This pattern went together quickly and simply. I used metal boning so I did have to measure each channel. The most time-consuming part is the binding. I did end up switching to front and back closure after I wore it the first time as the fabric stretched a bit more than I expected (even though I shrank the fabric). I highly recommend making up the cardboard mock-up before cutting any fabric. I found I needed to shorten the pattern by 1.5 inches vertically. I also suggest making it to bit a bit tight because it will stretch. Pictured at right.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jennifer Child –
This pattern was unbelievably easy! The boning was very time-consuming, as you have to cut and fit many pieces of reed, but it came out so well, that it was worth it. I would be willing to make this pattern again. I would definitely recommend this person to someone with no prior corset/stay-making experience as a good first project.
Rated 3 out of 5
Stacy Rinner –
I’m most pleased with this pattern. The instructions were detailed enough that they didn’t leave me guessing on the construction. the pieces fit together well general. The inner part will be a tad off; the inner lining should be sewn slightly shorter than the outer facing of the stays. These strapless stays work fabulously even on a frame and body type like mine.
Rated 5 out of 5
Catherine Scholar –
Not recommended, at least for larger or curvy ladies.
This pattern went together very easily, all the pieces fit together perfectly and the instructions were simple and easy to follow. I boned mine (fully boned) with .25 inch steels and was surprised to find that the finished stays did not weigh very much more than my half-boned Victorian corset. HOWEVER, the finished stays looked absolutely awful on. I am a larger woman with an hourglass figure. The stays, despite many muslins and much fitting and fiddling, compressed my bust but not my belly, making a completely unacceptable slope downward and outward. I took them to a friend who costumes professionally. She examined the pattern and said that it seemed fine for smaller figures, but was not scaled up well, and didn’t accommodate much in the way of bust. I cannibalized the stays for boning (before anyone could get photographic evidence of me wearing them) and started over with a different pattern.
Wendy Moyer –
This pattern went together quickly and simply. I used metal boning so I did have to measure each channel. The most time-consuming part is the binding. I did end up switching to front and back closure after I wore it the first time as the fabric stretched a bit more than I expected (even though I shrank the fabric). I highly recommend making up the cardboard mock-up before cutting any fabric. I found I needed to shorten the pattern by 1.5 inches vertically. I also suggest making it to bit a bit tight because it will stretch. Pictured at right.
Jennifer Child –
This pattern was unbelievably easy! The boning was very time-consuming, as you have to cut and fit many pieces of reed, but it came out so well, that it was worth it. I would be willing to make this pattern again. I would definitely recommend this person to someone with no prior corset/stay-making experience as a good first project.
Stacy Rinner –
I’m most pleased with this pattern. The instructions were detailed enough that they didn’t leave me guessing on the construction. the pieces fit together well general. The inner part will be a tad off; the inner lining should be sewn slightly shorter than the outer facing of the stays. These strapless stays work fabulously even on a frame and body type like mine.
Catherine Scholar –
Not recommended, at least for larger or curvy ladies.
This pattern went together very easily, all the pieces fit together perfectly and the instructions were simple and easy to follow. I boned mine (fully boned) with .25 inch steels and was surprised to find that the finished stays did not weigh very much more than my half-boned Victorian corset. HOWEVER, the finished stays looked absolutely awful on. I am a larger woman with an hourglass figure. The stays, despite many muslins and much fitting and fiddling, compressed my bust but not my belly, making a completely unacceptable slope downward and outward. I took them to a friend who costumes professionally. She examined the pattern and said that it seemed fine for smaller figures, but was not scaled up well, and didn’t accommodate much in the way of bust. I cannibalized the stays for boning (before anyone could get photographic evidence of me wearing them) and started over with a different pattern.