Better corset tidings

[frualeydis]

I tried on the corset again today and it turned not to be a total disaster after all. It fit my friend Anna better, which was only to be expected since she has more rounded hips and a smaller and more normally shaped ribcage than I have. It looks like if I just fix some small things and finish the cording, bind the edges etc. it may do. I still want to make another corset, or more actually two, but it can wait. I'm thinking of the corset from 1844 and the short french corset from c. 1860 in Nora Waugh's Corsets and crinolines. the first of those will be made first, because I have come to realize that my favourite parts of the Victorian era is the 30s and 40s, but I like the 50s too. The overall shape is rounded and very feminine. Now I just wonder how to make the sort of lacy caps you sometimes see in paintings from c. 1850, which seems to be made of a piece of lace with a flounce of broad lace and ribbon bows at the ears. Since you almost never see the back of the head it's hard to make out how they're made. There are probably lots of them in museums but that won't help me now.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I have a book at home now - "Women's Headdress and Hairstyles in England from AD 600 to the present day" - there are a few little lacy caps in the 1830's and 40's. They are new drawings, so of course I don't know how accurate it is. There is one from 1840 that looks like a bonnet with an extremely short crown, so it only covers the back of the head, and then there are massive flounces and little bows over the ears. Very pretty! I'll probably return it soon so it will be at Stadsbiblioteket.
/Monika

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

Could you make photocopies of the relevant pages? I never seem to get to the main library.

Eva

[(Anonymous)]

I'll try to remember it when I pack my work bag one day...
Monika

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Eva