember.

Thanks, everyone. I got the fabric at Joann, actually... they sometimes have decent stuff. I was so excited to see a traditional looking Chinese brocade that had so many colors in it. Not sure if they still have it, I bought the last five yards mine had on hand a few months ago. Other locations may, though.

How long does one of these take you to finish? When do you find the time?

Depends on the design... this one is underbust, so I'd say maybe 10-15 hours from measurements and drafting to completion. An overbust takes longer since the drafting to fit and support boobs without crushing or squeezing them out the top is a lot more complex, as is anything with straps or PVC.

If I'm making one for myself it's usually a lot less, like 5 hours, since I know my own measurements and have a pattern for myself already. The hardest parts are done. Also, with other people's I'll check the measurements repeatedly as it comes together, with mine I don't bother since I can eyeball it and know if it's my size just from making so many. (well, I did... I've lost about 25 lbs recently so I need to redraft for me.)

I just shaved a massive amount of time off these since I got a knockoff dremel at Harbor Freight to sand down the thick white bones. It's about ten seconds per end, compared to half an hour with a metal file, or dipping in fluid and waiting overnight for it to dry. A year ago it would take me 30+ hours to do one corset, so between that tool and the gigantic steel grommet press I got to replace my mallet and die set, I'm pretty pleased. I actually got all new tools to cut bones recently since mine were a hot mess, so hopefully this will come together quicker.

As for finding the time... well, normally I would sew one or two evenings a week, and then maybe one weekend afternoon. Now, since I'm unemployed, well, finding time isn't an issue...

HARBOR FREIGHT! I miss Harbor Freight.

Do you have a website / pricing list anywhere kelly? I would love one of those for looking hawt in cute dresses with.

That fabric is gorgeous as is your talent!

btgog: Etsy

Kellydamnit this is amazing! Lovely work. BRB, goin' to your Etsy site!

rainbaby, I can do any length, I make them to measure. The measurements are on my etsy that ardiril was kind enough to post. (I'm on my phone so copy/paste is beyond me at the moment)

Yes, I saw that kellydamnit. . .you are amazing! Unfortunately, I didn't win any money in the work basketball pool - although I was close!

Man, this place is such a girlzone ;-)

Man, this place is such a girlzone

Hey, now, I've made corsets for several men.

...who dress like women while lipsynching

I thought about sending you my measurements, but I'm worried that my back hair will get caught in the fasteners.

Another job well



it's done.